Installing crown molding on kitchen cabinets is a project that can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen, providing a finished, custom look. The process involves careful measurement, precise cutting, and secure attachment of the molding to the cabinet frames or supporting structures. This article details the steps involved in installing cabinet crown molding, covering necessary tools and materials, installation techniques for both framed and frameless cabinets, and finishing work to ensure a professional result.
Planning and Preparation
Before beginning the installation, thorough planning is essential. The initial step involves accurately measuring the length of each cabinet section where the crown molding will be installed. It is recommended to add extra inches to these measurements to account for potential errors or discrepancies during the cutting process. Consideration should be given to the style of the crown molding chosen, ensuring it complements the overall design of the kitchen. Bringing a sample of the molding to the store can help verify a good match. Purchasing slightly more molding than required is advisable to accommodate mistakes or damaged pieces.
Necessary materials for the project include crown molding itself, cabinet-grade plywood (used as a spacer), construction adhesive, nails or screws, wood putty, sandpaper, and primer and paint for finishing, should a different color be desired. The required tools consist of a tape measure, miter saw, coping saw, caulk gun, nail gun or screwdriver, level, carpenter’s square, pencil, and appropriate safety gear such as safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask.
Installation Methods
There are two primary methods for attaching crown molding to kitchen cabinets: direct attachment and attachment using blocking. The most common method for framed cabinets is direct attachment. This involves applying wood glue to the back of the crown molding where it will contact the cabinet’s face frame. The molding is then carefully positioned and secured with nails or screws, ensuring fasteners are evenly spaced and driven through the molding into the face frame.
For frameless cabinets, or when additional support is needed, the blocking method is often employed. This requires attaching wood blocks to the top of the cabinets, flush with the front edge, using screws secured from inside the cabinet. The crown molding is then attached to these blocks using glue and nails or screws.
Cutting and Joining Molding
Accurate cutting is crucial for a seamless installation. When encountering inside corners, the molding needs to be coped for a snug fit. This is achieved by making a 45-degree miter cut on the first piece of molding, followed by using a coping saw to remove excess wood, following the contour of the miter cut. For outside corners, 45-degree miter cuts are made on both pieces of molding using a miter saw, ensuring precise angles for a clean joint. A technique described in one source involves using two 1x4s to create a guide for the miter saw, ensuring accurate angle cuts.
Addressing Corners and Gaps
Precise corner joints are essential for a professional finish. One method for achieving tight-fitting mitered corner joints involves using a combination square and a miter saw with a custom-made guide block. The guide block is created by overlapping two 1x4s and cutting along a marked line to create a precise angle. This guide is then used to set the miter saw blade for accurate cuts.
Even with careful cutting and installation, small gaps may occur. These can be filled with painter’s caulk, applied in a thin bead and smoothed with a finger or damp cloth. Any nail holes or imperfections in the molding should be filled with wood filler and sanded smooth once dry.
Finishing Touches
After installation, finishing work is necessary to complete the project. This includes filling any nail holes with wood putty and sanding the filled areas smooth. If desired, the crown molding can be primed and painted to match or complement the existing cabinet color. Proper sanding before priming ensures good adhesion of the paint.
Alternative Installation Technique
One alternative method involves creating a “nailer board” that is measured to the length and width of the cabinet tops. Side pieces are attached to a front strip using wood glue and an adhesive like 2P-10 Adhesive and Activator, followed by spraying 2P-10 activator onto the glue. The crown molding is then measured to the outside edges of this nailer board and cut accordingly. This method is intended to simplify the installation process by providing a pre-assembled support structure.
Benefits of Cabinet Crown Molding
Installing cabinet crown molding offers several benefits. It can conceal imperfections between the cabinet tops and the ceiling, define the kitchen space, potentially increase home value, and enhance the overall style of the kitchen, complementing both classic and modern designs.
Conclusion
Installing kitchen cabinet crown molding is a manageable DIY project that can significantly improve the appearance of a kitchen. Careful planning, accurate measurements, precise cutting, and secure attachment are key to a successful installation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, homeowners can achieve a professional-looking finish and enjoy the aesthetic benefits of crown molding.