Tips for DIYers That are Installing Crown Molding on Cabinets
As the most used room in the home, the kitchen is a great place to start if you are doing home improvement work. While some of these projects might require a contractor, you also have a range of DIY kitchen renovations that you can do on your own.
One of these projects is installing crown molding on cabinets. Cabinets with crown molding can add a nice polished look to your kitchen, and it is a project you should be able to complete in just a few hours.
While hanging cabinet crown molding is a relatively simple project, having the right tools will make a big difference. In this post, we are going to look at how to install crown molding on cabinets and some of the tools that can help you complete this project.
Removing Old Cabinet Crown Molding
If you are trying to replace existing cabinet crown molding, removing the old molding is going to be one of the first steps. Crown molding can be difficult to remove and you want to be careful not to damage the cabinets. If you can find a seam to start at, you should be able to use a screwdriver or a putty knife to work it loose. From there, you can use a flat pry bar to pull the molding up the rest of the way.
In some cases, you might have trouble working one of the seams loose. If this does happen, you will need to cut the molding to get it started. Using something like a cordless oscillating tool is the best option in this scenario. Oscillating tools offer precise cutting in tight spaces and using one will significantly reduce the risk of damaging the cabinets.
Cutting Crown Molding for Cabinets
Once you have your crown molding measurements, you are going to need to make your cuts. However, many DIYers do not have the miter saw that is recommended for cutting the ends of crown molding for cabinets. While a miter saw will make the job easier, you can effectively cut molding with a circular saw. In addition to your circular saw, you will need a good set of sawhorses, clamps, and a speed square to make the necessary cuts.
The 4-1/2” WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw is one of the best circular saws for making these types of cuts. It is lightweight and easy to handle, so it will be easier to maintain your accuracy while cutting on an angle. Along with that, it is very easy to adjust the blade depth and the bevel.
Installing Crown Molding on Cabinets
Hanging the molding can be difficult because you might not have a lot of room to swing a hammer up near the top of the cabinet. This is especially true if you’re installing crown molding for cabinets underneath a kitchen counter or island. If you have a nail gun, it can make it easier to install crown molding. If you don’t have a nail gun, a good alternative is to drill pilot holes using your cordless drill before nailing the molding in place.
If you do need to use a hammer to drive the nails, you might need to get a helper to hold the molding in place as you work. If no one is available to help, you could consider using a tool like the Jawhorse Portable Clamping Work Support Station. You can clamp a 2×4 in the jaws and set it on an angle to hold the molding in place as you drive the nails. The jaws are strong enough to hold the material securely, and it will make it possible for you to install crown molding on cabinets without a second pair of hands.
Hanging crown molding for cabinets is a quick DIY project and it can do a lot to change the way your kitchen looks. With the tips we outlined here, you can make the task of installing crown molding easier or find ways to get around not having some of the tools that may be recommended for this project.
Get the tools you need to install crown molding quickly and efficiently at WORX!
