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Finishesaka: cornice moldingaka: covingaka: crown

Crown Molding

In Plain English

Decorative trim installed where walls meet the ceiling to give rooms a finished, formal appearance.

Definition

Crown molding is a decorative trim installed at the junction of a wall and ceiling to provide an ornamental transition. It is available in wood, MDF, polyurethane foam, and plaster in a wide variety of profiles. Crown molding is typically mitered at corners and requires skilled installation to achieve tight, consistent joints.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Crown molding is labor-intensive trim where the installed cost is driven far more by cutting and fitting than by material, so estimators must price it by linear foot with realistic labor for miters, coping, and inside and outside corners. Underestimating that skilled labor is a common margin killer on finish-heavy interior bids.

Example

Estimating a custom home, the trim contractor measures 320 linear feet of crown, prices the profile material with waste, and adds coped-corner labor at a higher rate because the ceilings are out of square.

Related Terms

BaseboardTrimMillworkCaulk

Frequently Asked Questions

Crown is taken off by linear foot per room, with added material waste for miter cuts and a separate, higher labor factor for corners and long unsupported runs. The labor portion usually exceeds material cost, so accurate corner counts and an assessment of ceiling and wall straightness drive a reliable price.
Profile size and complexity, ceiling height, number of inside and outside corners, whether corners are coped versus mitered, and how true the walls and ceilings run all affect labor. Multi-piece built-up crown, stain-grade material requiring near-perfect joints, and high or vaulted ceilings all raise the installed cost substantially.
Yes. Paint-grade MDF and polyurethane are cheaper and forgiving, while stain-grade hardwood demands tighter joinery and more skilled labor, raising both material and labor lines. Polyurethane's light weight can speed install, but the spec's species, finish, and profile should be confirmed before pricing to avoid scope gaps.

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