- A miter box with saw. These come in a set for about $8 at any home improvement store.
- A level. These vary in size and price, but all you need is a little one that will cost a few dollars.
- A nail gun. I know, not quite as simple as the other two! If you don't have one, you can rent it from any home improvement store. They are SO simple to use -- just plug it in, let the air fill up the tank, and put the gun against your surface and shoot. It is FUN to use a nail gun. My first time I put about 20 extra nails in, for good measure. I just couldn't stop!
- If you don't want to use a nail gun, just do what I did when I started out...nail every hole in. It takes longer but it works just as well. Use a drill bit to drill a hole for the nails though, because the wood may split if you just hammer the nail in.
Once you have your tools, it just takes measuring to see what length you want your squares. Use your miter box to cut the ends of the molding at 45 degree angles. That way, they match up in the corners to create a box. Make sure the wood is level before nailing in, and then go for it. I like to paint my projects white when everything is installed. It gives it a nice, crisp look. This is what I did to the island in my last post, but with black paint obviously.
Here's another example:
Once you do it one time, you'll be a pro!! The best part -- it's CHEAP. The molding is typically comes in 8 foot sections and these run anywhere from $3 to $10 a piece. So you can transform your room, stairway or hall with around $25 to $100, depending on the project.
Love the new blog! I can always use ideas for inexpensive and easy ways to decorate. Thank you for sharing your expertise! : ) Jenny
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog, and I am starting from the beginning... because I am ocd like that.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to know how to do this for my soon to be new home. The best part is I know how to drive to Home Depot, swipe a card, and use a nail gun... I've got the basics covered! Thanks for making me realize I can do it! Whoop Whoop!
-Coco
Thank you so much for the "how too's" of molding. SOMEONE TOLD ME YOU CAN BUY STYROFOAM MOLDING. I think you can paint it and it is supposed to look just like wood.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my un-do of my kitchen re-do if you want A LAUGH! You have to scroll down a little but the dumb look is there, ha,ha.
www.rivieraboardwalk.blogspot.com
I love all of the molding you've done! I'd like to do something similar in my home but have oak trim and doors all over the place. Do you think it would look weird to have oak trim and white molding on some things? I'm a new "do it yourselfer" and always doubt what I'm doing, so I chicken out. Any thoughts would be most appreciated!
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