#1 Guide: How to Cut Outside Corner Moulding

Outside corner moulding
corner molding

Outside corner molding is an essential element of any home improvement project. It is used to cover the joint between two walls and provide a smooth, finished look. However, cutting outside corner molding can be a tricky task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cut outside corner molding, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

The first step is to measure the length of the molding that you need. To do this, place the molding against the corner and mark the point where it intersects with the other wall. Then, measure the distance from the mark to the end of the molding. Once you have the measurement, cut the molding to the desired length using a miter saw.

Next, you need to cut the miter angles on the ends of the molding. To do this, set the miter saw to a 45-degree angle and make a cut on one end of the molding. Then, flip the molding over and make a cut on the other end at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction. This will create a mitered joint when the two pieces of molding are joined together.

Planning the Cut

Cutting outside corner molding can be a challenging task, but with careful planning, it can be done accurately and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Determine the Angle of the Cut

To determine the angle of the cut, you will need to measure the angle of the corner where the molding will be installed. This can be done using a protractor or a miter saw with a digital angle readout. Once you have the angle measurement, you can use a miter box or a miter saw to set the saw blade to the correct angle.

2. Choose the Right Blade

For cutting outside corner molding, it is important to use a sharp blade that is designed for cutting wood. A crosscut blade is the best choice for this type of cut, as it will produce a clean and precise finish. Make sure the blade is securely fastened in the saw before making the cut.

3. Measure and Mark the Molding

Before making the cut, you need to measure and mark the molding to the desired length. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the molding that you need, and then mark the cut line with a pencil or a marking knife.

Step	Description
1	Measure the angle of the corner.
2	Choose the right blade.
3	Measure and mark the molding.

Measuring and Marking the Moulding

The precise measurement and marking of the moulding are crucial for a successful cut. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure accuracy:

Measure the Length

Using a measuring tape, determine the total length of the moulding that needs to be cut. Mark this measurement on the moulding’s face using a pencil or marking knife.
Mark the Outside Corner

Identify the outside corner where the moulding will be installed. Place the moulding against the corner and align one side of the moulding along the vertical edge of the wall or window frame. Use a pencil to mark the point where the other side of the moulding meets the adjacent horizontal surface.

Alternatively, you can use a miter gauge on a miter saw to mark the angle accurately. Place the moulding inside the miter gauge and adjust the angle to 45 degrees. Holding the gauge level, mark the moulding where it meets the 45-degree angle.

Repeat this process for the other side of the moulding.
Mark the Miter Cut

From the mark where the moulding meets the outside corner, measure a distance equal to the width of the moulding. Mark this point along the length of the moulding. This mark represents the start of the miter cut.

Using a miter saw or hand miter box, set the angle to 45 degrees. Place the moulding inside the saw or box and align the start of the miter cut with the saw blade or miter slot. Mark the end of the miter cut by extending the line from the start mark to the desired length.

Setting Up the Miter Saw

Begin by setting up your miter saw for a 45-degree angle cut. To ensure precision, use a protractor or the saw’s built-in angle guide. Ensure that the blade is sharp and free of any defects for clean cuts. Additionally, adjust the saw’s depth to match the thickness of your molding, leaving approximately 1/16-inch of material extending past the blade.

How to Set Up a Miter Saw for 45-Degree Cuts

Next, secure the molding to the saw’s miter fence using clamps. This prevents movement during the cut, ensuring a precise joint. Position the molding so that the cut will remove equal lengths from both pieces when joined.

Making the Outside Corner Cut Step by Step:

To accurately cut the outside corner molding, start by measuring and marking the length required for each side of the corner. These sides should be mitered to perfectly meet at a 45-degree angle when assembled.

Use a miter saw to cut each side of the molding. Position the molding in the saw’s miter slot and adjust the saw’s angle to 45 degrees. Carefully hold the molding in place and make the cut. Repeat the process for the other side.

Dry-fit the two mitered pieces together. Ensure they fit snugly and form a clean, 45-degree angle. If the fit is not perfect, adjust the cuts slightly until a precise fit is achieved.

Creating the “Back Cut” or “Relief Cut” on the Outside Miter:

To make the “back cut” or “relief cut” on the outside miter, hold the two pieces together in a corner and align them properly. Use a pencil to mark a line along the inside edge of the top piece, extending about 1/4 inch (6mm) beyond the miter joint.

