Hey everyone, it’s James, the moulding guy here at Architectural Depot. I’ve been writing about crown moulding here for a while now. And I just realized that even with everything that I’ve written, I’ve never done a gosh-danged FAQ on the stuff, pardon my French. Well, I figure it’s about time to fix that. So here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we get about Crown Moulding.
Q: How do I choose the right crown moulding style for my space?
A: Picking the perfect crown moulding is all about matching the vibe of your room:
- Formal Dining Rooms or Living Rooms: Go big with Ornate or Egg & Dart mouldings for that timeless, classy feel. Think “fancy dinner party” vibes.
- Modern Kitchens or Bathrooms: Keep it simple. Clean lines and minimalist designs complement a sleek, contemporary look.
- Bedrooms: Opt for softer, transitional styles—something cozy but polished to make the space feel inviting.
Still not sure? No problem. We offer samples for almost all our profiles, so you can test the look in your space. Bonus: the cost of the sample comes back as store credit for when you place your final order. It’s a win-win!
Q: What are the pros and cons of the different materials you offer?
A:
- Pros: Natural beauty, stainable, and adds timeless charm. It’s the OG of moulding materials.
- Cons: It’s pricey, temperamental (hello, warping and cracking), and high-maintenance. It’s definitely the nicest option, but you gotta be willing to do the work for it.
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to install, paint-friendly, moisture and insect-resistant, and durable. Plus, it offers intricate designs that wood could only dream of.
- Cons: Can’t be stained, and it’s not the cheapest option out there. It’s my personal favorite option though.
- Pros: Made for wet zones—moisture and weather don’t scare it. Low maintenance, easy to clean, and budget-friendly compared to urethane.
- Cons: Limited finish options and, let’s face it, not as glamorous as wood.
- Pros: Affordable, paint-friendly, and won’t warp or crack like wood.
- Cons: Moisture is its kryptonite- it will swell, crack, and rot before you know it, and it’s not as tough as urethane or wood.
- Pros: Super detailed, moisture and insect-resistant, and durable. Flexibility is a nice bonus too.
- Cons: It’s heavier than urethane and doesn’t offer much in the way of customization.
Q: Is it difficult to cut crown moulding?
A: Let’s be real—it can be a bit of a pain for beginners. But don’t sweat it. With the right tools (and patience), you’ll be fine. Plus, we’ve got a cutting guide to save your sanity, and our pre-mitered corners make life easier for popular profiles.
Q: Can I paint or stain these mouldings?
A: Of course! Wood is your go-to for staining, but urethane, PVC, MDF, and resin are paint champs. Just don’t forget the primer—it’s the secret sauce for a flawless finish.
Q: What size crown moulding should I use?
A: Depends on your ceiling:
- 8′ ceilings: Stick to 2-1/2″ to 6″ face widths.
- 9′ ceilings: Go bigger with 3″ to 7-1/2″.
- 10’+ ceilings: Think grand—4-1/2″ to 23″.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Minimal, depending on the material:
- Wood: Needs some TLC—cleaning, resealing, and avoiding humidity tantrums. Look here for more detailed instructions on caring for wood.
- Urethane, PVC, MDF: Low-key care—just dust or wipe with a damp cloth.
Q: Are these mouldings good for exterior use?
A: Yep! PVC and urethane are outdoor warriors—weatherproof, rot-proof, and ready for high-moisture spots like bathrooms and kitchens.
Q: Which crown moulding styles are trending?
A: Right now, these are stealing the show:
- Traditional: Timeless and classy.
- Modern: Sleek lines for that minimalist vibe.
- LED Crown Moulding: Built-in lighting for a chic, glowing aesthetic.
Q: Are flexible crown mouldings available?
A: Absolutely. We’ve got flexible options for crown moulding, baseboards, chair rails—you name it. Perfect for those curvy, unconventional spaces.
Q: Can crown moulding be used with vaulted or angled ceilings?
A: Listen, I obviously want to sell you this crown moulding, but I’m not going to steer you wrong here. No… I mean… yes, it can… You just shouldn’t. It just never looks right running at an angle like that. Crown Moulding is designed with running flat against the ceiling in mind and it looks weird when you install it at an angle.
Looking to get started? Browse our collection or explore our helpful guides for more inspiration and assistance! And let me know if there’s anything I didn’t cover here. I’m always looking for new ways to improve the shopping experience for our customers.
