Step 6: Miter-cut outside corner joints

cutting baseboard with a miter saw
Photo: Craig Raine
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Set a compound miter saw to 45 degrees and cut each miter just outside of the line. This way, the joint can be fine-tuned.

Place both boards back against the wall and examine the joint. If it isn't tight on the side and top, go back to the saw or pick up a block plane and trim the wood until it is.

Tip: "You want to cut next to the line marking the joint," says Tom. "Then there's room to fine-tune and get it tight."

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    Tools List

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    • miter saw
      Compound miter saw,
      for straight and angled crosscuts
    • coping saw
      Coping saw,
      for cutting copes in the ends of molding
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level,
      for finding low spots on floor and marking height of baseboard
    • circular saw
      6-inch circular saw,
      for ripping back-bevels in trim
    • speed square
      Speed Square,
      for guiding crosscuts made with a circular saw
    • 30-foot tape measure
      25-foot tape measure
    • pencil compass
      Compass (for scribing
    • block plane
      Block plane,
      for tuning the fit of a scribed piece
    • biscuit joiner
      Biscuit joiner,
      for cutting slots in miter joints
    • chalk line
      Chalk line,
      for snapping the lines that establish baseboard height
    • hammer
      Hammer or pneumatic nail gun
    • nailset
      Nail set

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. BASEBOARD MOLDING

    2. CAP MOLDING

    3. SHOE MOLDING

    4. 6D AND 8D FINISH NAILS

    5. NO. 10 COMPRESSED WOOD BISCUITS
    (for holding together baseboard miters)

    6. CARPENTER'S GLUR
    (for adhering joints)