The Molding Hack That Magnolia's Chip And Joanna Gaines Use To Save Money During A Renovation

There is one touch that adds elegance and refinement to any living room or hallway, and that's molding. Crown molding typically spans the length of the room, lining the corner where the ceiling and the walls come together, often adding detailing and eye-appealing character to the space. It's one of those added touches that can be a good way to add value to the home. According to Fixr, the average cost to install crown molding is between $2,000 and $4,000, which could be out of the budget for many people, especially if you plan to place it in numerous rooms. Traditionally, crown molding is made of wood, often with intricate detailing carved into it or a layered look with multiple pieces of wood.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the owners of Magnolia Network and fixer-upper gurus, shared a secret way to get the look and feel of crown molding without the high costs. What is the molding hack they have to share that could help you get the same look for less?

In the Fixer Upper: The Castle episode (via Realtor), Chip and Joanna Gaines share an interesting take on adding the detail and charm of molding for less. With the budget in mind, Joanna is concerned when Chip orders molding for the property and then is even more concerned when she finds out it is actually Styrofoam molding. The flimsy material seems like a strange choice for the project, but then Chip explains it's very affordable.

The molding goes up with ease as it's quite lightweight. However, that's not the end of the project. Chip reveals that the team will recreate the traditional crown molding look by applying plaster over the top of the styrofoam, bringing it to life for a fraction of the cost of what traditional molding costs. The addition of foam crown molding like this is a cost-effective way to upgrade any living room. In addition, Crown Molding Solutions notes there are numerous styles and shapes of molding available that are easy to install and add a dramatic feel to any room.