How to Cut Baseboard Molding
There are many ways to decorate a wall where it meets the floor. The most common way is to use a mold known as baseboard. You can get this not only in wood, but you can also find it in rubber and even plastic made to look like wood. The rubber pieces are cut with a razor knife. However, wooden baseboard needs a little more attention while installing. This project requires some knowledge of woodworking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Baseboard
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter's square
- Electric miter saw
- Coping saw
Instructions
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1
Measure one wall from corner to corner. If you have a piece of baseboard that will be long enough, mark the length of that wall and use the electric miter saw to cut it. Be certain this piece fits snug. If the space between the two walls is longer than your baseboard, make a joint somewhere along the wall by cutting a 45 degree angle where the pieces meet.
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2
Measure the opposite wall and repeat Step 1 for that wall. Be sure the baseboard fits snugly.
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3
Measure the wall between the two pieces of baseboard that you've just cut and mark another piece of the baseboard accordingly. Be certain not to measure between the two pieces of baseboard as this will make your piece too short; measure between the walls.
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4
Set the electric miter box to cut an inside miter on a 45-degree angle. Be careful that the back of the angle is at the mark that you made. You may want to cut one of these miters before marking the length you need.
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5
Cut the shape of the baseboard left by the inside miter cut with the coping saw. When done correctly, this piece of baseboard will fit between the two pieces that you cut in Steps 1 and 2. The end that you cut with the coping saw will be shaped like the baseboard.
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Tips & Warnings
If cutting between the corner and a door, you can choose which piece you want to cut straight and which piece you want to cope.
If painting the baseboard, use painter's caulk where the baseboard meets in the corners and against the walls.
If staining the baseboard, use wood putty that takes a stain or is the same color as your stain.
Wear safety glasses.
Always stain or paint in a well-ventilated area.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.woodweb.com/
