If you’re looking to revitalize your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, cabinet crown molding is a stylish and functional design element to consider. Installed along the top of cabinets, it adds a polished, high-end finish by bridging the gap between cabinetry and the ceiling.
In this guide to cabinet crown molding, we’ll explain exactly what it is, what types are available, and why you might choose it. Plus, we’ll go over the differences in costs between hiring a contractor, like LNL construction, and doing it yourself. If you need a general contractor for your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area including Roseville and Rocklin with everything from cabinet refacing to general contracting to home painting.
What Is Cabinet Crown Molding?
Cabinet crown molding is a decorative trim that’s installed along the top of cabinets where they meet the ceiling or wall. It adds a finished look to your cabinetry by covering gaps and creating a smooth transition from the cabinets to the ceiling. Crown molding comes in various styles, from simple designs to intricate patterns.
Types of Cabinet Crown Molding
There are several types of cabinet crown molding, each offering a unique aesthetic. Some common styles used today include:
- Scotia molding: Featuring a concave design, scotia molding is often paired with other types of molding to create an interesting look.
- Dentil molding: This type of molding features small, evenly spaced rectangular blocks. It’s common in classic and colonial-style kitchens.
- Step molding: Step molding consists of multiple layers or “steps” for a bold, stacked appearance that’s ideal for modern or contemporary kitchens.
- Rope molding: Just as the name suggests, rope molding features a rope-like design. It adds character that pairs well with many different styles.
- Egg and dart molding: Egg and dart molding features a design that resembles, well, eggs and darts. This style works well in both vintage and contemporary kitchen designs.
In addition to these types of cabinet crown molding, there are many others to choose from.
Most Popular Styles
With multiple styles of crown molding, the right one will depend on the style of your kitchen cabinets and your own tastes. Here are some of the most popular styles:
- Traditional crown molding: This type of molding has smooth curves and detailed profiles, providing a classic and elegant aesthetic. It’s often used in traditional and transitional kitchens. Traditional crown molding often uses cove, dentil, and/or egg and dart molding.
- Modern crown molding: Modern styles of cabinet crown molding use clean lines and angles and minimalist profiles to create a sleek finish. It’s common in modern and contemporary-style kitchens. Flat, stepped, and angular crown molding are common in this style.
- Cove molding: Cove crown molding is another one of the most popular styles. It has a concave shape that creates a subtle transition and works with a variety of different styles. Deep cove molding offers a dramatic look with large curves, while shallow cove is more subtle, with softer curves.
- Shaker-style molding: Shaker-style crown molding is a simple, clean-lined trim that complements timeless Shaker-style cabinets. It typically features straight edges and subtle detailing and works well for rustic or transitional kitchens.
Pros and Cons
Cabinet crown molding adds a refined touch to cabinetry, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros of cabinet crown molding:
- Attractive: It gives cabinets a polished, high-end look by closing gaps and adding visual interest.
- Hides imperfections: It hides imperfections to create a seamless finish.
- Increases home value: Well-installed cabinet crown molding adds a touch of luxury to your home, which can increase its value.
- Customizable: Available in tons of styles, styles, and materials, cabinet crown molding can work with any kitchen design.
Cons of cabinet crown molding:
- Cost: Although you can opt for more budget-friendly materials, cabinet crown molding adds cost to your kitchen redesign, especially with custom or intricate designs.
- Requires precise installation: Installing it requires some skill. For a perfect fit, the molding must be precisely cut and mitered.
- Ceiling height: In low-ceiling kitchens, molding can make the space feel smaller or interfere with cabinet doors.
Why Choose It
Why choose cabinet crown molding? It’s a timeless way to enhance both the look and functionality of your cabinetry. Cabinet crown molding instantly makes your cabinets look more luxurious. It closes the gap between the cabinets and ceiling, preventing dust from settling up there. Plus, it’s a relatively small investment that can have a big impact on the value of your home.
How to Install
Although installing cabinet crown molding requires precision, with time and the right tools, you can achieve a clean, professional look. Here’s how to install cabinet crown molding:
Tools needed:
- Crown molding
- Miter saw
- Nail gun
- Wood glue
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Caulk and wood filler
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Measure and plan: Measure the length of each cabinet where the molding will be installed. You’ll need to determine the angle of the cuts (typically 45° for corners), and mark the molding with a pencil for cutting. Always measure twice before cutting, and mark down the measurements for later.
