Is there a gap between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling?
If yes, then I think you’ll agree with me when I say that the gap does not look good. Also, these spaces are often large enough to look like they should hold something but not large enough to actually hold something.
So, what’s the point in keeping this gap? I mean it’s not doing anybody any good.
That being said, I’ll show you a unique solution that will change the entire look of your kitchen. And the best part is, it’s very budget-friendly.
Installing kitchen cabinet crown molding to ceiling will eliminate the gap. But that’s not all. It will also give your kitchen an elegant look. So, let’s dive right in.
How to Install Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding?
You can give your kitchen cabinets an elegant and customized look with crown molding. It’s a fairly easy kitchen remodeling project you can install yourself.
Installing a kitchen cabinet crown molding to ceiling may seem a bit tough for the first time. However, even for a non-expert, it will take no longer than 6 hours.
So, without further delay let’s jump into the details.
Step 1: Provide Nailing Surface
Provide a crown molding nailing surface by attaching solid wood mounting strips to the top edges of cabinets. Cut straight 3/4-inch 1-1/2-inch wood strips to match each cabinet’s front and sides. (Use one long strip for the same depth of a row of cabinets.)
Then apply wood glue to each strip, nail it in place, and let it dry.
Step 2: Measure Part Lengths
Cut one side piece with at least 3-inch oversize Keep it in place with one end flush with the back on the side of the cabinet, and mark your miter cut spot.
You can measure, mark, and then cut pieces to size, but that method increases the possibility of errors leaving gaps in mitered corners. You can build corners that allow a minimum of filler by using the mounting strips and cabinets to calculate the lengths of the part.
Step 3: Make a Support for the Crown Molding
Miter-cut to the length of the crown molding. Then nail it against the mounting board with the bottom edge even to the top of the side of the cabinet.
To set up your miter saw for consistent miters, first cut the length of your saw base into a 3/4-inch 1-1/2-inch frame. Just apply double-face tape to the board’s faces, which will rest on the base of the saw— not on the portion that rotates.
Cut the backing on the tape and lean against the saw fence with the smooth edges against the fence for a length of crown molding, and saw base.
Place the 3/4-inch 1-1/2-inch board against the crown molding to hold it in place, press the taped areas down, and remove the crown molding.
Rotate the saw and cut through the 3/4-inch 1-1/2-inch board to a 45-degree miter configuration. Rotate it to the other setting at 45 degrees, make a second cut and remove the middle part.
Now you have a crown molding service which also informs you the precise location of your saw blade.
Step 4: Matching the Front Molding
Cut about 6-in oversize on a front molding, and then miter-cut one end to fit the side molding miter. Keep the mitered ends on the side of the cabinet while a helper marks the other end.
Step 5: Align Molding and Cabinet
Miter-cut the front piece to length and nail in place against the mounting board even with the top of the frame of the cabinet. The bottom molding edge should be matched with the top of the cabinet frame to minimize curves and sags.
Nonetheless, as a precaution, immediately check your work to ensure that the molding runs in a straight line.
Step 6: Apply Final Side Molding
Miter-cut one end of the molding about 1/4-in longer than the molding on the opposite edge to add the final side molding. Check fit and use miter cutting to slowly shorten the piece until you get a snug fit. Then nail in place the final side molding.
A row of cabinets often stretches beyond the 8-ft duration of a molding line. Cut mitered ends that fit together if you need to splice two or more bits. Cut the pieces together to a length. Then glue and nail at the splice across both sections to tie them together.
Step 7: Final Touch
Use a drywall hole patch to fill in the nail holes and any corner gaps. Use a 320-grit sanding sponge to smooth the patched areas. To suit the cabinet finish, add two coats of paint.
If you are using stained wood cabinet finish and unpainted wood moldings, remove one of the doors and take it to the shop. Ask an expert for advice on matching the door finish color and shine.
Some Extra Tips
Filling in the Gaps Where The Crown Molding Meets the Ceiling
Generally, the crown molding will fit flat against the ceiling surface if you want the crown molding to reach your ceiling. Nevertheless, wood is never perfect and the small imperfections in the angle of the wood could cause gaps between the crown molding and the ceiling.
If there should be such a gap, you may run a bead of caulk between the surface of the crown molding and the ceiling to fill the area. Smooth the caulk with your fingertip and all to dry. Once dry, you may want to brush it with paint to produce a surface that’s barely noticeable.
Nailer and Air Compressor
Installing crown molding takes a huge amount of nailing. Although the DIY project can be completed using only a hammer, it is better to invest in a nailer and an air compressor.
High Ceilings:
Some kitchens have high ceilings and the cabinets of the kitchen do not come close to the ceiling. In such cases, crown molding can be affixed to the top frame of the kitchen cabinets and not raised all the way to touch the ceiling.
Even if the crown molding does not reach the ceiling, it still gives the cabinets a finished, polished look.
For houses with exceptionally high ceilings, crown molding along the top of your cabinets provides a decorative lip and frame. You can even place knick-knacks on the top of the cabinets behind the crown molding frame.
Conclusion
Installing crown molding into your kitchen cabinets is a great budget DIY project that transforms your kitchen instantly from drab to elegant. So, if you have got some free time or thinking about what to do this weekend then this project might be perfect for you.
I hope now you have a clear understanding of the process. And do share your experience in the comments below. Good luck!
Check other resources related to kitchen :
1. How To Use And Properly Maintain Your Nakiri Knife.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Hard Anodized Cookware vs Nonstick Cookware.
