How to Install Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets for a Fresh Look

How to Install Molding on Cabinets

1. Measure the Cabinets

   Measure the cabinets to determine the quantity of crown molding to purchase. Run the tape measure along the cabinets, including all side sections. Add 10- to 15-percent to account for wastage.

   Example

   This wall cabinet is 48 inches wide by 12 inches deep. The crown molding runs for 48 inches across the front, then wraps around each outside corner to terminate at a wall. The spring angle—the angle between the molding and the cabinet—is 45 degrees. Adapt as needed for your cabinets.

2. Mark the Front Crown Molding

   Hold a 54-inch piece of crown molding so it is horizontal. Lay the molding lengthwise across the top-front of the cabinet. The crown molding should be tilted at a 45-degree spring angle. At each of the cabinet’s outside corners, place a pencil mark on the back of the crown molding on the bottom.

3. Mark the Left and Right Crown Molding

   Hold a 15-inch piece of crown molding on the left side of the cabinet, one end butted against the wall. Tilt the molding at a 45-degree angle. Mark the cabinet corner on the back and bottom of the molding. Repeat for the right side of the cabinet.

4. Adjust the Miter Saw for the Front Molding

   Add the crown stop to the miter saw so that the crown molding will be firmly supported at a 45-degree angle. Turn the crown molding upside-down and place it firmly between the crown stop and the saw’s back fence.

5. Cut the Front Molding’s Left Side

   Adjust the saw’s rotating table rightward to 45 degrees. Slide the molding into place so that the blade will contact the pencil mark on the right end of the molding. Make the cut.

   Tip

   As a reminder, the molding is upside-down. So, cutting the right end of the molding affects its eventual left side.

6. Cut the Front Molding’s Right Side

   Adjust the saw’s rotating table leftward to 45 degrees. With the molding still upside-down, slide it leftward to the cut mark. Cut the molding.

7. Cut the Left Piece of Molding

   Adjust the saw’s rotating table leftward to 45 degrees. Turn a 15-inch-long piece of crown molding upside-down and place it in the saw. The majority of the trim should be on the right side of the blade. Cut the angle.

8. Cut the Right Piece of Molding

   Readjust the saw’s rotating table rightward to 45 degrees. Similar to the other side piece, cut a 15-inch piece of molding at an angle.

   Tip

   Remember, the trim must remain upside-down. Slide the trim so that the majority of the trim is on the left side of the blade.

9. Add Wood Glue

   Add a light bead of wood glue to the angled cuts.

10. Attach the Crown Molding to the Cabinet

    Fit the crown molding against the cabinet and nail it into place with the brad gun.

How to Install a Nailing Cleat for Frameless Cabinets

For a frameless cabinet, build a nailing cleat on top of the cabinet with one-by-four primed board. Make sure that the board has a square edge, not an eased edge.

1. Stand on a step ladder to access the tops of the cabinet.
2. Hold a one-by-four board lengthwise on top of the cabinet.
3. Mark the length of the cabinet on the board and cut the board accordingly.
4. Attach this board to the top of the cabinet with 1-1/2-inch finishing nails. Be careful not to split the cabinet.
5. Mark the lengths of the left side and right side pieces and cut on the saw.
6. Attach the left and right pieces to the cabinet.