Most modern American homes are built with standard baseboard moldings as well as door and window trim but if the beauty and grace of decorative woodwork such as chair rail and crown molding, are desired, then these are most times, selected and installed, as each room in the home is decorated. Those handy with their hands may consider this a DIY project and purchase- or rent tools, get advice at the home center/ lumber yard on the best ways to make mitered cuts for the purchased moldings. If the room has angled walls or high ceilings, then hiring a carpenter to do the installation may be the wiser choice.

Tips for crown molding selection and preparation

Choose molding styles based on the architectural style of your home and room to be decorated; while contemporary homes can use sleeker moldings, those with period style architecture can have elaborate decorative molding. The height of crown molding is decided by the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. Designers recommend crown molding at about one inch of molding for every foot of ceiling height, but in smaller homes, this formula can be scaled back by as much as half so it does not overpower the room. Before buying moldings, determine the lengths available. Plan the layout carefully to minimize the number of joints and maximize the use of each strip of molding. Buy the molding strips about ten days before installation and bring them home to give them a chance to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions before being finished. Time and effort can be saved by priming and painting (or staining) both sides of each strip of molding before installation. This reduces trips up and down the ladder and reduces warping from moisture in the paint or stain. Let the moldings dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours, and longer whenever possible, before use.

Best results for crown molding

To achieve the best results for crown molding, if a smooth painted finish is not desired, an alternative would be to stress on a molding's details by applying, then wiping off, a layer of lumber glaze. The glaze settles into crevices, highlighting the details of the molding and giving it a great finish. A well-installed and neatly cut decorative molding can be the crowning touch needed to give an elegant finish to the home.

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