How to Make a Wood Cornice Board
- 1). Measure the width of the curtain rod and the depth of the shades or curtains to determine the width and depth of the cornice. Add 1 inch to each measurement to make an allowance for inner corners, and write it on paper. Also determine how far down you want the cornice to hang over the top of the curtains. Usually 6 to 8 inches of overhang is sufficient. A wood cornice consists of four pieces -- a front, two sides and a top.
- 2). Bevel cut each end of the 1-by-6 front board at a 45-degree angle. Also bevel one end of a side piece at a 45-degree angle. Set the saw at 90 degrees, and cut the other end of each side board to the desired length.
- 3). Glue the miter or bevel ends of the front and sides. Join the miter end of each side to the ends of the front. Reinforce each joint with three 1-inch galvanized wire brads.
- 4). Cut the board for the top of the cornice to size so it fits flush over the front and two sides. Trim excess length if necessary.
- 5). Glue the exposed edges of the front and side boards. Lower the top evenly over the glued part, and press it lightly to establish good contact. Insert 1 1/2-inch wire brads every six inches along the top board to join it to the boards directly below.
- 6). Cut two lengths of crown molding for the sides, each 1 inch longer than the length of the sides. Cut two opposite 45-degree cuts over the ends of each piece to accommodate the right and left corner. Also cut the molding for the front, and miter each end.
- 7). Position the cornice on the table so that it rests over its top board. Glue the back of a small piece of molding for the side, and join it in place. Reinforce the joint with a row of 1-inch brads. Glue the miter ends and the back of the front molding strip before joining it to the cornice. Reinforce this strip of molding to the cornice with 1-inch brads. Repeat the procedure to glue and tack the second short length of molding over the other side of the cornice.
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