Crown moldings can be a simple and effective way to add personality to a room. While many professionals may be happy to install your crown molding for you, the process can easily be done DIY. While many people prefer a more traditional installation, there is no “wrong” way to install crown moldings.
Crown moldings can be installed upside down, although this is not usually recommended. If you like the unconventional style and want to keep it consistent throughout your entire home, there is a possibility that your guests may not even notice your alternative design.
Whether you are just starting to install crown moldings in your home, or already have crown moldings installed and are starting to notice some mistakes, this article will hopefully inspire and reassure you on your home decoration journey.
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Which direction is “up” for crown moldings?
Crown moldings are usually installed with the more detailed side facing down and the less detailed side facing up. However, with simpler designs, it can be difficult to distinguish the “right” way just based on the pattern details. Instead, focus on the depth of the waves or grooves. The deeper grooves should be at the bottom, while the shallower grooves should be at the top.
Should you hire a professional or do it yourself?
Hiring a professional will usually save you time and prevent mistakes. If the room you are decorating has curved walls, it is probably best to hire a professional.
Depending on the material your molding is made of, DIY process can require some heavy lifting. Certain plaster and wood moldings tend to weigh more than a simple one-piece crown. If you are working with heavy material, hiring a professional ensures that the work is done safely and without injuries.
It is also important to consider pricing. Prices primarily depend on the type of molding you choose and how much space you want to cover, but hiring a professional will inevitably add to the bill. On average, professionals charge about $6 per linear foot, which can amount to about $3,000 per household project in the end.
If you pay attention to details and rely on your cutting and measuring skills, installing your own crown molding is likely a project you can tackle. While you still have to pay for your materials, you can feel good about saving some extra money for your budget.
Which material is right for you?
With a wide selection of materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for your home. There are a number of factors to consider:
- Your experience with crown moldings
- The existing trim in your home
- Your design preference
- Your budget
Depending on whether you hire a professional or take on the work yourself, you may want to choose lighter or more flexible material. Materials like polyurethane foam are ideal for someone with minimal crown molding experience.
If you already have a fireplace that is framed with crown moldings, it may be best to choose the same material and design for the door or ceiling. This will create a more elegant and cohesive look throughout the room.
Do you prefer simple designs or more intricate patterns? Some materials, like plaster, work better for sharp details.
Finally, consider your budget. Prices can vary depending on the material, and certain materials require professional installation, which also comes with additional costs.
Plaster
Plaster can be cast to portray intricate and sharp details, making it a common choice for crown moldings. However, plaster is typically quite heavy and can easily break.
Due to its weight, plaster usually requires professional installation. The labor costs in addition to the materials can get quite expensive. Prices for plaster itself vary between $5 and $30 per linear foot.
Plaster-coated foam
Plaster-coated foam is a great alternative to regular plaster. It is lighter and more flexible, making it better suited for DIY installation. In the end, it looks as smooth and polished as regular plaster.
Additionally, it is cheaper than regular plaster, costing only between $2 and $8 per linear foot.
Wood
Wood is also a great material choice for DIY installation. It is:
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Affordable
Wood also comes in various stains to give it a more elegant look. While the average cost is about $1.50 to $7 per foot, the price for stained wood is usually between $1 and $10 per foot. Certain stains may even cost a bit more.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a plastic-like substance often chosen for its flexibility. However, it can become quite heavy and may require professional assistance.
Polyurethane can be purchased with a wood-look stain or a painted finish. Prices generally range from $1 to $17 per linear foot.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam looks like plaster but is much lighter, making it a DIY-friendly choice. It is also relatively flexible. Prices range from $4 to $45 per linear foot.
Flex Trim
Flex is a flexible, rubber-like material that works great for curved walls. It usually requires professional installation as it can be difficult to navigate through curvy walls and still achieve a smooth finish.
Flex Trim usually costs about the same as wood, but can sometimes be found for even less.
Removing the crown molding
Perhaps you have already installed your crown molding upside down and now want to remove it. There are ways to remove it relatively seamlessly, but the number of remaining cracks and markings will depend on the materials you originally used to install it.
Removing crown molding is a time-consuming process, but if you proceed carefully and cautiously, you can minimize the damage to the molding and the wall.
1. Cut the paint seams
Using a sharp utility knife, cut at the point where the wall meets the crown molding. You should do this both at the bottom and the ends.
If you have two beams meeting at the corner, cut the paint seam where the corners meet.
2. Slide a putty knife between the wall and the molding
Make sure to use a sturdy putty knife as you do not want the blade to get stuck between the wall and the molding.
If the gap between the wall and the molding is too tight, you can lightly tap the handle of the putty knife with a hammer. This will help you position the blade.
3. Pry the molding away from the wall just a fraction of an inch
Start with the handle of the putty knife to pry the molding away from the wall. Be patient with this step; you only want the molding to be less than a quarter inch away from the wall.
Do this along the entire molding.
4. Look for nail shafts
Look down the passageway between the wall and the molding to see if there are any nail shafts.
5. Continue prying the molding open
Align a flat pry bar near each nail shaft. Use the pry bar to pull the molding further away from the wall. Move evenly and cautiously along the molding until the entire molding is lifted off the wall.
Reinstall the molding
If you have successfully completed steps 1-5, you should have very few, if any, cracks or marks on your molding. Even if you have cracks, they will likely only be on the backside, which will be covered once you reattach the molding!
Enjoy your new space
Whether you are a new homeowner or have just made the decision to spruce up a room in your house, congratulations! You are on your way to a beautifully designed home.
Hopefully, you feel confident enough to install crown moldings yourself. Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to install crown moldings; however, if, for example, you plan to sell your house in the future, you may want to opt for a more traditional installation.