How to cut baseboard corners without miter saw

How to cut baseboard corners without a miter saw? That is probably one of the most common issues that homeowners encounter when installing home fixtures, especially baseboards. It can be really tiring if you are planning on cutting them all with a hand tool, even more so if you do not have the necessary experience. However, an alternative way is to use a jigsaw to cut out each corner instead.

Baseboards are those important parts of your home that make it more appealing and neat. Therefore, you must spend time and effort making sure they will look appealing as well as offer the protection needed for your walls. If you want to achieve such a look, you have to start by installing the baseboard first. However, this is not that easy as there are some things that can be tricky. One of these is cutting them straight especially if you do not have the perfect baseboard cutter yet.

The problem with this process is it will make your corners look more appealing and neat. This means you should start searching for the best way to cut baseboard corners without a miter saw.

Here are some of the things you must know; read through this guide if you really want to learn how to do it yourself.

What tool should I use?

A power circular saw is the easiest way to cut baseboards. A hand or jigsaw can be used instead, although it may take a little more time and exertion.

Here we will share how the cut baseboards corner with both a circular saw and Jig Saw.

How to cut baseboard corners without a miter saw

Generally, baseboard corners are cut using miter saws or power miters. These tools are available in most home stores and are easy to use. However, there is another way of cutting baseboard corners without miter saws that have proven to be efficient too. one can also cut them with hand tools.

Step1 – Measuring the Corners First things first, measure the length of each outer wall edge and add about 1/4 inches to the result.

Step2 – Outlining with Pencil Next put down a strip of masking tape onto the floor along with one of the walls, make sure that it is in line with the outermost edge of the baseboard. Then attach another piece at right angles across the first in a manner that both pieces form a cross shape.  

Step3 – Marking the Template Once you have created a template, take it down and use a pencil to mark the center of each quadrant. This next step is optional but recommended for accuracy purposes, make sure to mark out each rectangle with an X at the center point.

Step4 – Cutting the Corners Next, place the template against the wall and do a quick visual check to make sure that it will not hit any of the electrical sockets. Then use a power drill to bore holes at each marked point, you can also use a hammer and nails to create starting points instead.

Step5 – Cutting out Each Corner Take the template down, and use a jigsaw to cut out each section of the corners. A power miter saw can also be used if you have one available.

Step6 – Sanding Edges finally, take some sandpaper and smooth off all four edges for aesthetic purposes.

Tips for Cuts Baseboard corner With Circular Saw

To cut angles with a circular saw, you can follow these basic steps: Place your baseboard in the desired position. Use an angle finder to determine the cutting angle, and then mark it on the wood. Remove excess material at that point using a jigsaw. Cut out the corners before installing the baseboards.

Make sure the baseboards fit exactly flush to both walls and floor. With careful measuring and cutting, you can cut perfect 90-degree corners with a circular saw. If your room has inside or outside corners, use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw because it is easier to use for this purpose.

Tips and Instructions

• There is no such thing as a perfect cut, all of them will have some degree of inaccuracy or error present. The objective, however, should be to eliminate the errors and achieve the closest possible match.
• Do not use nails and power tools in areas where there are electric cords and wires running along wall edges.
• Avoid marking too close to electric outlets. Ideally, the baseboard should be cut in line with the edges of the sockets.
• Take your time when cutting, rush jobs will only result in bad cuts.
• Get your family members to help you in baseboard installation, at least two pairs of helping hands will make the job run smoothly and quickly.

FAQs

How do you make baseboards level?

This question cannot be answered directly because there are numerous situations that can affect the overall look of a particular building. Generally, though, it is best to make sure that all of the edges are cut at an equal height before proceeding with the installation.

Can I install plasterboard over existing baseboards?

Yes, there is no need to remove or replace the baseboards before attaching plasterboard panels. However, it is still recommended that you use screws rather than nails for installation purposes.

How do I attach a baseboard to a curved wall?

First, cut two notches out of the edges at equal distances from each other. Then use these as tabs or brackets for holding the baseboard in place.

Which is better: Installing pre-made wood trim or cutting it from scratch?

There is no clear answer to the question, what some people may like about pre-made trim is that it can come with pre-painted edges, thus saving them on time and resources. On the other hand, creating a handmade baseboard requires special skills and equipment, which some DIY enthusiasts may find more attractive.

What type of saw should I use to cut baseboard?

A circular saw with a fine-toothed blade is usually the preferred choice for cutting wood trim materials. You may also choose to use a hand or jigsaw instead.

To recap, there are two main ways of cutting baseboards without a miter saw, using hand tools or using power tools. Both of these methods are quite effective if done properly.

Conclusion

Cutting baseboard corners with power tools is oftentimes easier and more efficient than using hand tools. Nevertheless, you will need to create guide marks before making the actual cuts so as to achieve accurate results. The most ideal way of cutting angle joints without a miter saw is through the use of an angle finder, which ensures precision in all areas of the project. If you are not convinced that an angle finder is right for you, then start small with a jigsaw and work your way up, one tool at a time.