Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Whether big and bold or understated, crown molding enhances the transition from wall to ceiling. Which of these seven options is right for your home?
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Crown molding dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s decorative and functional trim usually found where the top of the wall meets the ceiling. Today, you’ll see crown molding in all styles of homes. Here, we’ll focus on the different materials crown molding can be made from.
When choosing crown molding, consider the following:
“This is one of the most expensive, heavy and fragile types,” says Chapman. “The benefit of plaster is that it allows casting complex profiles that can’t be carved in wood and will not look that good in plastic.”
Plaster molding is often custom-ordered. It’s installed indoors and can be stained or painted. But Chapman doesn’t recommend installing this yourself. “It’s heavy, fragile and requires quick work with construction adhesive that’s impossible to remove if you stain the wall or the ceiling by accident,” he says.
Solid wood brings warmth to a room that no other material can match, says Chapman. Just make sure that the wood is properly finished to minimize shrinking and swelling.
“It’s typically installed with a wood adhesive, screws or finishing nails,” he says. “You need to pre-drill the holes for the screws and then cover the holes with putty and sand them to make the holes invisible after painting.”
Though usually installed indoors, Chapman says wood crown molding can be treated with a waterproof layer to withstand the elements after being painted or sealed. Here are a few tips to cut crown molding.
Polyurethane gives you the look of a plaster molding at a more affordable price, Chapman says. It resists changes in moisture, pests and rot, so it can be used indoors and outdoors.
“You need to install this type of molding using finish nails and molding-and-paneling adhesive,” he says. Install carefully; poly molding can chip.
PVC is the best choice for moist locations like a bathroom or exterior walls, says Chapman. Installation is similar to polyurethane crown molding but requires stainless steel screws with finish heads.
“The material is stable regardless of the weather conditions, but it needs to be painted to eliminate the sheen,” he says. “I recommend using a paint sprayer to avoid smears on the sleek surface.”
“This material is the most affordable alternative to natural wood,” says Chapman. It’s used indoors only.
“It’s quite easy to dent but highly resistant to moisture and heat levels,” he says. “Premium styles are available with natural wood veneers that can be stained for a great natural look.”
Installation of medium density fiberboard (MDF) requires wood adhesive, finish nails and putty.
Polystyrene (trademarked as Styrofoam) is the most lightweight crown molding material and can be used indoors or outdoors. Installation is easy.
“It can be quickly cut into pieces with scissors and installed with simple construction adhesive, nails or both,” says Chapman. “The only disadvantage is that you need to look out for crisp edges. They’re fragile and can crumble easily if you aren’t gentle enough.”
Made of a pliable material, this type of crown molding is flexible so you can bend it around curved walls. It’s lightweight and easy to install using adhesive, says Chapman. And you don’t have to heat it to bend it.
“This material can withstand extreme weather conditions, so it’s a good option for both indoor and outdoor installation,” Chapman says.
