I have coped crown molding as was told this method will prevent gaps when the molding expands and contracts. But does it really? One piece of crown is butted into the corner, the other is coped and fitted. But both contract. When the molding that is coped contracts, won’t this show a gap? Confused,
Don
Replies
Wood doesn't shrink lengthwise (well it does a little) but it does across the grain. When you cope that one piece, it will shrink back toward the wall and since the other piece reaches all the way to the wall, the gap never shows.
Kell
Dear Don,
Good question. I would add the following. I use butt joints in the field, sometimes I back them with a piece of plywood, if it is paint grade, otherwise, cope, leaving the piece approximately 1/8" long and "spring" it into position. The cope will partially cut itself into its mate and it will never move.
John
And if you cut it a little short just put a shim at the opposite end of the cope so you get that pressure fit.,the next cope will cover it.
Nice Touch! Not I EVER cut things short!John
Measure once.................................................Cut short!
I've never really had a problem with crown srinking. I found it is easier to get tight joints by copeing. And yeah cutting just a hair long and snapping into place works good.
John
One additional hint, do the coping on the sides of the room that you won't look at, say you look at the west wall alot or view it walking into the room, put the coping on the north and south walls, so your eye doesn't catch the joint.
Edited 9/21/2005 8:11 am ET by craig
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