How to Cut Skirting Board Corners Without a Mitre Saw Practical Techniques

Cutting skirting board corners without a mitre saw may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and tools, achieving perfectly angled cuts is entirely feasible. Whether you are renovating a room or adding new skirting boards, here’s a practical guide to help you get those corners just right.

Tools You will Need:

Combination Square: This tool is essential for marking precise angles and ensuring your cuts are accurate.

Pencil and Measuring Tape: Use these to mark where you need to cut on the skirting board.

Backsaw or Tenon Saw: These hand saws are suitable for cutting wood and are more than capable of making angled cuts.

Mitre Box: While not essential, a mitre box can help stabilize your saw and guide it along the correct angle.

Steps to Cut Skirting Board Corners:

1. Measure and Mark: Begin by measuring the length of skirting board needed for each wall. Use a pencil to mark where you will make your cuts.
2. Determine the Angle: Use a combination square to determine the angle of the corner. Most internal corners are 90 degrees, but this can vary, especially in older homes. Measure the angle accurately to ensure a precise cut.
3. Cutting Internal Corners: For internal corners, where two pieces of skirting board meet to form a right angle, you will need to cut each board at a 45-degree angle. Use your combination square to mark a 45-degree angle across the face of the skirting board where it will meet the adjoining board.

Cutting Technique: Place the skirting board in a secure position, such as clamping it to a workbench or using a mitre box. Use a backsaw or tenon saw to carefully cut along the marked line. Ensure your saw is at a 45-degree angle relative to the face of the skirting board.

4. Cutting External Corners: External corners require a different approach. Measure the angle of the corner accurately using your combination square. Typically, external corners are also cut at 45 degrees, but the direction of the cut will differ from internal corners.

Cutting Technique: Mark the skirting board as you did for internal corners, ensuring the saw cuts in the correct direction to maintain the angle required for external corners.

5. Test Fitting: After cutting, test fit the skirting boards together to ensure they meet neatly at the corners. Make any minor adjustments if necessary by trimming small amounts from the ends until they fit perfectly.
6. Finishing: Once satisfied with the fit, how to cut skirting board corners without a mitre saw secure the skirting boards in place using nails or screws. Fill any gaps or holes with wood filler, then sand and paint or varnish the skirting boards as desired.