Matching Crown Molding

So you’re ready for new crown molding to be installed in your home and you would like it to match existing crown molding, or you’re looking to come up with a new profile for an updated look and feel. With numerous combinations of material, design styles, and sizes available, it’s important to know the basics before installing crown molding. Molding can be tailored for any room or to match previously installed molding.

Design Styles

There are numerous design styles or profiles available. These designs can feature convex and concave curves, s-shaped curves, and combinations of geometric or unique shapes. Profiles range from simple to modern to ornate.

Sizes

The size of the crown molding, or the drop, refers to the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the molding. The ideal drop depends on the height of the wall, with drop heights increasing as the height of the wall increases.

Materials

Hardwood - Wood is the traditional go-to material for homeowners looking to install crown molding. Wood’s natural appearance makes this type of molding a fine choice. If you wish to paint your crown molding, pine and poplar are your best bet. For exposed wood staining, cherry, maple, and oak have no substitute, with rich color and clear, visible grains.

Plaster - Plaster crown molding is by far the most elegant, potentially ornate addition to a room. There is no limit to the number of profiles available since every plaster molding is custom-made. For that same reason, it is also the most expensive option.

Polyurethane - A wood-alternative, polyurethane molding is less expensive, easier to apply, and more durable in outdoor applications than wood.

Polystyrene - Another less expensive option that’s easier to apply (no power tools required), polystyrene is a light foam material applied with glue.

PVC - Great for heavy moisture areas, simple PVC profiles require paint to make them look good, and often a second coat due to their plastic sheen.

MDF - Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is flexible, paintable, and in some cases, less expensive than traditional wood crown molding.

Match Existing Molding

It can be hard to find the exact match to the molding already in your home. Here are a few suggestions on any molding installation project:

• Check for premade molding first. If you can find the right molding to match the type already in your home, that’s probably the most time-efficient solution.
• If possible, you should try to bring in a sample of what’s already in your home to the nearest hardware store. It’s best to know as much as possible about the molding you have in your home (age, manufacturer, etc.) to help you find the perfect match.

---

Whether you need to install new crown molding or match existing molding, your local Mr. Handyman is equipped to handle all of your wall-related projects. For work that’s completed by insured, experienced professionals with an average of 10 years of home improvement experience, contact us today at 1-877-MRHANDYMAN.