Good trim work is the key to a room looking beautiful and not haphazardly put together when it comes to home improvement projects. Although installing molding or other trim can be simple and straightforward, cutting the material can be difficult, even for a skilled home craftsman.
We will be covering everything you need about cutting trim angles. You will feel more confident cutting the trim angles that you need to create beautiful trim work once you are done.
What You’ll Need
A compound miter saw is the best tool for cutting trim. While other saws like a table saw or circular saw can do the same job, they are not as efficient at cutting precise trim work as a mitersaw.
If you don’t have one yet, you should rent or borrow one compound mitersaw. This will make the project easier than trying to use what you already have.
Step 1: Identify The Cut You Need
The first step to cutting trim is to identify the angle that you want to cut. Interior trim is most popular at 90 and 135 degrees. Each angle can be either straight on or with a bullnose.
This video provides a great cheatsheet that will make it easier to determine the angle you need. Dewalt also offers a comprehensive cheat sheet that covers all the complicated angles you won’t (hopefully).
Let’s pretend that we were completing trim on an interior wall at a 90-degree angle.
Step II: Trimming The Trim
Prep
A regular miter saw is not recommended for trimming trim. You will need to cut vertically through trim using a standard mitersaw. This may not work for thicker trim pieces.
A compound miter saw will allow you to place the trim flat against the saw’s fence, adjust the head to the desired angle, and then cut the trim. This makes trimming trim much easier.
You should consider investing in a compound miter saw. If you don’t want to purchase one, borrowing or renting one will work just fine for this project.
When you are ready to start cutting, make sure to wear safety goggles. Earplugs may be an option.
First Cut
This example shows how to cut trim for a 90-degree inside corner. Each piece of trim should be cut at a 45 degree angle so that the pieces meet together in the 90-degree angle needed to give the trim a polished appearance. The first thing you need to do is set the saw at 45 degrees.
Place the trim on top of the fence. You will need to cut the trim on the right side, since you are cutting for an inner corner.
Turn the saw on with the trim against the fence. Make your first cut. Keep the blade at least 15 cm from your hand when you are holding the trimmer.
Second Cut
The next step is to continue the process with the second trim piece you will need to complete your corner. Instead of holding the top edge of the trim against the fence you will do the opposite with the second. Place the trim on the fence so that its bottom touches the fence.
You can now make your second cut.
Outside Corners
The entire process would be identical if we were trimming trim for an exterior corner rather than an interior corner. Instead of cutting from the front to the back, you should cut from the front to the back. This is because you will cut from the left side instead of the right.
It is easy to make other angled cuts by setting your saw to cut an angle and then working from one side or the other to create trim to fit the angle.
The Final Word
Every DIYer should know how to cut trim angles. High-quality trim work can make a big difference in your home’s appearance. You should feel a lot more confident when trimming your home.
Home Depot’s help page has more information about cutting and installing trim and molding.
