How to Miter Cut a Baseboard Corner
When you are installing a baseboard corner you will need to cut the board properly. This type of cut is relatively simple to make with the proper equipment. You will need a miter saw to cut your baseboard at the correct angle. When using a miter saw, keep in mind that the miter angle is the number of degrees of the angle on the saw. This measurement is located near the miter saw handle. The bevel angle is less visible. It is located near the back of the miter saw. You will need to adjust the miter angle and bevel angles for imperfect walls in your room. These are walls that are neither square nor plumb.
Step 1 – Safety
Be sure to put on your protective eye wear before you begin to use your miter saw to prevent any accidental injury. Always be careful working with power tools. Be sure the power button is turned to the off position before you plug the saw into a power source. Always unplug your power tools and store them in a safe place when you have finished using them.
Step 2 – Measuring Your Walls
Use your measuring tape to determine the lengths of your walls. Be sure to measure from one corner to the next. Find the studs in walls that are longer than your baseboards. You will secure your board to the closest stud.
Step 3 – Making Inside Corner Cuts
You will need to make four inside corner cuts for a room. To make this type of cut, set your miter bevel to 45 degrees. Set your miter to zero degrees. Use your pencil to mark the back of your baseboard. Once your miter and bevel angles are set, turn on the saw. Cut along the pencil line so that the back side of the baseboard is longer than the front side. Lower the saw onto the baseboard. Continue pushing the blade through the trim. Do not apply too much pressure. Do not force the blade too quickly through the baseboard. This could damage your trim. Once the blade has cut through the baseboard, turn off the saw and raise the blade.
Step 4 – Making Outside Corner Cuts
Keep the miter saw at the same settings. Use your pencil to mark the back of your baseboard. Continue cutting through the baseboard with the miter saw, using the same care as in step 3. Cut the board so that the front side will be longer than the back side.
Step 5 – Making Square Cuts
Determine which type of cut you will need to make to your baseboard ends. A board that will meet another board directly will need a square cut. Use the miter saw set to zero degrees for these cuts.
