[lothian]

I'm hanging crown moulding (typical profile) along a convoluted contiguous line in a high foyer. The runs and miters vary, and the height and interferences make the project a challenge. But one spot in particular has the project at full stop. Take a look at the image below: The blue line indicates the line that has stumped me.

The slope of the ceiling is 30°. The crown follows this slope, then must turn 90° (forming an outside corner) for a horizontal run, then turn another 90° (forming an inside corner) to resume the 30° slope. My problem is, I cannot figure out how to transition the crown at these two corners.

I've modeled the area in CADD to help me evaluate options with actual geometry:

The image below illustrates the problem. The trim shown in the image are identical. You can really see how the ceiling slope creates a transition problem at the corners.

I looked at pendants in CADD; They look ridiculous, so I'm not going that route.

I found that a smaller-dimension identical-profile crown sorta works at the corners. The transitions aren't perfect, but close enough given the height. I'm more concerned that the smaller trim used for the horizontal run will look disproportionate.

That's my dilemma. Any experienced trim carpenters have some suggestions for me to consider?

 

[BigJim]

I don't know if I can explain this or not but when you have ceiling mold as you have you will have to make a transitional piece to member the two different angles. If you take a short piece of the molding and bed it in at the corners you see, as in your illustration, that the mold will not be on the same plane. Once you make the transitional piece you will see the flow just doesn't look that great. In the photo below you can see what I mean.

The easy way out and one that will look better than a bunch of transitions would be a kill block.

These two transitions may not be exactly like yours but you get the picture.

 

[Nealtw]

www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/cutting_crown_transitions.html

 

[lothian]

Thanks for the response.

Personally, I find the small, pie-shaped transition segments aesthetically pleasing. (Interestingly, it appears that the crown in the "tan" image is installed upside-down to my eye.) I'll be installing this sort of transition in the corners where the ceiling slope meets the lowest wall, as shown here:

No "kill block" for me; a.k.a., pendant. I evaluated pendants in CADD at each corner and they just don't look good to me at all.

The solution to my dilemma that was provided to me, turns out, was to:

1) make both the inside and outside corners

2) cut the moulding to length between those two corners, then assemble the pieces into one unit

3) place the whole shebang flat against the wall and pivot 30° to meet the slope of the ceiling.

It's a flaw in my personality that, rather than be pleased that I can now move forward with the project, instead I am annoyed that I didn't see this obvious solution in the first place. Grumble. I mean, Yay! ...but, grumble.

 

[Nealtw]

You will have o cut the top so the new angle fits the ceiling

 

[lothian]

Probably not. Since each piece of moulding is assembled as a 45/45 at both corners, all pieces are flush with each other, and thus the ceiling (when pivoted).

 

[Nealtw]

Probably not. Since each piece of moulding is assembled as a 45/45 at both corners, all pieces are flush with each other, and thus the ceiling (when pivoted).

It would be nice if it was closer to the floor so you could play with samples.
:wink2:

 

[BigJim]

(Interestingly, it appears that the crown in the "tan" image is installed upside-down to my eye.)

Uh, no it isn't upside down, if it were, the profile would not match, right?

 

[lothian]

Gawd yes. Curse crown moulding and high ceilings. On the plus side, my thighs are getting buff.

 

[huesmann]

You will have o cut the top so the new angle fits the ceiling

Not in this case, since the angle between wall and ceiling is acute. The top can be flat against the ceiling, and the bottom can be angled against the wall. Now, if the angle was obtuse, then the bottom angled against the wall would leave a gap, and would need to be trimmed as you suggest.

 

[Nealtw]

Not in this case, since the angle between wall and ceiling is acute. The top can be flat against the ceiling, and the bottom can be angled against the wall. Now, if the angle was obtuse, then the bottom angled against the wall would leave a gap, and would need to be trimmed as you suggest.

Yeah, I got that soon after I posted it. :smile:

 

[lothian]

Annnd... it's up!

I followed a recommendation to assemble both corners of crown (as a three-piece unit) on the ground, hoist the thing up to the apex, and simply pivot it 30° to meet the ceiling slope. I did just that, and those violently simply instructions worked flawlessly. I shot the thing in place and the distraction of that task is behind me. I still can't believe I didn't see this simple solution! ...arrrgh!

 

[Nealtw]

that looks great.

 

[3onthetree]

Lothian, you seem very detail oriented, so I'll point something out only OCD folks will get - the 45d picture frame doesn't match the angle of the skirt board. That'll keep you up at night!
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Just kidding! Crown looks great, good job.

 

[lothian]

the 45d picture frame doesn't match the angle of the skirt board. That'll keep you up at night!

D'oh! You are correct! Amazing the details I miss! I believe the simplest and most appropriate remedy to this eye sore is to clad that wall section, followed by the entire stairwell, with angled raised panel wainscot.