How hard is it to install crown molding, do I need special tools?

It’s not too hard to install. You’ll need a compound miter saw and an air nailer (for finishing nails).

The hardest thing is the corners - whether they’re inside corners or outside corners. People like my brother-in-law can cut them intuitively. Me, I need to do the math.

Always cut the piece a bit longer than you’ll need it. This way you can trim it once you’ve got the angle right. I know. As expensive as crown molding is, do you really want to waste any? Let me assure you. You’d rather waste a few inches than an entire piece because it’s too short.

The other trick (before I forget) is to miter your joints on the straights. That is, when you have to join two straight pieces together, don’t use a butt joint, cut them both at a 45 so that the joint is hidden better.

You can rent the tools - Air nailer, compressor, compound miter saw - That’ll save you money if you don’t plan to use them again. Then again, I always looked at it as a reason to increase my tool inventory.