How to Measure Corners for Crown Molding

Measuring and Marking the Molding

• 1

  Position an angle finder in the corner with one leg aligned with one wall and the other leg aligned to the opposite wall. Read the angle at the center of the finder.

• 2

  Divide the number derived from the angle finder by two and set your miter saw to that angle. Cut each piece at the same angle, one right and one left, to create the corner. For example, a 90-degree corner is made up of two 45-degree corners.

• 3

  Measure the length of the wall with a tape measure from the point where the molding begins to the corner. Mark this dimension on the bottom edge of the crown molding.

Making the Proper Saw Cut

• 4

  Position the crown molding on the miter saw with its bottom edge up and the top against the table. Angle it the same as it will be on the wall and ceiling. Align the mark on the crown to the left of the mark for a right end miter, whether inside or outside corner and vice versa.

• 5

  Turn the saw so that that the top line of the crown will be longer, or angled out, for outside corners. Turn the saw to cut the top line of the crown shorter, or angled in, for an inside corner.

• 6

  Make every cut with a single, fluid motion with the blade cut against the mark on the bottom line of the molding to ensure accurate measurements in the cut piece. Wait for the saw to stop spinning before allowing the blade to spring up to prevent break out or splintering.