- Cut the molding: Use a miter saw to cut the molding at a 45° angle for inside and outside corners. Test-fit the pieces before attaching them to ensure proper alignment.
- Attach support blocks (if needed): If the cabinets lack a flat surface for attachment, install small wood blocks along the top edge so you have a base to nail the molding.
- Install the molding: Apple wood glue to the back of the molding. Use a nail gun to secure the molding to the cabinet, nailing into the support blocks or directly into the cabinet frame.
- Fill gaps and seams: Use wood filler to cover nail holes and seams. Apply caulk along the edges where the molding meets the cabinets and ceiling for a seamless finish.
- Sand, paint, or stain: Lightly sand any rough edges. Paint or stain the molding to match or contrast with the cabinets.
DIY Cost vs Hiring Professional Contractors
With the popularity of DIY, you might be interested in installing your own cabinet crown molding to save money. Hiring professional contractors costs more than doing it yourself because you have to pay for their labor and skill. So how do the costs of DIY compare to hiring a professional?
If you decide to do it yourself, you can expect to pay between $1 to $6 per linear foot of molding that is 5” high or less. The material you choose will majorly impact the cost. For example, solid wood molding typically costs between $1 to $6 per linear foot, while foam, vinyl, PVC, or MDF is typically between $1 and $2 per linear foot. Exotic kinds of wood, like mahogany, run closer to $10 to $45 per linear foot. In addition to the molding, you may need to purchase some tools to complete the job. You probably already have a measuring tape and caulk gun, but you’ll likely need a miter saw, which costs between $100 to $300, and a nail gun, which costs around $200. In total, you might pay between $200 and $1000 for everything. Additionally, because you aren’t a professional, you can expect to take a lot of time and effort to complete the job–somewhere between several hours to a full day of work.
If you decide to hire professional contractors, you’ll pay the same price for the materials, plus the cost of labor. Professionals, however, may be able to get you a better rate on high-quality molding than you would on your own. Depending on the contractor, you’ll pay somewhere between $6 to $12 per linear foot, for a total of between $400 to $1500, depending on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the job. Although it costs more than DIYing it, professional contractors will get the job done more quickly than you can on your own and will provide a more polished result.
What Materials are Used?
Cabinet crown molding can be made with a variety of materials. Although wood is a classic option, it’s one of the more expensive materials. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more common materials for cabinet crown molding:
- Hardwood: Woods like walnut, ash, knotty pine, red and white oak, mahogany, and hickory. These offer a classic, timeless appearance that will last but can be expensive.
- MDF (Medium density fiberboard): MDF is usually cheaper than wood, providing a smooth surface that makes it ideal for painting, as there is no grain texture to worry about. It’s stable, but MDF is not as durable as wood and is more prone to damage.
- Plastics or polyurethane: Plastics like PVC and polyurethane are moisture-resistant, lightweight, and easy to install, but they do not look as luxurious as wood.
How Difficult Is It to Install?
There are a number of factors that can affect how difficult cabinet crown molding is to install. Simple styles like cove molding are fairly easy, while more complex designs like rope or dentil molding require more time and precision.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to install cabinet crown molding depends on a number of things. A smaller, simpler project will always take less time than a larger, more complex project. Additionally, the skill and experience of the installer will affect how long the installation takes. Expect somewhere between a few hours to a couple days.
Can You Add It to Existing Cabinets?
Yes, you can add crown molding to existing cabinets. In fact, it’s a common way to revamp your kitchen without removing the existing cabinets. If the cabinets are short, adding crown molding can make the space feel taller and more elegant. However, if your kitchen has a low ceiling, you might want to use a smaller, less imposing molding so your space doesn’t feel cramped.
Does It Need to Be the Same Color as the Cabinets?
No, crown molding does not need to be the same color as your cabinets. While matching the color can create a seamless look, contrasting colors can add visual interest that elevates the room’s design.
Cabinet Crown Molding Installation
Installing cabinet crown molding can revitalize your room, but it’s a time-consuming process if you’ve never done it before. If you’re looking to revamp your kitchen with the help of a professional, LNL Construction has you covered. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, we’re sure you’ll love your new kitchen. Contact us today for an estimate!
