PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Walls and Ceilings
How to Cope Crown Molding Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What is coping? 2 Is it better to cope crown molding? 3 Do you need to make a miter cut before coping? 4 What’s the best way to cope crown molding? 5 Can you cope crown molding with an angle grinder? 6 How do you install coped crown molding? 7 What do you use to fill gaps in crown molding? + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: March 22, 2023 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alberto DeJesus is a Construction Specialist and the CEO of DeJesus Industries. With more than four years of experience, he specializes in high-end real estate development and construction. Alberto and DeJesus Industries have been featured on NBC News and have worked with numerous well-known companies, including Mazda, Amazon, and CVS. Alberto holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 59,907 times.
Adding crown molding to your wall is sure to give any room that upscale look. If you’re installing molding yourself, coping it is a great way to create smooth, tight inside corners without any gaps. Coping your crown molding isn’t tough, and it should only take you 5 to 10 minutes per board. Grab your coping saw and pencil to get started!
Steps
Question 1 of 7:
What is coping?
Download Article
It’s cutting the molding's profile to fit the pieces snugly together. Unless your walls are exactly 90-degree angles in each corner, miter cuts might not be tight enough to fit your molding together perfectly. A coping cut removes the excess wood behind the edge of the miter cut to butt the pieces up together.[1]XResearch source
A miter cut is an angled cut that you’d normally use for corner pieces of molding. While a miter cut is usually fine for corners that are perfect 90-degree angles, they often aren’t enough to snugly fit molding pieces together.
Advertisement Question 2 of 7:
Is it better to cope crown molding?
Download Article
Yes, coping helps smooth out the corners of molding. Oftentimes, simply using a square cut or a miter cut will cause the molding to bump up against each other, which doesn’t look very good. On corner pieces, it’s best to cope crown molding before installing.[2]XResearch source
If you just use miter cuts, you may have to end up filling your molding, which doesn’t look as smooth.
Question 3 of 7:
Do you need to make a miter cut before coping?
Download Article
Yes, you need to miter cut the end of your crown molding first. Bring your molding over to your miter saw and flip it upside down with the part that touches the ceiling facing you. Adjust the molding so it sits at the same angle it sits on your wall (this is usually close to 45-degrees from the saw fence). Use the miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle into the very end of the molding.[3]XResearch source [4]X Expert Source Alberto DeJesusConstruction SpecialistExpert Interview
Advertisement Question 4 of 7:
What’s the best way to cope crown molding?
Download Article
1 Darken the edge of the miter cut with a pencil. Hold the piece of molding with the front facing you and grab a pencil. Gently rub the pencil on the very top edge of your miter cut to create a guideline.[5]XResearch source
2 Undercut the edge of the molding with a coping saw. Place the molding on a table or countertop and let the miter cut edge hang off the end. Hold the molding in one hand and grab your coping saw in the other. Carefully cut down the darkened edge at a 45-degree angle to the molding, scooping out the wood behind the edge that you drew on, but leaving the front part of the molding intact. Go slowly and carefully, and try to follow the curves of the molding as you go. Molding that has been coped looks completely normal from the front, but it has a 1 in (2.5 cm) wide section of wood missing from the back.[6]XResearch source
3 Sand the edges of the cut before installing. Use 100-grit sandpaper to gently smooth down the edges of the cut you just made. This is an important step for the overall look of your molding, so don’t skip it![7]XResearch source
When you’re working with 2 corner pieces of molding, you only need to cope 1 of them.
Advertisement Question 5 of 7:
Can you cope crown molding with an angle grinder?
Download Article
Yes you can, although it takes some precision. If you don’t have a coping saw, place your crown molding on the edge of a table or workbench. Hold your angle grinder in one hand and keep the molding steady with the other. With the angle grinder at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the molding, gently press in and undercut the edge, but don’t touch the front of the molding. Take off about 1 in (2.5 cm) of wood from the profile of the molding, leaving the front edge intact.[8]XResearch source
As you encounter bends and curves in the molding, tilt your angle grinder to accommodate the wood.
Question 6 of 7:
How do you install coped crown molding?
Download Article
1 Install the square cut or miter cut molding first. Whichever piece of molding you didn’t cope is the one you want to put up first. Use a nail gun to attach the molding to the wall, spacing your nails about 6 in (15 cm) apart. Then, double check that your coped piece fits snugly against the piece you just installed.[9]XResearch source
2 Butt the coped molding up against the square-cut molding. Gently push the coped molding up against the square cut or miter cut you already installed. Use your nail gun again to attach the molding to the wall, spacing them about 6 in (15 cm) apart.[10]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 7 of 7:
What do you use to fill gaps in crown molding?
Download Article
Use a latex caulk. If your edges aren’t perfect, grab a bottle of latex caulk and gently squeeze it into any gaps in your molding. Smooth it out with your fingers, then wait for it to dry. If there are any lumps or bumps, use sandpaper to grind them down and make everything flush.[11]XResearch source
While using caulk is totally fine, crown molding usually looks better if the wood is flush without any gaps. Try using caulk as a last resort.
