[kbuchholtz]

What is the best way to make nailer blocks for installing crown molding? I've read about them, but can't seem to find tips on how to cut them, what type of wood to use, etc. I have a few walls in my home with nothing to nail crown molding to, along the walls parallel to the joists, and need something to nail the CM to.

Thank you for your time.

[DaBaAd]

In the case of drywall, nailer blocks are just small pieces of 2x4's (pine) that are used to have the drywall attach to a space between the ceiling joists or wall studs. They are not used for structural purposes but can be attached wherever you need the CM to be nailed into.

I've cut nailer blocks between 16" on center studs and toe nailed them to the studs. I'm sure you can find a way to nail the blocks into the joists.

I'm not sure if I've helped as I'm not very clear on your situation.

[hkstroud]

Nail into walls only, not into ceiling. Nail into flat surface between cove and bead. If you insist on having a nailer, rip a 2x2 at a 45. Won't be exact angle as back of crown but will be close enough. Ever done crown before?

[kbuchholtz]

Never done crown before, but there's a first time for everything, right? I'll need nailers on a few walls, as there is no place to nail the top of the molding to other than the drywall. Not the case in every room, but in a few places where I'll need the crown to sit tight to the ceiling.

Thanks for your help.

[hkstroud]

You don't nail into ceiling.

I'm not a finish carpenter but Ive done a few thousand feet. Want my way?

[kbuchholtz]

I'd love to get your advice putting up crown molding. I didn't mean I'd nail it to the ceiling. Just that I want it to sit tight at the ceiling.

What's the best way to put it in? Thanks!

[hkstroud]

Make an inside corner as shown in the first drawing, using the crown molding you will be installing.

Make each leg of this corner approximately 16"long.
Assemble using nails and glue. Treat it gently. It will easily break apart.
You may attempt to put a brace across it if you wish.

Measure along the bottom edge from the out side of the corner exactly 10" and mark.

I like to start with the longest wall with inside corners.

Simple reason is if I screw up and cut a piece to short I can use it
On a later shorter wall.

Place your corner in the corner and against the ceiling. Mark the edge molding along
The ceiling and walls. Light pencil marks. Make a mark on the wall at the 10" mark.
Do this in each corner.

Using the corner against the wall and against the ceiling mark the edges of the molding
on the ceiling and the wall periodically along the wall.

Find and verify the location of studs by using awl or drill with small bit.
Do this above the line that indicates the bottom edge of the molding.
When you have located a stud place a small piece of masking tape on the
wall directly below the line.

Drive a finish nail at the 10" mark of each corner.
If you hit drywall only that's OK.

Hook your tape on one nail and measure to the other.
Add 20" to that measurement and that's you length to cut.
This approach might seem like a lot of work but its a lot more accurate.
It takes of trying to bend you tape into the corner to get a measurement
and You are measuring how the molding will into the corner.

Drive a finish nail into the wall just below the line of the bottom edge of
the molding about 2 or 3' from each corner. Remove the 10" measuring nails.

Cut you molding to length. Put it in place letting it rest on the 2 nails.
Put another nail in the ceiling at the top edge of the molding. Don't nail the molding,
Just put a nail in the drywall of the ceiling at the edge of the molding.

Measure and cut your next piece and put it in place.

Make you corner.

The molding is trapped in place but can be moved to adjust for best fit.
When you have the best fit tack one piece in place at a stud about 2" or
more out from the corner. Check you joint and tack the other piece.
Note what happens as you push the molding up the wall and "roll" it out.
As you push the molding up, the top part of the joint closes. As you pull
the molding down the bottom of the joint closes. If you have a problem gripping
the molding, put a nail in the molding, in the molding only, as a "handle".

When you have the best joint you are going to get, secure about half way
to the next corner. Nail into the flat surface of the molding, nail to wall only.
Do not nail any closer than 12" to the corner. That will only pull the joint apart.
You can tighten up joints by putting a shim between the molding and the wall
And or the ceiling.

I caulk the joint but I use spackling to fill the nail holes. Caulking will shrink
And has to have two applications. Wood putty has to be sanded. Spackling does
Not shrink and can be wiped off smooth usually does not require sanding.

When cutting molding, I cut the left end first, then measure for length. That is the left end
As it is when in the saw. I then swing my saw to the left and cut the right end.
This way is how I can best see the mark. Since the mark is on the back of the molding
I am guessing as to where the blade will exit the wood.
I usually cut a little long then "sneak" up on the final cut. I almost always
Cut twice, sometimes three times, but I seldom cut a piece too short.

[kbuchholtz]

Wow. Thank you Harold. I will post again when I do the install (week or so) and let you know how it all goes.

Thanks again for taking the time to post this for me.

[hkstroud]

I'll be watching for progress reports.