Position the top piece back in the miter saw and adjust the saw’s angle to 45 degrees. Carefully align the pencil mark with the saw’s miter slot and slowly lower the blade to make the relief cut. This cut will create a small gap on the inside corner of the miter, allowing for easier installation and a more professional-looking finish.

Repeat the process for the other side of the miter to create a relief cut on both sides.

Ensuring a Snug Fit

To ensure a tight fit between the two pieces of outside corner molding, meticulous attention to detail is crucial:

5. Sand and Check the Fit

Once the cuts are made, take some fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the ends of the molding at a 45-degree angle. This will smooth out any rough edges and ensure a flush fit. Hold the two pieces together and check the fit. If there are any gaps or overlaps, make adjustments to the cuts until you achieve a perfect fit. Here’s a table summarizing the steps for sanding and checking the fit:

Proper Setup	Improper Setup
Angle set to 45 degrees Blade sharp and clean Depth adjusted to molding thickness	Angle not set correctly Dull or damaged blade Depth set too deep or shallow

Step	Description
1	Sand the ends of the molding at a 45-degree angle.
2	Hold the two pieces together and check the fit.
3	If there are any gaps or overlaps, make adjustments to the cuts until you achieve a perfect fit.

Coping the Moulding

Coping is a technique used to create clean, mitered joints between pieces of outside corner molding. Here are six detailed steps to help you cope outside corner molding:

Measure and Mark the Joint

Use a miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle on one end of each piece of molding. Measure the distance between the two cut edges and mark the center point.

Score the Back of the Moulding

Place the molding on a miter saw table and align the marked center point with the saw blade. Score the back of the molding with a utility knife or scoring tool, cutting along the 45-degree angle.

Cut the Cope

Set the saw blade to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Make a series of parallel cuts along the scored line on the back of the molding. These cuts should be close together, but not so close that they overlap.

Remove the Waste

Use a chisel or utility knife to carefully remove the waste material from the coped area. Be sure not to cut into the face of the molding.

Dry Fit the Joint

Assemble the two pieces of molding at the joint and check the fit. The coped edge of one piece should fit snugly against the face of the other piece.

Apply Adhesive and Secure the Joint

Apply wood glue to the coped edge and the adjoining surface. Press the two pieces together and secure them with nails or screws. Use a nail gun or hammer to drive the fasteners.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for coping outside corner molding:

Step	Description
1	Measure and mark the joint
2	Score the back of the molding
3	Cut the cope
4	Remove the waste
5	Dry fit the joint
6	Apply adhesive and secure the joint

Securing the Corners

Once the corner molding has been cut and prepared, there are several ways to secure it in place:

Using Nails

Nails are a simple and effective way to secure corner molding. Use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the molding and into the wall studs by at least 1 inch.

Using Screws

Screws provide a stronger hold than nails, making them a good choice for heavier or more delicate molding. Use screws that are slightly longer than the thickness of the molding.

Using Adhesive

Adhesive can be used to supplement nails or screws, or even as a standalone method for securing corner molding. Apply a bead of adhesive to the back of the molding before pressing it into place.

Using a Corner Clamp

A corner clamp is a specialized tool designed to hold mitered corners together while the adhesive dries. It can be a useful addition for ensuring a tight and secure fit.

Choosing the Right Hardware

The choice of hardware for securing corner molding depends on the weight of the molding, the condition of the walls, and personal preference. The following table provides a summary of the different options:

Hardware	Pros	Cons
Nails	Easy to use, inexpensive	Can damage molding if not driven properly
Screws	Strong hold, less damage to molding	More difficult to install, requires pre-drilling
Adhesive	Invisible, no damage to molding	Can be messy, may not hold heavy molding securely
Corner Clamp	Ensures a tight fit, prevents gaps	Specialized tool, may not be necessary for all projects

Filling and Finishing the Joint

Once the molding pieces are cut and fitted, it’s important to fill and finish the joint to create a smooth and professional-looking transition. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Apply Wood Filler

Squeeze a thin bead of wood filler into the joint along the entire length of the molding. Use a putty knife to smooth and shape the filler, ensuring there are no voids or excess material.

2. Sand the Joint

Once the wood filler has dried completely, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface, removing any ridges or bumps. Sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood.

3. Apply Primer

Apply a thin coat of primer to the joint area, including the wood filler. This will help to seal the surface and prevent the wood grain from showing through the paint.

4. Paint the Joint

Use a brush or roller to apply two coats of paint to the joint area in the same color as the surrounding molding. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

5. Touch Up the Joint

After the paint has dried, inspect the joint for any imperfections. If necessary, apply additional wood filler, sand, prime, and paint again to ensure a flawless finish.

