How to Cut Traditional Light Molding

A miter saw will help you cut light rail molding.

There are many different types of molding that can be installed on kitchen cabinets. One of these types of molding is light rail molding. Traditional light rail molding is installed beneath the cabinet and is hidden from sight under cabinet lighting so that it remains unseen by homeowners and their guests. This molding is cut like most types of molding. However, it is important to cut the molding with a miter saw instead of a miter box and hand saw. Using a miter box and hand saw to cut the molding can damage the finish and potentially ruin the molding.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Light rail molding
• Miter saw
• Clamps
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Caulk or wood putty

Instructions

1. Measure the bottom front edges of the kitchen cabinets with a measuring tape. Measure as accurately as possible and write the measurements down on a piece of paper.

2. Transfer the measurements of the cabinets to the length of light rail molding with a pencil.

3. Set the light molding on the miter saw. Adjust the saw so it is set at a 45-degree angle to cut corners in the molding. Cut all the pieces of the light rail molding on the miter saw. Cut the longer pieces of molding first. This will make it possible to reuse these pieces for the smaller pieces of molding if you make a mistake on the cut.

4. Attach the light rail molding to the bottom of the kitchen cabinets. Clamp the molding in place while you match up the seams in the molding and screw the molding in place with a screwdriver and screws.

5. Fill the miter joint seams with caulk or wood putty.

References

• Fix My Cabinet: Installing Light Rail Cabinet Molding-Flush or Recessed
• Charles and Hudson: How to Cut and Install Molding for an Interior Corner