How do I measure baseboards for a miter cut?

Question

I am putting 3" wide baseboards along my living room, dining room, and around the base of built in cabinets. Can anyone tell me the rule for measuing the miter on outside corners and inside corners?

I want to get it perfect as I have just about exactly the amount of baseboard that is required and hope I don't have to buy any extra.

Thank you.

Answer 1

You simply cut the inside 45 degree first, then you lay the two in tacked with finishing nails then you take a pencil and mark for the outside corner. With that mark, use then take a TRY square and bring that mark around and there is a 45 on a try square, so you can mark the cutting line.

If you dont have a Try square get yourself one they cost couple dollars only. Is a small square with a heavy cast end.

Answer 2

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RE:
How do I measure baseboards for a miter cut?
I am putting 3" wide baseboards along my living room, dining room, and around the base of built in cabinets. Can anyone tell me the rule for measuing the miter on outside corners and inside corners?

I want to get it perfect as I have just about exactly the amount of baseboard that is...

Answer 3

Wide Baseboards

Answer 4

Baseboard Corners

Answer 5

there are 2 ways to do inside corners. Cope or miter. Its easier for beginners to do the miter in my opinion. You measure your total length for the wall in the case that its less than the lenth of the baseboard. Set your saw up to a 45 degree angle and set your baseboard on the saw exactly how it will sit on the wall and cut it. The longpoint of the miter will be the wall distance. If your wall is longer than your baseboard you need a scarf joint instead of just a butt joint. Do this by making a 45 degree cut in both pieces so that one will overlap the other. Outside corners are done the same way as inside except the cuts are in opposite directions.

Answer 6

The best method is to measure all the way to the wall, then you have to cope the joint. You run one piece of base square all the way to the wall, then you cut the other piece on a 45 exposing the profile, like you would if you were just 45ing your two inside corners. Then you take a coping saw and back cut the base cutting along the profile of the base board. As I said before measure to the wall not the other base board cause this will be deducted when you are coping the profile, and it is better to have it slightly longer than it needs to be and snap it into place. You should have nice tight joints. Caulk any gaps you may have if it is painted baseboards, if stained make sure you do a very good job.

Answer 7

Hopefully you have a mitre saw and not a mitre box when you start this job, and I would also recommend one that can rotate the full 180 degrees.

I would also get a speed Square and check each corner to make sure the house hasn't shifted dramatically, which can be a royal pain.

If everything is square, it is pretty simple if you just take the time to mark the short and long sides of your boards prior to cutting.

I use an S on the backside of the board if cutting outside corners and an L on the backside if cutting inside corners.

Here is the rule, inside corners cut @ 45 measured piece is the long side against the wall.

Outside corners cut at 45 Short side against the wall.

Use wood filler to fill in the gaps

Answer 8

measure baseboards miter cut

Answer 9

Always, Always buy a little extra material. Nobody does a perfect job without mistakes! For each length measured, add 2 inches. If there are any gaps use an expandable, paintable caulk and smooth it iut with your finger. My rule of thumb is, if you want to critique my work, tou can critique it from the road!! You will be your own worst critic. Most mistakes are not noticable, except by you, and if you don't say anything,so be it.

Answer 10

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