Tools Needed to Install Crown Molding

Installing crown molding is a great way to enhance the look of any room. I recently spent quite a bit of time searching the internet for information on how to install crown molding. There is quite a bit of information out there. This is the first entry in a series to provide a little more end-to-end information on the topic as well as fill in some gaps of information I could not easily find (or understand).

This first entry will provide some basic information on tools that will be needed along with some relative cost information. This will help you to plan ahead on whether or not you actually want to take on this type of project.

• Miter Saw - Most important item if you plan to install crown molding in several rooms. If you are installing in 1 or 2 small square rooms, you can possibly get away with a miter box ($4 to $14) and a back saw ($10 to $20). However, for multiple rooms or a combination of inside and outside corners, a decent miter saw is needed. These saws range from $99 to $700. I found a good one for just under $300. Check out the video at the end of this post for some key features you will want in a miter saw.
• Jigsaw - If you will be doing any coping at all, then a jigsaw will work the best. You can get a coping saw for $8 to $10. However, if you will be cutting a lot of corners, your arms will grow weary quickly without a jigsaw. Jigsaws run from $25 to $230. The one pictured below works great at $99.

• Brad Nailer - This makes it easy to nail the crown and run from $70 to $300. I asked myself when I would ever have a use for this tool again, and decided to stick with good old hammer and finish nails. This also meant getting a nail punch. Easy tools to find for under $30.

• Files - Not all cuts are perfect. Sometimes some files are needed to clean up edges, especially if you are coping. Another under $30 set of items.

• Protractor - This is used to measure angles on your walls. This can run about $12.
• Caulk - To apply to top/bottom edges of molding after installed.
• Spackle - My preferred compound for covering nail holes.
• Miscellaneous - Clamps, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses of course.

I don't have a lot of storage or work space, so I ended up making a bench for the miter saw out of some 2 x 4's and some saw horse brackets. Check out more in the below video.