6. Seal the Joint

To protect the joint from moisture and wear, apply a clear caulk or sealant along the length of the joint. This will help to prevent water damage and keep the joint looking its best.

7. Sand and Clean the Surface

If desired, lightly sand the sealed joint with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Then, wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris.

8. Consider Using a Joint Tape

For a stronger and more durable joint, consider using a joint tape or mesh before applying wood filler. This provides additional support and helps to prevent the joint from cracking or breaking over time. A joint tape is a thin, self-adhesive strip of paper or mesh that is applied over the joint before the wood filler. It helps to reinforce the joint and prevents cracking.

Pros of Using a Joint Tape	Cons of Using a Joint Tape
Strengthens the joint Prevents cracking Easy to apply	Additional material cost May require more sanding to achieve a smooth finish

Tool Selection

For mitering outside corner molding, a miter saw is essential. Ensure you have a sharp blade for clean, precise cuts.

Measuring and Marking

Determine the length of the molding for each side of the corner. Transfer these measurements onto the molding and mark the cut lines carefully.

Adjusting the Angle

Set the miter saw to a 45-degree angle. Ensure the angle is accurate to avoid gaps or overlaps when joining the pieces.

Cutting the First Side

Secure the molding in the miter saw and align the marked cut line with the saw blade. Make a clean, smooth cut by pressing down steadily.

Positioning for the Second Cut

Flip the molding over and place the freshly cut end flush against the fence of the saw. Ensure the molding is well-supported to prevent it from moving.

Cutting the Second Side

Align the second cut line with the saw blade and make another clean cut. The resulting piece should have a perfect 45-degree miter.

Tips for a Perfect Cut

Use a sharp blade to ensure clean cuts.
Secure the molding firmly in the saw to prevent movement.
Double-check the angle setting to ensure accuracy.
Align the cut line precisely with the saw blade.
Press down steadily when making the cut.
Make sure the molding is well-supported when cutting the second side.
Dry fit the pieces together before installing them to ensure they fit correctly.
If necessary, use a sanding block to smooth any rough edges.
Use a brad nailer or wood glue to securely join the pieces.

Coating and Finishing

Once the molding is installed, apply a coat of paint or stain to match the surrounding trim. This will enhance the appearance and protect the wood from damage.

Coping Crown Molding

Coping crown molding involves cutting the molding at an angle to fit around corners. To ensure a precise fit, measure the distance between the walls at the corner and transfer this measurement to the molding. Use a miter saw to cut the molding at the measured angle, then hold the two pieces together and trace the profile of the molding onto the second piece. Cut out the profile using a coping saw, and the two pieces should fit together perfectly.

Installing Outside Corner Molding

Outside corner molding is installed by first measuring and cutting the molding to fit the length of the corner. Apply adhesive to the back of the molding and press it into place, aligning it with the corner. Use a nail gun to secure the molding, driving nails every few inches. Repeat the process for the other molding piece, overlapping the two pieces at the corner. Secure the overlap with nails, and fill any nail holes with wood filler.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

10. Difficulty Coping Crown Molding

If you encounter difficulties coping crown molding, check the following:

10.1. Ensure that you are using a sharp coping saw. A dull saw blade will make it difficult to cut clean, precise lines.

10.2. Make sure that the molding is held securely in place while you are cutting. A loose molding can result in inaccurate cuts.

10.3. Practice coping on scrap pieces of molding before attempting to cut the actual molding. This will help you develop the necessary skills and avoid potential mistakes.

10.4. Use a coping block to guide the coping saw. A coping block can help to ensure that the cuts are accurate and consistent.

10.5. If you are still having difficulty, consult a professional carpenter or woodworker for assistance.

How To Cut Outside Corner Moulding

When it comes to cutting outside corner molding, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You will need a miter saw, a measuring tape, and a pencil. Second, you need to measure the length of the molding that you need and mark it with a pencil. Third, you need to set the miter saw to a 45-degree angle. Finally, you need to cut the molding using the miter saw.

Here are the steps in more detail:

Measure the length of the molding that you need and mark it with a pencil.
Set the miter saw to a 45-degree angle.
Place the molding on the miter saw and align the mark with the saw blade.
Hold the molding firmly in place and cut it using the miter saw.
Repeat steps 1-4 for the other side of the corner.
Test the fit of the molding by placing it in the corner. If it fits properly, you can secure it in place using nails or screws.