Thursday, September 10, 2009

Install Ceiling Moulding

You don't need a nail gun to install ceiling molding








Ceiling molding lends a decorative finish to a room, providing an attractive transition between the wall and ceiling. Choose the width and style of molding according to your taste and the height of the ceiling. For low ceilings, a simple, narrow molding should suffice. For ceilings 10 feet or higher, try a wider, textured crown molding. Ceiling molding is available in a range of materials, from composite board or plastic foam to fine hardwood. Choose what's best for your budget.


Instructions


1. Measure the length of the walls to calculate the linear feet of molding you will need. Add 10 percent to this figure to allow for mistakes and practice cuts.


2. Set a protractor against each corner of the wall where it meets the ceiling. Few walls are exactly 90 degrees, so note the measurement carefully. Prepare to do a practice cut first by cutting two 1-foot lengths of molding straight across on the compound miter saw.


3. Place the molding upside down on the miter table, with the ceiling edge against the table of the saw and the wall edge against the fence of the saw. Set the fence stops to hold it firmly in place. Set the miter angle to half of the angle you measured with the protractor. If it's 90 degrees, set the miter at 45 degrees.


4. For inside corners, cut right side pieces by setting the angle of the saw to the left. Cut left side pieces by setting the angle of the saw to the right. For outside corners, reverse the process. Once you've made a couple of practice cuts and checked them for fit, cut the permanent molding according to your measurements.


5. Nail the molding to the wall and ceiling joists. Locate the joists with a stud finder, marking them with a pencil if necessary. Angle the 10-penny nails slightly to avoid splitting the molding as you drive them in. Tap again with a nail set to drive the head of the nail slightly below the surface of the molding.


6. Apply putty or wood filler to cover nail holes and any small cracks in the corners. Sand with fine-grit sandpaper and paint to finish.

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