How to Cut Skirting Boards: 13 Steps
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Cutting skirting boards can be a challenging yet rewarding DIY task. With the right tools and techniques, you can make your skirting boards look crisp, clean, and professional.
Here are 13 steps to help ensure you get it right every time:
1. Preparation: Collect all the necessary tools and materials, including a tape measure, pencil, miter box, fine-tooth saw or miter saw, coping saw, sandpaper, and safety goggles.
2. Measure: Use a tape measure to measure the length of each wall where the skirting board will be placed. Write down these measurements so you don’t forget them.
3. Choose your skirting board: Select the skirting board that matches the style and function of your room.
4. Mark cutting points: Mark the length of each skirting board section using your measurements and pencil.
5. Set up your miter box or miter saw: Prepare your cutting tool to make accurate angled cuts with 45-degree angles.
6. Cut the first piece of skirting board at a 45-degree angle: Hold the first piece securely in place and make a 45-degree cut on one end.
7. Measure along the longest side: Measure the required length from the farthest point of the cut edge (the longest side), marking this point with a pencil.
8. Cut the other end at 45 degrees inwards: The two angle cuts should create a V shape when viewed from above.
9. Fit your first piece of skirting board: Place it against the wall to ensure it fits snuggly in position with its mating piece if installing around an internal corner.
10. Repeat cuts for inner corners: Position adjacent pieces along walls at an angle so their ends meet in internal corners, marking cutting points as necessary and making straight or 45-degree cuts accordingly.
11. External corners: Cut the ends of skirting board pieces that will meet at external corners at 45-degree angles outwards, ensuring the angles mirror each other on each piece.
12. Coped joints (optional): For more intricate transitions between different details or profiles, use a coping saw to create a profile that fits neatly over the shape of the adjacent piece.
13. Sand and finish: Lightly sand the cut edges to remove any burrs or inconsistencies. Finish by painting, staining, or varnishing as desired.
By following these 13 steps, you can successfully cut skirting boards to enhance the look of your home or personal space.