Make Wood Cornice Moldings

Wood cornice moldings can transform a room from simple to ornate.

Wooden cornice moldings are found along the edges of the wall and ceiling and establish a decorative transition between the two. They add to the aesthetic appeal of any room and can transform it from appearing merely simple to elaborately ornate. Creating your own wooden cornice moldings allows you the ability to personalize the moldings to match your personal taste. They can also be customized to match the decor and functionality of the room.

Instructions

1. Measure the room in which you plan to install the cornice molding. This will determine how many boards are required to complete the project. Have additional boards on hand to create extra moldings just in case.

2. Set up the router table and attach the cornice molding bit to its center. Choose a bit with the style you wish the actual cornice molding to replicate. Adjust the depth of the bit and the fence so its full profile will fit the side width of the boards. The measurement between the fence and the bit's bearing should equal the board's thickness.

3. Turn on the router and guide the boards along the router table with one 3-by-96-inch side against the fence and the other 1-by-96 inch side along the router table. The cornice molding bit will create the decorative edge. Switch the router off.

4. Replace the cornice molding bit with the molding angle bit to create angles to the molding. Adjust the height so it is able to cut the back side of the molding at an angle so it fits against the edge of the wall. The fence and the bearing should be adjusted so the cornice runs along the surface of the router table smoothly. Run the side that measures 3 inches along the router table and the side measuring 1 inch along the angle bit. Run the boards along the table with the cornice molding decoration faced up.

5. Smooth the surface of the cornice moldings using sandpaper. Alternate between medium-grit and fine-grit paper until the molding reaches the consistency you desire. The wood cornice molding is now complete and is ready to be painted or finished with a wood finish before installation.

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