Crown Molding Material Types

Crown Molding Material Types Include Wood, Plaster, MDF and Plastic

By Mark J. Donovan




Crown molding is used to add elegance in the transition point between walls and ceilings. Installing crown molding adds both texture and character to a room that is unmatched by any other type of finished carpentry accessory. There are many crown molding types to choose from.

When it comes to selecting the right crown molding material for your crown molding installation project the choices are many. Crown molding stock is available in a variety of wood products, as well as in plaster, and various polymers. Crown molding normally comes in straight stock, however there are also flex crown molding types for bay window areas and curved walls.

Solid Wood Crown Molding

Solid wood crown molding stock is the post popular crown molding type installed. Wood crown molding is available in many types of wood, including hardwoods such as mahogany and oak. There is also a plethora of stock options to choose from which helps to keep crown molding costs affordable.

In many cases, the various wood crown molding stock options can be integrated together to develop very sophisticated and elegant crown molding patterns.

Solid wood crown molding installation can be tricky, particularly due to the fact that consideration has to be made for shrinking and swelling due to temperature and humidity changes. The shrinking and swelling can lead to separated, cracking, or split joints.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Crown Molding

MDF crown molding is fabricated using a combination of sawdust and resins and is ideal for rooms where the trim is painted.

Though MDF is ideal for painting, there is some MDF stock available that has a wood veneer finish and can be stained. MDF is less susceptible to shrinking and expansion, and is less expensive than traditional wood crown molding. It is also available in a wide variety of stock profiles.

Learn How to Quickly Install Crown Molding

Plaster Crown Molding

Plaster crown molding is the ultimate in elegance, and as a result so is the price. It is typically used on plastered walls. The reason plaster crown molding is so pricey is that it is not available in stock form. Instead it is custom made per specific customer requirements. Due to the fact that it is custom made, very unique and intricate profiles can be fabricated, but again, at a steep price. It is also difficult to install as it susceptible to cracking and requires back buttering with plaster. One advantage of plaster crown molding is that it doesn’t shrink, expand or warp and thus joints stay tight regardless of room temperature and humidity.

Polystyrene Crown Molding

Polystyrene crown molding is effectively inexpensive plastic crown molding that looks as if it was extruded on the same production line as a Styrofoam cup. Its mottled texture is obvious upon close inspection and it needs to be painted. The novice do it yourself person can fasten it to walls using a miter saw and some construction adhesive. Once the adhesive has been applied to the back of it, it can be pressed into place and held by masking tape until the adhesive dries. After the adhesive has dried, the masking tape can be removed. To complete this low-budget crown molding project, just caulk the joints, lightly sand them, and then apply paint.

PVC Crown Molding

PVC crown molding is ideal for humid or moist rooms, such as a bathroom or finished basement area. Due to the fact that is fabricated using polymers (e.g. plastic), it is impervious to moisture, rot or insect damage, and it will not shrink or warp. On the downside, stock profiles are somewhat simple and limited, and it can only be painted.

Polyurethane Crown Molding

Polyurethane crown molding, as it name suggests, is a polymer based crown molding. It is relatively inexpensive, is more stable than wood crown molding, and is easier to install than wood crown molding. It is also available in a large number of stock profiles, and does not crack, split or chip. It is also insect and rot repellant. On the downside, it is only used in painted applications and it can easily dent.

To summarize, there are crown molding types for all different types of budgets, applications and carpentry skill levels. So if you want to convert an otherwise drab room into an elegant space, visit your local home improvement store and find the right crown molding material for your specific needs.


Dress Up Your Home with Crown Molding – For specific instructions on installing crown molding see the “Installing Crown Molding Ebook“.  The “Installing Crown Molding Ebook” will show you how to properly measure, select, cut and install crown molding like a professional carpenter.  It provides detailed instructions on every step in the process of installing crown molding and includes 28 instructional pictures! Order and Immediately Download today!. 100% Money-Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied.

For information on installing Window and Door trim see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s  Installing Interior Window Trim Ebook and  Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook.  These Ebooks are loaded with pictures and provide easy to understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to install interior window and door trim.

Related Information


Additional Finish Carpentry Resources from Amazon.com


Free Home Addition Price Quotes with No Obligation!

Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a house addition from one of our prescreened and licensed home addition contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your house addition price estimate.