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Poplar Hardwood Softwood

Poplar Hardwood Softwood

If you are planning a crown molding installation project there are several items that you should consider when buying crown molding.

Selecting the Appropriate Wood Species

When buying molding you first need to decide on what type of wood to use. Softwoods, such as Pine, are easy to work with, relatively inexpensive, and are available in a variety of profiles. The downside with pine is that it is soft, and thus can easily be dented, though sitting up high on a wall mitigates this issue. Softwood is also less stable and thus more susceptible to contracting and splitting with changes in temperature and humidity. Hardwoods, such as oak, on the other hand are more impervious to becoming dented and are more stable. However, they are more expensive.

Painting versus Staining

If you are planning to paint crown molding then Pine, or Poplar are better wood species for your project. They are cheaper than hardwood, and from a distance of several feet away from most eyeballs, no one will ever know the difference.

If, on the other hand you want that natural wood look, or a stained look, then a hardwood species is probably better for your project.

Selecting the Appropriate Lengths

When buying crown molding, have a sketch of your project layout with you when you visit the local home improvement store. Ideally you should buy molding lengths that span the entire length of a section of wall, so that you reduce the number of scarf joints required. Also make sure the lengths of molding are not warped or twisted, and free from knots.

Purchase 10% Extra Material

When buying molding it is always important to buy about 10% extra to accommodate for waste. Specifically each piece selected should be approximately 10% longer than the particular wall length required.

For more information on Installing Crown Molding see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Installing Crown Molding Ebook.

About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions visit homeadditionplus.com.