Quarter round is a type of molding that is used to cover the joint between two surfaces, such as the floor and the wall. It is typically made of wood or plastic, and it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. One of the most common types of quarter round is inside corner quarter round, which is used to cover the joint between two walls. Cutting inside corners on quarter round can be a bit tricky, but it is not impossible. With a little practice, you can get the hang of it and create beautiful, professional-looking results.
To cut inside corners on quarter round, you will need a miter saw. A miter saw is a type of saw that is used to make angled cuts. It is important to use a miter saw for this project because it will help you to make precise cuts. If you do not have a miter saw, you can rent one from your local hardware store. Once you have your miter saw, you can begin cutting the inside corners on your quarter round.
To cut an inside corner on quarter round, you will need to first measure the length of the joint that you will be covering. Once you have the measurement, you can cut two pieces of quarter round to the desired length. To cut the inside corner, you will need to place the two pieces of quarter round on the miter saw and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Once you have cut the inside corner, you can attach the two pieces of quarter round to the joint using adhesive or nails.
Measure and Mark the Inside Corner
Determining the angle and length of the corner cut requires careful measurement and marking. Follow these steps to accurately lay out the cut:
Step 1: Determine the Angle
Measure the angle between the two walls forming the inside corner using a protractor or digital angle finder. If the angle is not exactly 90 degrees (a square corner), the quarter round will need to be beveled to match the angle.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Length
Measure the distance from the point where the walls meet to the edge of the room. This measurement represents the length of the quarter round that will be cut for the inside corner. Mark this length onto the quarter round using a measuring tape and pencil.
Step 3: Draw the Bevel (If Necessary)
If the inside corner is not 90 degrees, it will be necessary to draw a bevel on the quarter round. Determine the angle of the bevel by dividing the measured angle by 2. For example, if the inside corner measures 80 degrees, the bevel angle would be 40 degrees.
| Inside Corner Angle | Bevel Angle |
|---|---|
| 80° | 40° |
| 75° | 37.5° |
| 60° | 30° |
| 45° | 22.5° |
Using a protractor or bevel gauge, draw a line at the appropriate bevel angle from the mark you made in Step 2. This line will guide you when cutting the quarter round.
Make a Test Cut
Before you start cutting the inside corners of your quarter round, it’s a good idea to make a test cut on a scrap piece of material. This will help you to get the hang of the technique and to make sure that you have the right saw blade and settings.
To make a test cut, follow these steps:
- Set the saw blade to the correct angle. The angle will vary depending on the thickness of your quarter round, but it is typically between 45 and 60 degrees.
- Clamp the scrap piece of material to your work surface.
- Hold the saw firmly and make a cut through the material.
**Make sure to keep your fingers out of the way of the blade.** - Inspect the cut to make sure that it is clean and precise.
Once you are satisfied with your test cut, you can proceed to cutting the inside corners of your quarter round.
| Quarter Round Thickness | Saw Blade Angle |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 45 degrees |
| 3/8 inch | 50 degrees |
| 1/2 inch | 60 degrees |
Fill any Gaps
Any gaps between the quarter round and the wall can be filled with either caulk or wood filler. Caulk is a better choice for small gaps, while wood filler is better for larger gaps.
Using Caulk:
- Apply a bead of caulk along the gap between the quarter round and the wall.
- Smooth the caulk with your finger or a damp cloth.
- Apply a bead of caulk along the gap between the quarter round and the wall.
- Smooth the caulk with your finger or a damp cloth.
Using Wood Filler:
- Mix the wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the wood filler to the gap between the quarter round and the wall using a putty knife.
- Smooth the wood filler with your finger or a damp cloth.
- Mix the wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the wood filler to the gap between the quarter round and the wall using a putty knife.
- Smooth the wood filler with your finger or a damp cloth.