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Use a fine blade in your coping saw to reduce the need for filing or sanding. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Cut practice copes on a scrap piece of molding first to help eliminate mistakes and the need to fix them. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toCut Crown Molding Inside CornersHow toCut Corner TrimHow toCut MoldingHow toCut Crown Molding for CabinetsHow to Cut and Fit Coving MoldingThe Easiest Way to Cut Quarter Round for Any RoomHow toMiter CornersHow toInstall Shoe MoldingHow toFit CovingHow toInstall MoldingHow toInstall Quarter RoundHow toRemove Crown MoldingHow toCut Skirting BoardsHow to Cut Door Trim and Attach It to a Door Frame Advertisement
Co-authored by: Alberto DeJesus Construction Specialist This article was co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alberto DeJesus is a Construction Specialist and the CEO of DeJesus Industries. With more than four years of experience, he specializes in high-end real estate development and construction. Alberto and DeJesus Industries have been featured on NBC News and have worked with numerous well-known companies, including Mazda, Amazon, and CVS. Alberto holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. This article has been viewed 59,907 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 14Updated: March 22, 2023 Views: 59,907 Categories: Featured Articles | Walls and Ceilings
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 59,907 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alberto DeJesus Construction Specialist 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 14Updated: March 22, 2023 Views: 59,907
Quizzes & Games
What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toCut Crown Molding Inside CornersHow toCut Corner TrimHow toCut MoldingHow toCut Crown Molding for Cabinets
Trending Articles
How Rare Is Your Name?The Different Kinds of Dimples: Types, Causes, & Social Perception151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained
Watch Articles
How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint
Trending Articles
Are You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizGen Beta Slang Quiz24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?
Quizzes & Games
What's My Communication Style QuizTake QuizHow Well Do You Know Gen Alpha Slang QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizCognitive TestTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Walls and Ceilings
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What is coping? 2 Is it better to cope crown molding? 3 Do you need to make a miter cut before coping? 4 What’s the best way to cope crown molding? 5 Can you cope crown molding with an angle grinder? 6 How do you install coped crown molding? 7 What do you use to fill gaps in crown molding? + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and Hannah Madden 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Alberto DeJesus Construction Specialist This article was co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alberto DeJesus is a Construction Specialist and the CEO of DeJesus Industries. With more than four years of experience, he specializes in high-end real estate development and construction. Alberto and DeJesus Industries have been featured on NBC News and have worked with numerous well-known companies, including Mazda, Amazon, and CVS. Alberto holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. This article has been viewed 59,907 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 14 Updated: March 22, 2023 Views: 59,907 Categories: Featured Articles | Walls and Ceilings 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
433 
It’s cutting the molding's profile to fit the pieces snugly together. Unless your walls are exactly 90-degree angles in each corner, miter cuts might not be tight enough to fit your molding together perfectly. A coping cut removes the excess wood behind the edge of the miter cut to butt the pieces up together.[1] 
Yes, coping helps smooth out the corners of molding. Oftentimes, simply using a square cut or a miter cut will cause the molding to bump up against each other, which doesn’t look very good. On corner pieces, it’s best to cope crown molding before installing.[2] 
Yes, you need to miter cut the end of your crown molding first. Bring your molding over to your miter saw and flip it upside down with the part that touches the ceiling facing you. Adjust the molding so it sits at the same angle it sits on your wall (this is usually close to 45-degrees from the saw fence). Use the miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle into the very end of the molding.[3] [4] Advertisement 
1 Darken the edge of the miter cut with a pencil. Hold the piece of molding with the front facing you and grab a pencil. Gently rub the pencil on the very top edge of your miter cut to create a guideline.[5] 
2 Undercut the edge of the molding with a coping saw. Place the molding on a table or countertop and let the miter cut edge hang off the end. Hold the molding in one hand and grab your coping saw in the other. Carefully cut down the darkened edge at a 45-degree angle to the molding, scooping out the wood behind the edge that you drew on, but leaving the front part of the molding intact. Go slowly and carefully, and try to follow the curves of the molding as you go. Molding that has been coped looks completely normal from the front, but it has a 1 in (2.5 cm) wide section of wood missing from the back.[6] 
3 Sand the edges of the cut before installing. Use 100-grit sandpaper to gently smooth down the edges of the cut you just made. This is an important step for the overall look of your molding, so don’t skip it![7] 
Yes you can, although it takes some precision. If you don’t have a coping saw, place your crown molding on the edge of a table or workbench. Hold your angle grinder in one hand and keep the molding steady with the other. With the angle grinder at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the molding, gently press in and undercut the edge, but don’t touch the front of the molding. Take off about 1 in (2.5 cm) of wood from the profile of the molding, leaving the front edge intact.[8] 
1 Install the square cut or miter cut molding first. Whichever piece of molding you didn’t cope is the one you want to put up first. Use a nail gun to attach the molding to the wall, spacing your nails about 6 in (15 cm) apart. Then, double check that your coped piece fits snugly against the piece you just installed.[9] 
2 Butt the coped molding up against the square-cut molding. Gently push the coped molding up against the square cut or miter cut you already installed. Use your nail gun again to attach the molding to the wall, spacing them about 6 in (15 cm) apart.[10] Advertisement 
Use a latex caulk. If your edges aren’t perfect, grab a bottle of latex caulk and gently squeeze it into any gaps in your molding. Smooth it out with your fingers, then wait for it to dry. If there are any lumps or bumps, use sandpaper to grind them down and make everything flush.[11]