When it comes to baseboard corners, there are several ways to get the job done. One way is to use a coping saw.
A coped joint is a great solution for inside corner joints where a baseboard butts up against an adjacent wall. To create a coped joint, cut the end of one molding to follow the profile of the other molding. This makes it fit snugly against the other wall.
Measure the Wall
Before you start installing baseboard, it’s important to measure the wall where you’ll install it. This will help you determine the amount of baseboard material you’ll need.
First, measure each straight section of the wall. Round up the number to the nearest whole-foot dimension divisible by two.
Next, mark the walls with painter’s tape to find the wall studs. These will serve as the firm base for nailing baseboards to.
Cut the baseboard pieces to the appropriate length, allowing extra inches for miter cuts on baseboards that meet outside corners.
Once the boards are cut, hammer in nails into the studs on both sides of each corner. Alternately, drive brads between the studs to tack the baseboard to the wall.
The final step is to fit the pieces together before permanently installing them. If the baseboards aren’t fitting as intended, sand them down to create a snug fit.
Mark the Corners
When you install baseboards, you may need to cut the corners differently than usual. These cuts are important because they will make the baseboards look more symmetrical and secure.
Start by marking the opposite ends of the baseboards that will fit against case moldings or other obstructions. If you can, use a tape measure to mark the wall studs as well.
Using this information, determine how long the boards should be. Outside corner bases should be a few inches longer than the wall so they can be cut into miter joints.
Once you have the pieces cut, test them in place to ensure they’re a tight fit. Then, nail them to the wall.
If a piece of trim doesn’t quite fit, you can adjust the miter angle for an easier fit. To do this, move the blade of the saw to an angle just slightly less than 45 degrees. This will cause the wall surface to sag slightly, which will make the two adjoining pieces of baseboard fit together much more tightly.
Cut the Corners
Baseboards are a great way to add accent to any room, and they’re also easy to install. But it’s important to cut them correctly for a neat, clean look.
The first thing to consider is the corner type you need for each board. There are inside and outside corners, so choose which one to use depending on the style of the wall.
For outside walls, you’ll need to cut the corners at a 45-degree angle. This makes the piece appear more decorative and allows you to connect it with other trim pieces.
If you’re unsure about the right cut for your corner, you can practice with scrap material before cutting the actual baseboards. This is especially important if the wall isn’t square, as you may need to adjust the angles of the miter saw to fit the corners.
You can also purchase special corner blocks that allow all the cuts to be 90 degrees. They’re easy to install, and they save you time, money and materials.
Install the Corners
When you install baseboards, it can be challenging to get the corner joints flush. This is due to the angle of the cut, the slope of the floor and the irregularity of the wall surface.
A solution to this problem is the use of baseboard corner blocks. These blocks eliminate the need for miter cuts and make the corners appear seamless.
First, make test cuts on scrap material with opposite 45-degree angles. If the corner is open on the face, slightly decrease the angle; if it’s open at the back, slightly increase the angle.
Second, fit a coped piece to the end that will be next to the corner. If the fit is too snug, sand it down until the joint becomes a smooth shape and contour.
Then, install the corner by driving nails into the studs that are usually found every 16 inches on-center. Start at the top and work your way down the baseboard. You should countersink the nails, as well as putty and caulk any gaps between the baseboard and the walls.