How to Fit a Coped Joint

A coped joint is a necessity for installing inside corners. Coped joints help to hide the joint/seam between two pieces of molding, won't open up over time (as a mitered joint will) and don't even need to be measured. Yet in spite of these benefits, many people are leery of using coped joints-most likely because they don't understand how to cut them. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coping saw and replacement blades
• Miter saw or miter box and hand saw
• Hammer and finishing nails
• Rattail file or sandpaper (80 grit)
• Moldings

Fitting the Joint

1. Fitting a coped joint to hide the seam between two pieces of wood is a five-step process.

2. Start by butting one piece of molding (with its end cut at 90 degrees) directly into the corner.

3. Cut the second piece of molding on a 45-degree angle with the point facing into the corner.

4. Use a coping saw to cut away the molding material from the rear of the molding profile. Cut carefully, as you want the molding profile outlined on the end of the molding with no material behind it.

5. Slide the coped piece (the cut profile) into the corner up against the first piece. The profile will fit perfectly over the profile of the first piece if it has been cut exactly. (Since this rarely happens on the first try, use a rattail file or some 80-grit sandpaper to incrementally remove material from the back of the cut profile until the two pieces fit/overlap precisely.)

6. Once you're satisfied with the fit, fasten your moldings in place and move on to the next section.

Tips & Warnings

• Cutting and fitting perfect coped joints is a learned skill. Don't expect your first coped joints to be perfect. However, if you take your time on the first few, you'll find that fitting coped joints will get easier amazingly quickly.
• Highlighting the profile with a pencil before you cut away the material on the back of the molding can make it easier to see the line on which you're cutting.
• A sharp blade in your coping saw will make your job much easier. Coping saw blades are usually sold in packages of five to ten blades and aren't expensive.
• Even though you use hand tools when cutting a coped joint, they're still sharp. Always be careful when working with tools.