How should crown molding be finished at corners?

When finishing crown molding at corners, coping is considered the best practice, especially at inside corners. This technique involves cutting the profile of the crown molding at an angle to fit snugly against the adjacent piece, creating a seamless joint. Coped joints allow for slight variations in wall angles and can accommodate any imperfections in the cut, ensuring a tight fit that minimizes gaps.

Using a coped joint provides not only a visually appealing finish but also a structurally sound connection as the profile’s shape interlocks, which is critical for the decorative aspect of crown molding. In contrast, mitered corners can sometimes lead to gaps over time as the wood expands and contracts, particularly if the angle is not precisely cut or if the walls are not perfectly square.

The other options, such as gluing in place and splicing, do not address the specific needs for corner finishing in crown molding and could lead to unsightly results or structural weaknesses. Therefore, coping at inside corners stands out as the most effective technique for achieving a polished and lasting finish in crown molding installation.