Crown molding concerns

Just like a rich, intricate frame can brighten up and enhance an ornate oil painting, so can crown molding turn your home into a work of art. Traditionally used for cabinets, pilasters and columns, the concept behind crown molding has been around in some form or another for centuries. It wasn't until the last 200 years, however, that humans have had the technology and capability to create and attach long pieces of molding; prior to the industrial revolution, molding simply had to be carved from the same material the column was made from.

Today, however, molding is not only available as a separate purchase, but it also comes in a variety of materials. Because wood products are more expensive, many contractors and home-owners have been using crown moldings made from plastic and, in some cases, foam. Either of these are much less expensive materials and can save you some hard-earned money when it comes time to trim your den.

The big question, however, will not be what material you use or even what style of molding you prefer. In the end, the most important decision you'll make is whether you install the molding yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Like any home project, doing it yourself can provide you with piece of mind and the satisfaction of a job well done ... that is, if it ends up being a job well done. Installing crown molding is certainly not the easiest home improvement you can undertake, and getting it right has been the bane of many do-it-yourselfers' projects for years. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of installing molding yourself, contact one of your local home building contractors for advice and information.

The problem that most people face when installing molding is lining up the trim. Each piece has to be cut to fit the angles of the room's corners, and contrary to popular belief, not many homes have perfect, 90-degree angles. Professional installers, however, can very accurately measure corners and can cut molding to match.

If you do plan on doing it yourself despite the daunting nature of the job, you're definitely going to need a compound miter jig. A powered saw made for locking molding in place and making smooth, exact, angled cuts, a miter jig takes the guess work out of installing molding. A simple handsaw and an angle box just isn't going to cut it.

If you're unsure or an amateur at home improvements, it'll save a lot of headaches and frustration if you hire a professional for the job.