How To Install Crown Molding On Kitchen Cabinets This Old House

How to Install Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets the Old-House Way

Crown molding adds an elegant finishing touch to kitchen cabinets, making them look more custom and complete. While it may seem like a daunting task, installing crown molding is actually quite easy to do yourself with the right tools and materials.

Here are the essential steps on how to install crown molding on kitchen cabinets:

1. Gather your materials

You will need the following materials to install crown molding:

Crown molding
Miter saw or miter box
Caulk gun
Paintable caulk
Finishing nails
Hammer or nail gun
Tape measure
Pencil

2. Measure and cut the crown molding

Start by measuring the length of the cabinet you want to install the crown molding on. Then, transfer this measurement to the crown molding and mark it with a pencil. Use a miter saw or miter box to cut the crown molding at a 45-degree angle. This will create the mitered edges that will fit together at the corners of the cabinet.

3. Attach the crown molding to the cabinet

Apply a bead of paintable caulk to the top of the cabinet, where the crown molding will be attached. Press the crown molding into place, making sure that the mitered edges are flush against each other. Use finishing nails to secure the crown molding to the cabinet, spacing them about every 12 inches.

4. Fill the nail holes and caulk the seams

Once the crown molding is installed, you can fill the nail holes with paintable caulk and smooth it out with your finger. You can also caulk the seams between the crown molding and the cabinet to create a seamless finish.

5. Paint or stain the crown molding

If you want, you can paint or stain the crown molding to match the cabinets or the rest of the kitchen. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before using the cabinets.

And that's it! Installing crown molding on kitchen cabinets is a relatively easy project that can really add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. With a little bit of time and effort, you can have your cabinets looking like they were professionally installed.