Home trims like crown molding and baseboard have been part of home construction since time immemorial. Some people might consider the possibility of using crown molding as baseboards for more striking looks.
So, Can you use a crown moulding as a baseboard? You cannot use a crown molding as a baseboard. Crown boards are specially trimmed to fit the 45-degree angle between a wall and a ceiling. It also lacks the middle support needed for the ground gravitational force.
Learning that you cannot use crown molding as a baseboard is not the end of fun times with trims. There are other options for baseboards and how to use crown molding differently for more satisfying results.
Before we get to the detailed analysis, you need to understand each concept as below:
What is Crown Moulding?
While it started as a simple cover for the space between the ceiling and the wall, crown molding has, in recent times, transformed into a home beautification masterpiece.
Mostly available in wood and plastic, it is used for several functions at home. Some of the uses include; eliminating ceiling and wall irregularities, increasing home value, wall furnishing, and to provide an elegant finish to a room.
What is a Baseboard?
The baseboard runs along the area between the floor and the wall. It is vital for hiding the joint while also protecting the floor from things like brooms, mop, and vacuum cleaners.
Baseboards are also mostly available in woods and plastics. Plastics come in a variety of colors, while you can easily paint wooden baseboards to match your room color.
How to Install Crown Moulding and Baseboards?
Most people tend to believe that you need a professional to help you install crown moulding and baseboards when, in the real sense, you can do it all by yourself. That is if you have a simple room design.
The whole process does not need a lot of materials; neither will it take much of your time. Follow the guide below to help you install the crown moulding and baseboard:
Determine the need
The first step in obtaining any trim is to determine if the home needs it. Take a look at your room to define all the transitions, and then picture how it will look with a new trim.
This preliminary stage is where you decide the design, color, and materials of the crown moulding baseboard, which will suit your room.
Measure the room
After determining the features of trims, take a tape measure, pencil, paper, and a camera to measure and note down the room length. You also need to indicate the angles where the walls meet and create a little diagram.
Once you have the measurements, diagram, and lots of pictures, you can proceed to a store near you to buy the trims. You can consult with the store attendant to help you settle for the appropriate trim based on your home style and finish.
Install
Ensure the tools you need are available, and then proceed to install the molding and baseboards.
You already know the crown mold is installed at the wall near the ceiling. Hold it up against the wall and fix it using a finishing nail and hammer. On the other hand, you will place the baseboards on the lower side of the wall, add a little glue and hammer for reinforcement.
You should finish in a few minutes. Feel free to paint or stain in line with your home color scheme.
Additional Ways to Use Crown Moulding
Now that we have already established that you cannot use crown moulding as a baseboard, you must be wondering if there is any other viable way to use it. Well, there are different ways you can use the crown molding in your home. These include;
Dressing up cabinet
Most homes tend to have a space between the cabinet and the ceiling, known as the cabinet soffits. You can use the crown moulding in this space to eliminate the soffit. You don’t need a lot of tools to accomplish this project. As long as you have nails, hammer, wood filler, and a miter box, you can complete the task.
Beautifying the doorway
You can create a sophisticated touch to your doorway by including a crown molding. Just set the crown mould at the space between the top of the door and the ceiling. The additional molding is excellent for the aesthetic effects and style.
Framing a window
You can use crown molding on windows to help make the room appear larger and brighter. The crown molding can also work as part of your window treatment for an excellent finish.
Above the storage shelf
You can quickly transform your simple storage shelf into a formidable piece by including crown molding.
Alternatives to Crown Moulding as Baseboard
One of the most probable reasons to finding out if a crown moulding can be used as a baseboard is, if you are looking for an alternative to the baseboard. If that is the case, you don’t have to be broken.
There are still other exciting ways to use in your home, which can work as a baseboard.
Some of the popular alternatives to crown molding include:
Shadow line trim
Shadow line trim is a way of doing away with the molding baseboard, crown moulding, and any other trim. Instead, you introduce a thin space that outlines the area you would have used the trims.
Shadow line is an expensive option mostly used in contemporary high-end homes.
Drywall return
Drywall return is another option that does away with the crown moulding baseboard. The continuous drywall extends from the floor to the ceilings without creating any transitions.
A drywall return is mostly used in large buildings to help save money that would have otherwise been used on the trims. In some cases, the cost of constructing the drywall is the same or more than when you include a trim.
Medium Density Fireboard
Other than the regular hardwood baseboards, you can opt for composite materials like medium-density fireboard, which are less expensive and are resistant to mildew and mold.
You can easily use them in places that experience regular water intrusion.
Use Wainscoting
Wainscoting is the closest you will come to getting a touch of crown moulding as a baseboard. It involves placing a trim on the lower portion of the wall to act as a baseboard. It runs up to the chair level. Even though not popular in most modern buildings, wainscoting is versatile to suit any home design and style.
If you are considering wainscoting for your home, know how much does it cost to install wainscoting.
Even though you cannot use crown molding as baseboards, there are several options to explore in both. Any time you are not sure about home trims, feel free to contact us for the way forward.
