Putting crown molding in the heart of your home can level up the experience of everyone who enters it. But choosing the wrong crown size for the cabinets can make things look awkward and inappropriate. Do not fret! We've researched this for you.
The size of the crown molding for your cabinets most often ranges from 2 inches to 6 inches to cover the gap between the top of the cabinet and the standard 8 to 9 feet ceiling.
Since this can still leave you confused, we will elaborate on the details that you need to know. Also, if you keep on reading, you will learn how to choose the right type and style of crown molding to make your kitchen a true royalty in a house.
Choosing The Right Crown Molding For Kitchen Cabinets
The key to a successful installation of crown molding is to get a perfect size, type, and style according to your taste and home's dimension. We will discuss each of these, starting with the size.
Size Of The Crown Molding
Ideally, the size of the crown molding should depend on the height of your ceiling and cabinet. The higher and taller they are, the larger the molding can be. See the list below:
- 8 feet ceiling: 3 to 5 inches
- 9 to 10 feet: 5 to 7 inches
- Over 10 feet: 7 to 12 inches
Some ceilings are too high for them to act as gap fillers, so instead, they will only serve as a decorative element. The stacked or stepped type is the best to put in this kind of scenario. But more important is how you see it. Your preference is the most vital part of deciding on what size it should be since you know what suits your kitchen the best.
You can ask yourself: Is it too big? Too small? Too detailed or Nah?
Types of Crown Molding
You might be surprised at how many kinds of crown molding you can choose from. This element can turn your basic kitchen cabinet into a piece of expensive-looking furniture. But keep in mind that not everything can be applied to your home.
- Traditional crown molding - Just as the name implies, this type of molding goes with the classic-styled home. It is the most standard and usually used to fill the space distance between the standard ceiling height and the cabinet.
2. Stacked crown molding - Perfect for ceilings that are too high for crown moldings to reach. The decorations are stacked one after the other, and the details can be grander since the space available are enough. However, since this type is complex, it is expected to be more expensive than the others.
3. Stepped crown molding - also called "staggered," gives a stepping look from the top of the cabinet towards the ceiling.
4. Riser molding - This type of molding is using a mounting frame to extend the cabinet box. Through this, the crown can be installed in a higher place. For some, they use this technique with uneven ceilings.
5. Applied molding - used to coordinate the look of the crown molding throughout the style of the room, applied molding usually adheres to the range hood or the surface of the cabinet.
6. Light molding - Used to conceal the presence of the light bulb at the bottom of the cabinet. This style can offer a huge change to your kitchen island.
Styles Of Crown Molding
Unlike medieval times where the accents in the crown moldings fight through how the image of the details are carved, the modern interior seems to be focusing more on the color, and the simplicity of less is more.
Though the old vines or flowers and fleur de lis are still evident in some interiors, plain curves and stair-like styles are most commonly used nowadays.
But if you are after the traditional or classic theme, those accents on your crown will suit the place.
Materials Used In Crown Molding
Just like what we talked about, here are more of the common materials used for crown molding and their prices to help you decide what to choose.
- Wood - Offers a variety of choices and can easily be painted. Pine, poplar, and aspen cost $10 per linear foot. Oak and Mahogany range from $10 to $15 per linear foot, and exotic woods like Ipe or Padauk are $15 to $45 per linear foot.
- Plaster - Most expensive and used in grand interior designs and attached to high ceilings. The price is estimated to be $9 to $20 per linear foot.
- PVC - Perfect for places prone to moisture, like the basement or the bathroom, since it's humid resistant.
- Flex - Since this has a rubber characteristic, it is often used when doing complex designs in crown moldings. This costs between $50 to $500 per linear foot.
- Polystyrene Foam - Often used by DIY-ers, this only requires a scissor to cut and is very easy to be installed as a crown molding. You can purchase this for $3.50 to $8 per linear foot.
- MDF - Often the best alternative for wood and is cost-effective for its $4 to $10 per linear foot.
How To Install A Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding
Here is a procedure on how you can install a crown molding:
Step 1
Get your measuring tape and measure the width and depth of all the cabinets you are going to put a crown molding. To get the linear feet, add all of the sides' measurements. Do not forget to jot down all the numbers, so you won't forget once you are in the store.
Step 2
Decide on the profile styles of crown molding that you will use. Below is a chart to give you an idea. You can choose from colonial, shaker, or modern.
If you are not sure what your type is called, you can ask the personnel in the store to assist you so you can find the perfect style for your cabinet.
When it comes to the size, crown moldings for kitchen cabinets are smaller compared to walls or ceilings at 1-5/8 to 3-5/8 inches. See what fits into your kitchen's overall view.
Meanwhile, when it comes to deciding the kind of material you'll use, it will all come down to how much is your budget. Here is an estimation of different kinds of woods:
- Common softwood [poplar, pine, etc.]: Under $10
- Common hardwood [oak, mahogany, etc.]: $10 - $15
- Exotic hardwood [custom made of uncommon woods]: $15 - $45
Always remember to purchase more than what you need. It's better to have spare material in case of a mistake. You can always return the extra woods in the hardware. Just do not paint them yet if you aren't sure about using them.
Step 3
Safety first! Wear protective gloves and glasses before proceeding to the next step. Cut the crown molding in your miter saw, the top side facing down. Make sure to hold the piece firmly so it won't slip while cutting. To cut the left and right corners, divide the angle of the spot where you will put the crown molding into half. Set the miter saw to that particular inclination.
For outside corners:
Left side - lie the molding on the right side of the blade, facing upside down. Cut at a 45-degree angle to the left using the miter saw.
Right side - lie the molding on the left side of the blade, facing upside down. Cut at a 45-degree angle to the right using the miter saw.
For inside corners:
Left side - put the molding upside down on the right side of the blade and cut it with a miter saw at a 45-degree angle to the right.
Right side - put the molding upside down to the left side of the blade and cut it with a miter saw at a 45-degree angle to the left.
Step 4
Using a molding piece, place it on the top side of your cabinet. Align it with the back edge and keep it straight to make sure you got the exact measurement. From there, mark the spot where the angle point starts with a pencil. Do the same with the other sides.
Step 5
Assemble the molding using wood glue. Make sure they are tightly locked in together, so ask for assistance. Once dry, you can place the whole piece on the top of the cabinet and start hammering with a 1 ¼ inch brad nail.
Read more here: How To Nail Crown Molding [4 Steps To Follow]
Step 6
Once the crown molding is secured, fill the holes from nails and miter joints with caulk. Smoothen the surface with your damp hand or a scraper and wait for it to dry before painting with the color you prefer.
Learn how to paint here: How To Paint Crown Molding Without Brush Marks
You're Good To Go!
Now that you know which size, how to choose, and install the crown molding for your cabinet should be, you can now make sure that your kitchen will look even better with your chosen design. Just be hands-on and make sure that each chosen point is what your heart wants. Good luck!