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knewman · Mar 12, 2009, 06:01 AM

I'm thinking about trying to cut and install chair rails and crown molding? I notice that there is composte materials that are already white, are they better to work with? How hard are they to cut?

21boat · Mar 12, 2009, 08:28 AM

They cut well, and already primed

Hers a site with some possible tips on cutting crown. Some are good and some so so . Weed it out for what you feel is best.
YouTube - Cutting Crown Molding the Simple Way (HQ)

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knewman · Mar 12, 2009, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by 21boat

They cut well, and already primed

Hers a site with some possible tips on cutting crown. Some are good and some so so . Weed it out for what you feel is best.
YouTube - Cutting Crown Molding the Simple Way (HQ)

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Thank you for the suggestion, I just finished watching it and am still very intimidated.

ballengerb1 · Mar 12, 2009, 01:16 PM

Chair rails are simple with a miter box or miter saw. If you have neither then I'd say reconsider. If you can get a compound miter saw you are in business but you'll need to practice on several pieces, I have even cut some wrong and I have done it for 40 years. The composite materials are either plastic or a dense partical board, very esy to work with but be sure to use a primer that is compatible with that material you select.

knewman · Mar 12, 2009, 01:28 PM

Thank you for the info, and yes I have a miter box and saw but have never used it. I just was wondering what material (wood or composite ) would be easier for me to work with and cut.

ballengerb1 · Mar 12, 2009, 02:08 PM

You can cut the chair rail with a box but not the crown molding unless the box is taller than the molding is standing up. Use OVC trim that is readily available at most home centers like Home Depot

knewman · Mar 12, 2009, 02:13 PM

Thank you , you have been most helpful. I will try it

21boat · Mar 12, 2009, 03:09 PM

I would buy a miter saw for the basic reason if you need to shave a pinch off the piece again the saw is the best. Don't get sucked into the laser saw thing. Trim is a very precise cut. Maybe other guys like the laser but I'm and oldie in building.

I laughed at bal 1. I too mess a cut up now and again. A lot of that is switching the trim around so you don't have to re position the miter angle.

The composite has less shrinkage than wood.

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kbuchholtz · Mar 12, 2009, 06:41 PM

I have put up crown molding in a few rooms of my house using the composite material, paint-ready (white stuff). Not the plastic stuff. My ceilings are uneven, so I've found that the composite crown is pretty easy to flex on uneven ceilings and stay nailed in place.

For the crown, I might suggest borrowing a nail gun as well. Ballenger and 21boat are both right about the miter saw for the crown. If you can get your hands on a nail gun I think you'll find installing the crown much easier, and not so intimidating. Like ballenger said, do several practice cuts so you get the feel of angles and you'll be fine.

There's always caulk to fill in any gaps.

Just go for it. Good luck.

knewman · Mar 13, 2009, 05:11 AM

Thanks everybody, I will give it a try.