After the caulk or wood filler has dried, you can paint it to match the color of the quarter round.
| Pros of using caulk | Cons of using caulk |
|---|---|
| Easy to apply | Not as durable as wood filler |
| Can be used to fill small gaps | Can shrink over time |
| Pros of using wood filler | Cons of using wood filler |
|---|---|
| More durable than caulk | Can be difficult to apply |
| Can be used to fill both small and large gaps | Can be difficult to sand or paint |
Sand and Finish
Once the quarter round is cut and installed, it’s time to sand and finish it to match the rest of the trim. Here are the steps:
1. Sand Rough Edges
Use a sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or splinters. Sand with the grain of the wood, and be careful not to over-sand.
2. Fill Nail Holes
If you used nails to secure the quarter round, fill the nail holes with wood filler. Let the filler dry completely, then sand it flush with the surface.
3. Apply Primer
Apply a coat of primer to the quarter round using a brush or roller. Primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a smooth finish.
4. Paint Quarter Round
Paint the quarter round with two coats of latex paint in the desired color. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
5. Caulk Joints
Apply a thin bead of caulk to the joints between the quarter round and the wall or baseboard. Use a damp cloth to smooth the caulk and remove any excess.
6. Touch Up
Inspect the quarter round for any imperfections or missed spots. Touch up the paint or caulk as needed.
7. Protect the Finish
Consider applying a clear coat of polyurethane or varnish to protect the finish and make it more durable.
8. Enjoy the Results
Once the quarter round is sanded and finished, it will add a clean, professional touch to your home.
9. Detailed Guide to Sanding Inside Corners
Sanding inside corners can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve a smooth, professional finish:
- Use a sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper.
- Hold the sandpaper perpendicular to the surface of the corner.
- Gently sand in a circular motion, moving from the inside of the corner outward.
- Avoid using excessive force, as this can cause the sandpaper to tear.
- Check the progress frequently and stop sanding when the corner is smooth and even.
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Sanding sponge | Versatile tool for sanding small areas and contours |
| Fine-grit sandpaper | For smooth, final sanding |
| Wood filler | To fill nail holes and imperfections |
| Primer | Prepares the surface for paint |
| Latex paint | Durable and easy to apply |
| Caulk | To seal joints and prevent moisture damage |
How To Cut Inside Corners On Quarter Round
To cut inside corners on quarter round, you will need a miter saw or a coping saw. If you are using a miter saw, set the saw to a 45-degree angle. Place the quarter round on the saw table with the inside corner facing up. Align the saw blade with the inside corner and make the cut. If you are using a coping saw, insert the coping saw blade into the inside corner of the quarter round. Hold the saw perpendicular to the quarter round and cut along the inside corner. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid splintering the wood.
Once you have cut the inside corner, you will need to miter the ends of the quarter round. To do this, set your miter saw to a 45-degree angle. Place the quarter round on the saw table with the mitered end facing up. Align the saw blade with the mitered end and make the cut. Repeat this process for the other end of the quarter round.
Once you have mitered the ends of the quarter round, you can install it on the wall. Apply a bead of caulk to the back of the quarter round and press it into place. Use a nail gun to secure the quarter round to the wall. Be sure to countersink the nails so that they are below the surface of the wood.
People Also Ask
How do you cut quarter round molding for inside corners?
To cut quarter round molding for inside corners, you can use a miter saw or a coping saw. If you are using a miter saw, set the saw to a 45-degree angle. Place the quarter round on the saw table with the inside corner facing up. Align the saw blade with the inside corner and make the cut. If you are using a coping saw, insert the coping saw blade into the inside corner of the quarter round. Hold the saw perpendicular to the quarter round and cut along the inside corner. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid splintering the wood.
How do you make inside corners with quarter round?
To make inside corners with quarter round, you will need to cut the quarter round at a 45-degree angle. You can do this using a miter saw or a coping saw. Once you have cut the quarter round, apply a bead of caulk to the back of the quarter round and press it into place. Use a nail gun to secure the quarter round to the wall. Be sure to countersink the nails so that they are below the surface of the wood.
What is the best way to cut quarter round?
The best way to cut quarter round is to use a miter saw. A miter saw will give you a clean, precise cut. However, if you do not have a miter saw, you can also use a coping saw or a handsaw.
