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Cabinet with Trim added and title overlay,
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5 from 4 votes

How To Add Crown Molding to Cabinets

Dress up your plain cabinets by installing crown molding to cabinet tops. A beautiful upgrade, add trim to cabinets to make them more sophisticated!
Active Time1 day
Total Time1 day
Yield: 1 cabinet row
Author: Rachel
Cost: $100

Equipment

Materials

  • Staples or Brad Nails
  • Wood Filler
  • Wall Spackle
  • Crown Molding Any trim you like

If Using a Pre-Built Frame

  • L-brackets
  • Screws
  • 2x4 for framing made of appropriate wood

Instructions

  • Use a straight edge (such as a long level) to mark where the crown molding will sit on the cabinet facing. I recommend at least 1 inch of space above the line to attach the trim. If you have cabinets that don't have enough room to attach directly, build a frame to sit on top of the cabinet. The frame measures the exact same size as the sides and front of the cabinet.
    A wood frame from above that is used for attaching trim with L-brackets and a corner brace.
  • Measure or hold the piece of trim up to the cabinet and mark the length for cutting.
    Measuring tape being held up to top of cabinets.
  • Start on one end where the molding meets the wall and work around one corner at a time. Cut both pieces before attaching. For outside corners, I make the first cuts usually about 1/16 inch longer than my pencil marks. This allows for room around the curve and gives a little room for testing the angle.
  • To attach after cutting, use wood glue and nailed across the bottom where the boards meets the frame. Nailing at slight angles will assist with holding it tighter and resisting pulling away.
    Cabinet crown molding on top of frame and attached to cabinet.
  • Paint or stain the molding to match the cabinets.
    Laundry room cabinets and shelves above a washer and dryer in small laundry room.

Notes

Tips for Cutting
  • Never assume your angles are perfectly 90 degrees. Mark them before cutting.
  • For outside corners, I cut about 1/16 longer than the measurement. It just works better that way for me.
  • If you have trouble holding the trim against the fence, cut a scrap piece of wood in a triangle that is the size of your gap.
  • Generally speaking, I don't do the "cut the leading edge" trick. I usually cut the inside corners first (one at 45 and then mark the opposite piece for the leftover angle), then work outward from that corner.