How to Install DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding (Budget-Friendly & Easy!)
Learn how to install DIY farmhouse crown molding on a budget! Get a step-by-step guide to adding vintage charm and character to any room with ease.
Adding crown molding is one of the easiest ways to give a room a polished, vintage-inspired look. If you love the charm of farmhouse-style homes but don’t want to spend a fortune, this DIY farmhouse crown molding tutorial is for you!
With just a few materials and some simple cuts, you can create beautiful, custom molding that adds character and elegance to any space. Whether you’re updating your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, this budget-friendly project will give your home that old-fashioned, handcrafted feel without the high price tag.
Want to see how we Diy-ed the board and batten? Check that out below!
Why Choose DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding?
Installing DIY farmhouse crown molding is an affordable way to add architectural detail to your home. Here’s why it’s worth doing:
✔ Enhances Any Space – Instantly makes a room feel more finished and elegant.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Costs far less than custom molding installation.
✔ Beginner-Friendly – No need for advanced woodworking skills!
✔ Perfect for Farmhouse Style – Adds a vintage, old-fashioned touch to any room.
✔ Customizable – You can paint or stain it to match your home’s decor.
If you’ve ever wanted to install DIY farmhouse crown molding, this guide will show you exactly how to do it—step by step!
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How we did it…
- The first step is to measure each wall in your room to know exactly how long you’ll need each board to be. We had a few corners and crevices to measure around and cut boards for. It made the project a little more time consuming, but if you live in a old house you know that’s just par for the course.
- Secondly, you’ll want to cut your boards, or take your measurements to the hardware store when you buy you’re lumber and have them make your cuts. This saves a lot of time and cleanup, but like anything it does come at a cost. Nick used a table saw to make all of our cuts. We decided against mitering the corners. We just made flat cuts, and joined the boards up square. It was perfect when we caulked and painted.
- The third step is to a lay your 1×6 on the wall and all the way up to meet the ceiling. You may need an extra set of hands to steady the board as you nail the board up. Next, take your cut 1×4 and lay it flat on the ceiling joining up against the 1×6. Attach with nails to the ceiling
- Now it’s time to caulk the seams. This step makes all the difference. Be sure to caulk all of the nooks and crannies so when you apply the paint the boards appear as seamless.
- Prime and paint, or stain, and enjoy your beautiful DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding.
Where to Use DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding
This easy farmhouse molding works beautifully in:
✔ Living Rooms – Adds an elegant finishing touch.
✔ Kitchens – Enhances cabinets and wall transitions.
✔ Bedrooms – Makes ceilings feel higher and cozier.
✔ Entryways & Hallways – Adds architectural charm.
✔ Dining Rooms – Creates a polished, vintage-inspired space.
Wherever you use it, DIY farmhouse crown molding will bring warmth and character to your home!
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does DIY Crown Molding Cost?
Compared to professional installation, this project is extremely affordable!
💰 Cost Comparison:
- DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding: ~$40–$80 per room
- Professionally Installed Molding: $300+ per room
Savings: You can easily save hundreds of dollars by doing it yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install farmhouse crown molding without a miter saw?
Yes! You can use a miter box and hand saw for angled cuts. It takes a little longer but works just as well.
What kind of wood should I use for farmhouse-style molding?
MDF is budget-friendly and easy to paint, while pine or poplar offers a more natural, rustic look.
How do I ensure my molding is level?
Use a laser level or traditional level before securing the boards to avoid gaps.
DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding
Equipment
- 1×6 boards
- table saw
- 1×4 boards
- paneling nails
- hammer
- caulk
- primer, paint (or stain)
Instructions
- The first step is to measure each wall in your room to know exactly how long you’ll need each board to be. We had a few corners and crevices to measure around and cut boards for. It made the project a little more time consuming, but if you live in an old house, you know that’s just par for the course.
- Secondly, you’ll want to cut your boards or take your measurements to the hardware store when you buy your lumber and have them make your cuts. This saves a lot of time and cleanup, but like anything it does come at a cost. Nick used a table saw to make all of our cuts. We decided against mitering the corners. We just made flat cuts and joined the boards up square. It was perfect when we caulked and painted.
- The third step is to a lay your 1×6 on the wall and all the way up to meet the ceiling. You may need an extra set of hands to steady the board as you nail the board up. Next, take your cut 1×4 and lay it flat on the ceiling joining up against the 1×6. Attach with nails to the ceiling
- Now it’s time to caulk the seams. This step makes all the difference. Be sure to caulk all of the nooks and crannies so when you apply the paint the boards appear as seamless.
- Prime and paint, or stain, and enjoy your beautiful DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding.
Elevate Your Home with DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding
Installing DIY farmhouse crown molding is an easy, budget-friendly way to add timeless character to your home. With simple tools, affordable materials, and a little patience, you can transform any space into a beautiful, vintage-inspired retreat.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced DIYer, this step-by-step guide makes it easy to achieve a polished, professional look—without the hefty price tag!
When we moved into our new house we had 1 room unfinished. It was block on 1 wall and drywall on 3. It looked like sage had painted it because it was only partially covered. The floor was concrete. It was the room that was going to have the hunting clothes so what did it really matter. Well, the project began when the local furniture store was having a clearance sidewalk sale. They had 2 carpet sample display racks with 3 tiers of curtain rods. They were about 5 feet long and about 8 feet tall. They were asking $5 each…yep, $5. So I of course thought that they were perfect for that room. Travis had to cut off the top decorative board, which became a coffee bar shelf btw. Then we decided ok let’s just fix up the room while we are at it. A gallon of kilz paint for the block wall and a quart for the rest. Amazing difference. Now that floor. I remembered that they had scrap linoleum at the sidewalk sale. Took a little sorting to find the matching pieces but $20 we had a new floor. With paint and glue and everything we had a new room and spent less than $100.