Can You Use Wood Crown Molding in Shower? (Find Out Now!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Wood crown molding is one of the most classic elements of a home. Many people love it for what it can bring to a style and design. Wood crown molding is common in a kitchen or living room, but can you use wood crown molding in a shower?

You should not use wood crown molding in a shower as moisture causes warping and mildew. However, there are water-resistant varieties of crown molding that you can use in a shower. Polyurethane foam crown molding is a suitable substitute for wood crown molding in the shower.

The value of wood crown molding cannot be understated. It is incredibly valuable from a home decor standpoint and can be used to instantly dress up your home’s style. If you want this amazing style in your shower, this complete guide will show you how it’s possible.

Do You Need Interior Trim or Decorative Molding Installation?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Understanding Crown Molding

Before you implement crown molding anywhere in your home, you might want to know more about it. Crown molding is a traditional type of molding for your ceilings. It generally extends anywhere from a couple of inches to several inches down the wall from the ceiling.

Wood crown molding is notorious for adding a classy, sophisticated look. This look has since been modernized and has been used in a variety of applications. However, exposing it to moisture will certainly have you thinking twice.

Crown molding is mostly meant to be decorative and has roots in Victorian architecture and decor. Throughout history, it has been used as a status symbol and seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity.

Crown molding is traditionally made from solid wood or plaster. However, in recent years it has been made out of other materials. These materials are sometimes water-resistant. If you are going to put crown molding in a shower, you will want to know more about these.

Can You Put Wood Crown Molding In The Shower?

It is not advised to put traditional wooden crown molding in a shower. If it is exposed to moisture, the consequences could be dire.

The humidity from the shower would lead to the crown molding taking on moisture. Eventually, the wood would rot, develop mold, or both.

This would render your crown molding ruined and you would need to remove it. This is not a good pathway to choose if you want crown molding in your shower. However, there are options for crown molding that are water-resistant.

About Water-Resistant vs. Wood Crown Molding In The Shower

Water-resistant crown molding provides you with a lot more freedom than wooden crown molding. It enables you to put crown molding almost anywhere. You might be wondering what material would allow you to accomplish crown molding in the shower.

There are crown molding options that are made from polyurethane foam or PVC that provide you with water resistance. Though these options are not made from solid wood like traditional wood molding, they are a good substitute.

With polyurethane or PVC crown molding in your shower, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of crown molding in your home.

You’ll also be able to avoid the downsides of wooden crown molding. The best thing is that nobody will be able to tell the difference.

Advantages of Water-Resistant Crown Molding vs. Wood Crown Molding In The Shower

Water-resistant crown molding is becoming more and more popular. Another great thing about water-resistant molding is that it is generally more affordable because it is easier and less time-consuming to make. There are also thousands of pattern options to choose from.

With a water-resistant option, you can put crown molding wherever you want. Plus, you have more options available and can be as flexible as you would like.

Benefits of Crown Molding

There are several benefits to including crown molding in your home. These make it well worth your while to pursue these options.

Some might find it shocking that people go to such lengths to include crown molding in their homes. However, anyone that has had crown molding in their shower and bathroom can testify as to its benefits. Crown molding has long been associated with a large number of benefits.

Here are some of the most common and powerful benefits of having crown molding in your home and shower.

More Sophisticated Look

If you prefer a more sophisticated and traditional look in your home, then crown molding is a great option. Crown molding comes from a historical period. That makes it an easy way to include this style in your home, should you so desire.

If there is one thing that is certain about crown molding, it’s that it helps to make your home look higher-class and more sophisticated. It has the same effect in your bathroom and shower.

Increased Home Value

Since crown molding is held in such high regard, it is not uncommon for it to increase home value. In homes where good-condition crown molding is in place, you’ll find that the value of the home is higher.

If you want to increase the value of your home, this is an option for you. You could simply install an affordable water-resistant crown molding in your home.

This would give your home a more sophisticated and high-class appearance. This inevitably leads to an increase in value.

Hides Cracks and Flaws

In any home and especially older homes, cracks and blemishes will form near where the wall meets the ceiling. Crown molding has long been used as a way to hide this.

Crown molding is beautiful, but it is also functional. It can help to hide cracks and blemishes on your walls.

Cracks and blemishes will appear in any home regardless of condition. These are natural and happen over time.

Don’t let it bring down the value of your home. You can cover these flaws with beautiful crown molding.

Eliminates Empty Space

For homes with very tall ceilings, crown molding is especially a good option. Tall ceilings mean that your rooms will have a lot of empty space near the top of the room. This includes a shower or bathroom space.

Without anything in that space, it can look naked and strange. If you want to avoid this, crown molding is a great option. Crown molding can help to furnish the space and make it easier on the eyes.

Do You Need Interior Trim or Decorative Molding Installation?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

Is water-resistant crown molding easy to install?

Yes, typically polyurethane foam crown molding is more lightweight than wood crown molding. This lightness makes it easy to install. However, if you don’t consider yourself handy, then it’s best to hire a pro for the installation. 


Can you put crown molding over tile?

Yes, you can put crown molding over tile. It is important that you leave room for the tile under the molding. It shouldn’t extend all the way to the wall. Make sure that you follow proper procedures and make the proper cuts when doing this. Again, if you are unsure of your skill level, it’s best to hire a pro to get a clean, sophisticated look.


How much does it cost to install water-resistant crown molding?

Depending on the style you choose, you can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per linear foot for installing polyurethane foam molding. This cost includes materials and labor. If opting for PVC crown molding or trim, installation and materials cost between $3.50 and $8 per linear foot.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

More by Upgraded Home Team

Next