What can crown molding installation do for your home?
Throughout the United States we can find small historic communities and historic Victorian homes that reflect the time, attention to detail, and love of craft that went into building homes during that period. A common feature in the Victorian style of home design is the use of decorative molding. Crown molding is the sculptured trim molding that is typically applied to the wall where it meets the ceiling. For hundreds of years, the use of decorative molding has been a mainstay in home construction and restoration. Decorative moldings are fairly easy to install if you are a DIYer and the elegance it advertises is unparalleled.
In fact, decorative moldings add charm and vibrancy to any space. Choosing the right molding can transform the simplest room into one full of character and warmth. Allure aside, crown molding installation turns out to be one of the lowest-cost, highest-dollar-return investments you can make in home improvement. This is attractive to many people, especially in today’s economic climate, when buying or building a new home may not be the right time.
While a new home may not be within your budget, a home renovation that will make the home you live in enjoyable while increasing your home’s value could be ideal, especially if you are thinking of selling your home in the future. Start with custom decorative molding if you are interested in updating and improving your home or even a room. The addition of custom accent molding will help you achieve a stylish, unique and functional space that you will enjoy living in. Even if you choose not to modify your door trim or baseboards, the impact that crown molding alone can have on a room’s appearance is remarkable.
You should select crown molding and trim styles based on the architectural style of your new addition. There are many profile options; Visit your local home and trim center for samples of different types of trim profiles. You may also want to consider MDF as an alternative. MDF is an engineered wood product that comes primed and ready to paint. It is also less likely to expand and contract with changes in the weather as real wood does. Place your trim samples on the addition and see how they look in the space, or you can even have a professional trim service come in and provide an on-site estimate with visual samples for the space. If you don’t want a DIY project, this is a great stress-free solution. Once you select your desired trim, you can experiment with different types of paint and stain for your trim.
Keep in mind that crown molding comes in various sizes. Let the size of the space and the height of the ceiling determine the crown molding you choose. For example; Crown molding about 5-1/2 inches wide is often used in rooms with 8-foot ceilings. If you have a space that is substantially larger with higher ceilings, you may want to consider installing a wider crown molding. The general rule of thumb is “the wider the trim, the lower the ceiling will appear.”
In larger rooms, crown molding can be difficult to install. For crown molding to be effective, it must look good, which means exact cuts must be made to ensure gap-free joints. If you are considering installing the trim yourself, having the right tools will make your job much easier. You should have a miter saw large enough to completely cut through the trim. If you are going to install 5-inch crown molding, you will need a 14-inch miter saw. You can check with your local trim supply center to see which saw is right for you. You can even rent all the equipment you would need for the job for a small fee, ultimately saving you hundreds on new equipment purchases and waste generated from poorly cut materials.
It’s always nice to complete your room with complimentary baseboards, door frames and windows. The baseboards can be easily installed using a simple one-piece molding, or you can create a more substantial look by combining the base with a base cap and shoe molding. Door casings that work cohesively with room window casings and crown molding are a wonderful accent that can create a very dramatic effect by creating a nice transition between rooms.
It is not always necessary to buy a new house to have a new house. By simply adding decorative molding, you can transform your home into a true showpiece reminiscent of the detail, character, and craftsmanship of the Victorian homes we all love and adore.