How to Cut Baseboard Moulding
Decorative baseboard moulding dramatically improves a room's appearance and adds much desired character. These architectural elements are economical to install and can be accomplished in a short time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Roughly measure each wall individually, and then lay out the baseboard, pre-selecting each piece to best fit the wall segment.
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Choose a starting place and work around the room in a clockwise direction. The preferred beginning point is a blunt edge, when available, where the base moulding meets the door trim.
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Cut the left end of the trim the correct angle first, then proceed with the measurements for the next cut. This makes the measuring process much simpler. Cut the blunt edge of the trim with the miter saw set at a 90-degree angle. This is where the blade is straight up and down.
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Take a precise measurement of the wall at floor level, and then measure the baseboard trim and mark with a pencil.
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The subsequent cut depends on the next intersection the baseboard meets. When it is another blunt edge, leave the 90-degree blade angle in place and cut at the measured mark.
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Outside and inside corners are treated differently, requiring the saw blade to be adjusted to a 45-degree angle. For an outside corner, position the blade for the cut so that it is tilted 45-degrees,;the blade should be slanting right. Position the trim so that the measurement mark is lined up with the center line on the saw table. The mark should be where the blade will exit the backside of the trim, not where the blade first touches the trim. To complete the outside corner, tilt the saw blade 45-degrees slanting to the left. Cut the left edge of the next piece of trim.
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When working with inside corners, start with the saw at a 45-degree angle slanted left. Again, align the measurement pencil mark with the center line on the saws table, and then cut. To complete the interior corner, adjust saw blade 45-degrees, slanting right to cut the next moulding piece.
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Tips & Warnings
When baseboards are installed in rooms with hard surface flooring, a shoe moulding is usually included. Rooms with carpeting often do not have shoe moulding. The same cutting rules apply to the shoe moulding when installed.
Always use protective and safety gear when using power tools.
