How to Cut Crown Moulding
General Tips when Cutting Crown Moulding
Some general tips before you get started.
- Use a fine-tooth saw blade to get a cleaner cut and prevent blow-out on the back of the board.
- Buy a few extra pieces of moulding to account for any cutting or measuring errors that may occur.
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of cuts, including bevel cuts and mitre cuts.
- Practice cutting on a spare piece of moulding until you get the hang of getting nice, clean cuts.
Number 1 Cutting Crown Moulding for a Square Cut
Straight or square cuts are where the moulding is cut straight on either end and sit flat against the wall on both ends. To make a straight cut, simply set your mitre saw to zero and cut your moulding on your measured mark.
Number 2 Cutting Crown Moulding for an Outside Corner
Outside corner cuts are cut on a 45-degree angle with the longer edge protruding out from the edge of the wall. The joining piece is cut in the opposite direction, so they butt together and give the appearance of a single, wrapping piece of moulding as you see in the image.
Number 3 Cutting Crown Moulding for an Inside Corner
An inside corner cut requires you to set your blade at a 45-degree angle for the cut that will attach to the existing moulding. The other end of the moulding will be a straight or square cut.
Number 4 Using a Coped Joint to Get a Tight Seam on Inside Corners
An inside corner cut is rarely square and will require a coping joint. A coped end is cut to the profile of the moulding on the joining wall. Mark the angle of the mitre cut on the moulding and then flip your moulding upside down so the wall edge is up against the mitre saw fence before making the cut.
Set your blade at a 45-degree angle and cut the moulding. Then use a pencil to draw the profile onto the edge. Use a coping saw to cut the profile away from the edge and then place it up against the existing moulding to check the fit. Adjust if necessary.
Number 5 Connecting Crown Moulding Pieces with a Scarf Joint
If your moulding run is especially long, you may require a scarf joint to join two or more runs of moulding together. A scarf joint requires you to cut the end of your first moulding board at an open 45-degree angle. Then, cut the beginning of the next board at the opposite 45-degree angle, covering the end of the previous board and making the run look seamless.
Number 6 Installing Crown Moulding Corner Blocks
If you’re not comfortable cutting all the different angles and joints, you can just install crown moulding corner blocks. Corner blocks only require straight cuts and can be easily installed without worrying about complex cuts.
