How to Measure Molding for Cutting Corners

Before any molding can be installed inside a room, whether it is crown, chair rail or baseboard molding, it must first be measured and cut. The most difficult part about measuring molding is determining the angles for the corners. Measuring corner angles for cutting molding is somewhat difficult, and there is a specific process that must be followed to match the edges of the molding. Once you have the molding measured you can cut the angles and install the molding.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 360 degree angle protractor
• Miter saw
• Pencil
• Paper
• Coping saw (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the protractor in the corner of the walls to measure the angle. Measure the angle of each corner using the angle protractor. Write the angle of each corner down. The angles are likely be slightly different for each corner, so make sure to label the corner so that you know where it is in the room. Label whether the corner is an outside or inside corner as well.

2. Set the angle on the saw. Most of the measuring for the molding cuts actually occur with the angle of the saw. The cutting angle that you use on the saw will vary with the angle of your walls, but the most common corner angle for moldings are 52 degrees on top and 38 degrees on the bottom. Some saws come with a angle guide that you can refer to for the cutting angle for different angles.

3. Set the bevel saw blade to a 33.86 degree angle. Set the saw table at an angle of 31.62 degrees.

4. Measure the length of each wall. Write down the measurements and indicate which corners they belong to. Use pieces of molding that are the exact same length as the wall when possible.

5. Cut the moldings and test the fit of the angle before installing them along the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a miter saw, you can use a coping saw to make the angle cut. Simply cut each edge of the molding to a 45 degree angle with the saw.

References

• Extreme How To: DIY Crown Molding
• Do It Yourself Help: DIY Installing Crown Molding