You can use baseboard as crown molding and many people choose to do so, so you would not be alone if you do this.
MDF Moldings
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, offers another option for inexpensive crown moldings. MDF moldings are made of layers of wood pieces glued together under intense heat and pressure. The result is a lightweight, dense and inexpensive crown molding that can be primed, painted and installed like wood.
While nearly all rooms can benefit from a crown molding upgrade, those with high ceilings are especially suited because the molding creates a visually unifying effect that makes the ceiling feel more like a part of the overall design.
Baseboard is the wood (or other material) board that runs between the floor and the wall. It usually is between 3''-8'' and comes in a variety of materials and profiles. Trim is a broad term that encompasses baseboard and other trim throughout the home.
So, does crown moulding have to match baseboards? No Way! Ultimately, you can purchase crown moulding and baseboards for your project in whatever configuration you want.
Most people don't feel crown molding is outdated. Crown molding will never go out of style. Keep the above tips in mind when considering purchasing crown molding for your home.
Baseboard moulding can be used to create a finished look to a room and also to visually enlarge the space. By using a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more space. This is an easy and affordable way to add character and sophistication to a small room.
Use construction adhesive or nails to attach baseboards. Nailing baseboards can keep them straighter and free from warping over time. Gluing your baseboards can take much less time and effort.
Deeply stained wood moldings are often found in traditional homes. But if you have a contemporary home and want the warmth of stained wood crown moldings, using a very sleek, flat profile makes the wood look very modern. Using flat or simple profile moldings for contemporary interiors is not your only option.
Additionally, it's not recommended to put crown molding in some types of rooms, such as those with vaulted ceilings. In short, it's best to avoid elaborate crown molding in a house with no other ornamentation because it simply does not fit the style.
Hides Imperfections. Older homes can shift and expand with time, creating inevitable cracks and blemishes along our walls—especially in tight corners. Because crown molding is installed where the wall and the ceiling touch, these blemishes can be a thing of the past.
Eliminating wall and ceiling irregularities: Since you install crown molding where the wall and ceiling meet, you can cover small inconsistencies. The flexibility of crown molding allows you to slightly bend the material to reach from corner to corner of a room if the ceiling is uneven.
Crown molding adds an elegant touch to a room. However, depending on how you paint them, they can actually make a room appear smaller. Painting the molding a contrasting color, such as white molding on a dark-colored wall, will make the room feel smaller.
Adding crown molding to just a few rooms is sufficient to boost your home value. Small details make a difference when you sell your home, and crown molding is one of the little touches potential buyers look for.
Cove molding is the wonderful curvy stuff that can dress up any room with a decent 9-foot ceiling. Its close cousin -- crown molding -- is the flatter version of this classic ceiling treatment. Both are appropriate for an Arts and Crafts home, and in my opinion, the thicker the better.
Differences Between Cove and Crown Moulding
For one, crown and cove moulding have very different appearances. Cove moulding bows inward, whereas crown moulding protrudes outwards. Additionally, cove moulding is most commonly found in the corners, and crown moulding is generally used along the whole wall.
Farmhouse design is all the rage right now, and for a good reason! It lends a cozy, rustic feeling to any room. And one of the simplest ways to add a touch of farmhouse style is with crown moulding.
Walls should have a horizontal piece of wood spanning their length (called a bottom plate), to which the studs are attached. Since baseboards are attached at the bottom of a wall, they should be held in place well enough because they're nailed to this bottom plate.
Nail Baseboard to Wall
Set the scribed baseboard in place. Next, at each stud location, hammer two 8d finish nails through the board, at a slight downward angle, near its top and bottom edges. To avoid marking the wood, use a nail set to drive the heads just below the wood surface.
What Nail Gun to Use for Baseboards? When you want to attach baseboard to walls, it's best to use a finish nail gun as 15g and 16g nails are thicker and have more holding power than 18g brad nails. A brad nailer works great for attaching quarter round and shoe molding to baseboards.
Rounded or Stepped Baseboard
This is the most popular baseboard profile used in homes. The top of the trim has a rounded shape that tapers into the wall. The trim of these types of baseboards looks best in modern homes because of its relatively short profile and simple design.
Here is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches.