Crown moulding, also known as ceiling moulding, adds a beautiful accent to your home, with either a Modern, Traditional, Victorian, or Arts & Craft style. It also comes in various materials, including pine, which offers a warm rustic look, oak, which includes a traditional hardwood look but with a pronounced grain, primed pine, which offers a natural wood-based-paint-grade look that is pre-primed, and primed medium density fiberboard (MDF), which offers an even-painted finish that is more versatile to work with.
Crown moulding offers a refined way to soften the transition from the wall to the ceiling for an exceptional look. The taller and bigger the room, the wider the crown moulding; hence, the more striking the look.
Given the visually appealing look that crown moulding adds to the ceiling, it may also cause some people to wonder if it can also be used on the baseboards to create a stunning effect, which this short informational on using crown moulding will help address.
Can You Use Crown Moulding as a Baseboard?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is No. Crown molding is cut to fit at a
How is Crown moulding Installed?
Crown moulding is a complex application that can thwart even the most experienced professional due to its compound angles.
Step 1
The moulding is first cut to create the perfect bevel and miter in the exact angles that allow the moulding to fit seamlessly to the ceiling and wall.
When working with a wider wall, two lengths of moulding will be connected using an overlapping scarf joint that is cut in an angle.
Once the overlapping scarf joint has been cut, a thin layer of glue will be added to the joint and then it will be nailed into position. The adjoining piece of moulding will then be installed so that it creates a secure fit.
With the two pieces of moulding in place, any excess glue will be wiped away. The glue will be allowed to dry, and then sandpaper will be used to make the joint smooth.
Step 2
The outside corners will then be formed by cutting two pieces of moulding in 45-degree miters that are opposite to each other. If the corners of the walls do not angle in an exact square, then the pieces will be readjusted to address the issue.
The cut pieces will then be measured against the wall to ensure a tight fit. If they are not a tight fit, then the pieces will be marked to indicate the correct measurements, after which time the saw will then be adjusted to fit the proper angles. Once the new pieces are cut, they will be tested again to ensure an accurate fit.
The outside miters will then be cut, with the crown piece positioned upside down, using the same angles used to cut the test piece.
The moulding will then be positioned together and then nailed to the wall. Glue will then be added to the miter joints, and then each crown will be securely fastened with nails at the bottom as well as the top.
Step 3
The inside corners will then be cut, the edges will then be coped, and then the piece will be tested to ensure it fits. The coped moulding will then be installed, using nails to secure it in place.
If needed, the crown moulding pieces will be finished with a return to ensure the ends fit seamlessly together. The pieces will then be connected using nails, followed by a thin layer of glue at the joints. Putty may also be used to secure the nails in place.
Finally, you will be free to enjoy your new crown moulding.
As you can see installing crown moulding can be a long process, which requires a lot of patience. It also requires a deep knowledge of angles in order to properly fit and ensure a seamless fit. Crown moulding installation also requires the right cutting tools to ensure a proper cut and fit.
Therefore, if you are considering installing crown moulding in your home, it is probably best left up to the professionals, unless you have the extensive knowledge and specialized tools needed for a professional installation.
Are There any Alternatives to Crown Moulding That can I use to Beautify my Baseboards?
Fortunately, yes.
Just like crown moulding, baseboards are also used to cover the seam where the floor connects to the wall, which can be unappealing. However, since they also protect plaster walls from becoming damaged by vacuuming, kicking, and other household activities; therefore, it is important to select baseboard materials that are just as appealing as they are functional in order to preserve your wall as well as the actual baseboard.
Though baseboards are usually less decorative than traditional crown moulding, they are available in various colors and textures that can be used to add just as much appeal to your home as crown moulding, but for your floors, to help restore pride in your home.
Some ways you can beautify your baseboard include:
Repair Your Current Baseboards
Removing the baseboards in your home can be a drastic undertaking; therefore, it is often recommended that you simply repair the baseboards you already have to help improve the look of your floors and lower walls. Furthermore, you should note that baseboards that have a streamlined design help prevent dust and dirt build-up, which means they are less likely to dull quickly, and they also require less cleaning.
To update your existing baseboards, simply clean and then apply a coat of fresh paint to them, but be sure the color matches the walls for a simple look. Otherwise, incorporating baseboards that differ in color than the walls can make the room appear too busy, especially if the room has a lot of detailed casings or ornaments.
For hardwood baseboards, simply try staining them or finishing them the same color as the floor for a warm, elegant look.
Consider Composite Materials Like Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), which is also used in some crown moulding designs, is less expensive than wood baseboards and also resistant to mold and mildew, which is just perfect in situations where water intrusion may be a problem.
Consider Composite Materials Like Polystyrene
If you reside in a home with lots of crooked walls, or you have beautiful crown moulding in your home that you would like to match with the baseboards, you might consider using a baseboard material, such as polystyrene, which is more flexible than wood as well as many other baseboard materials.
When installing polystyrene baseboards, simply follow the contours of the walls, and then use paint or caulk to conceal the gaps.
Play up the Walls
Though it is not possible to use crown moulding on the baseboards, it is possible to still achieve the historic look of crown moulding with the use of Wainscotting.
Wainscotting is simply paneling that comes halfway up the wall, which adds a classic architectural look similarly to crown moulding. In fact, it also a common look that can be found in many historic homes, and it can be made more contemporary by using colors like butternut or walnut, which add warmth to the space. Or it can be made to feel more formal by using large, flat panels of wood, either stained or painted, which creates an elegant look.
Historic wallpaper can also be used to play up the construction of your home.
Final Words/Conclusion
In the end, though No. Crown molding is cut to fit at a 45 degree angle to go in the corner of a ceiling If used as baseboard, It would get broken easily since it isn’t supported in the middle, there are still many other, just as stunning and less costly baseboard options to choose from.
When updating your baseboards, just be sure the color and texture of the baseboards match the floor, since they are adjacent to each other and can either complement or clash with each other.
You should also remember to keep the baseboards in the same dimensions and detail as all other trim in your home for a more harmonious look.
For a more modern look, consider installing crown moulding on the ceilings in addition to simple MDF or polystyrene baseboards for the floor for a clean look.
When in doubt about the proper baseboards to select for your home, you may also consider consulting a professional interior designer who is well adept in all things home design and can help you determine the perfect baseboards for you. They can also call in various other home design professionals as needed to help ensure you get the look you want.