When installing quarter round molding, you’ll often need to cut inside corners. This is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure a clean, professional-looking finish. Quarter round molding is versatile and can be used in various applications, including baseboards, window and door casings, and furniture. Its primary purpose is to cover the gaps or transitions between surfaces, creating a smooth, finished appearance.
To begin, measure and mark the length of the molding you need to cut. Then, use a miter saw to cut the molding at a 45-degree angle. Next, place the two pieces of molding together and align the mitered edges. Use a nail gun or wood glue to secure the pieces together. Finally, use a coping saw to cut the inside corner of the molding. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes. Cutting an inside corner of quarter round molding is a simple but essential skill for any DIYer. By following these steps, you can easily achieve a professional-looking finish.
Once you’ve cut the inside corner, you can install the molding. Start by applying a bead of wood glue to the back of the molding. Then, press the molding into place and secure it with nails or screws. Be sure to countersink the nails or screws so they’re flush with the surface of the molding. Finally, fill the nail or screw holes with wood filler and sand the area smooth. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cut and install quarter round molding like a pro.
Measuring and Marking the Corner
Accurately measuring and marking the inside corner is crucial for a precise cut. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
1. Determine the Overlap Length:
- Place the two pieces of quarter round against each other at the corner.
- Mark a point on each piece where they overlap, typically about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25-2.5 cm).
- Measure the distance between the two marks. This is your overlap length.
2. Measure and Mark the Cut Line:
- On one piece of quarter round, mark a point equal to half the overlap length from the corner.
- Use a protractor to draw a 45-degree angle from the mark towards the outside edge of the quarter round.
- Draw the cut line along the 45-degree angle, connecting the point to the outside edge.
3. Transfer the Cut Line to the Other Piece:
- Place the two pieces together again, aligning the corners.
- Transfer the cut line from the first piece to the second piece using a pencil or scribe.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Protractor | Draw 45-degree angles |
| Pencil | Mark cut lines |
| Scribe | Transfer cut lines accurately |
Aligning and Cutting the Second 45-Degree Bevel
Now that you have created your first 45-degree bevel, it’s time to cut the second bevel to complete the corner. Here’s how to do it step by step:
-
Position the Second Piece:
Hold the second piece of quarter round against the first, ensuring that they are flush against each other.
-
Align the Inner Edges:
Align the inner edges of the two pieces precisely. The inner edges refer to the edges that will be concealed once the pieces are installed.
-
Mark the Second Bevel:
Using a pencil, carefully mark the length of the second piece that needs to be cut at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure that the two beveled edges meet perfectly when joined. Note: The length of the second bevel will typically be shorter than the first bevel.
-
Transfer the Mark to the Miter Saw:
Transfer the mark you made onto your miter saw. Adjust the saw blade to a 45-degree angle.
-
Cut the Second Bevel:
Securely hold the second piece of quarter round in place and pass it through the saw blade at the marked angle. Ensure that you follow proper safety precautions when operating the miter saw.
After completing this step, you should have two pieces of quarter round with matching 45-degree bevels on their inner edges. They should fit together perfectly to create an inside corner.
Measuring and Transferring the Cuts
Step 1: Measure the Outside Corner
Start by carefully measuring the length of the outside corner using a measuring tape. Note this measurement as “A.”
Step 2: Calculate the Cove Length
To determine the length of the cove needed for the inside corner, divide “A” by 2. This value represents the cove length, which we’ll call “B.”
Step 3: Transfer the Measurements to the Quarter Round
Mark the “B” length on one end of the quarter round and the “A” length on the other end. Draw a straight line between these two points.
Step 4: Mark the Bevel Cuts
Using a protractor or angle finder, mark a 45-degree angle from the straight line, where it intersects with the “A” mark on both sides of the quarter round. These angled lines will indicate where to cut for the bevels.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Measure the distance from the “B” mark on the straight line to the “A” mark on the side of the quarter round. |
| 4.2 | Subtract “B” from this measurement to obtain the distance you need to cut for the bevel. |
| 4.3 | Mark this distance on the angle lines you made in step 4, measuring from the “B” mark on the straight line. |
Cutting the Quarter Round Lengthwise
Cutting the quarter round lengthwise is a necessary step in order to create an inside corner. To do this, you will need a miter saw or a table saw. If you are using a miter saw, set the blade to a 45-degree angle. If you are using a table saw, set the blade to a 90-degree angle and use a miter gauge to create the 45-degree angle.
Once you have set up your saw, place the quarter round on the saw table and align the edge of the quarter round with the saw blade. Slowly feed the quarter round through the saw, applying even pressure. Be sure to keep your fingers clear of the saw blade.
Once you have cut the quarter round lengthwise, you will need to cut the inside corner. To do this, you will need to use a coping saw. Place the quarter round on a flat surface and mark the location of the inside corner. Then, use the coping saw to cut out the inside corner. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully so that you do not damage the quarter round.
Once you have cut the inside corner, you will need to sand the edges of the quarter round so that they are smooth. You can do this by hand or with a power sander. Once the edges are sanded, you can apply a finish to the quarter round. The type of finish that you use will depend on the type of wood that you are using.
5 Steps to Cut an Inside Corner
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Set the blade on your miter saw or table saw to a 45-degree angle. |
| 2 | Place the quarter round on the saw table and align the edge of the quarter round with the saw blade. |
| 3 | Slowly feed the quarter round through the saw, applying even pressure. |
| 4 | Use a coping saw to cut out the inside corner. |
| 5 | Sand the edges of the quarter round so that they are smooth. |
Fitting and Dry-Fitting the Corner
Once you have cut the quarter round to the right length, you will need to fit it into the inside corner. To do this, you will need to dry-fit the piece into the corner. This means holding it in place without nailing it down. This will allow you to see how the piece fits and make any necessary adjustments before nailing it down.
To dry-fit the piece, hold it in place in the corner and use a level to make sure it is level. You may need to adjust the piece slightly to get it to fit properly. Once you are satisfied with the fit, you can nail the piece down.
Cutting the Quarter Round
To cut the quarter round, you will need a miter saw. If you do not have a miter saw, you can rent one from your local hardware store.
To cut the quarter round on a miter saw, follow these steps:
Installing the Quarter Round
Once you have cut the quarter round, you will need to install it. To do this, you will need a hammer and nails.
To install the quarter round, follow these steps:
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for cutting and installing quarter round:
Applying Adhesive
Before you start cutting and attaching the quarter round, it’s essential to apply adhesive to the molding’s back. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
1. Select the Right Adhesive
Choose an adhesive specifically designed for molding and trim applications. It should provide a strong bond and be compatible with the type of quarter round you’re using.
2. Apply a Thin, Even Layer
Use a caulk gun to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the quarter round. Avoid over-applying, as excess adhesive can squeeze out and create a messy appearance.
3. Use a Wide Bead
Create a wider bead of adhesive in the areas where the quarter round will meet corners or other trim pieces. This will help to ensure a secure connection.
4. Avoid Gaps
Make sure the adhesive is applied evenly across the entire back of the quarter round, leaving no gaps or uncovered areas. This will help to prevent the molding from peeling or separating from the wall or surface.
5. Wait for Tack Time
Before attaching the quarter round, give the adhesive time to set up and become tacky. This will prevent the molding from slipping or moving out of place.
6. Use a Brad Nailer
In addition to adhesive, you may want to use a brad nailer to secure the quarter round in place. This will provide additional strength and stability, especially in areas that are subject to movement or vibration.
7. Finishing Touches
Once the quarter round is attached, you can use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before applying paint or stain.
Securing the Corner with Nails
To secure the inside corner with nails, follow these steps:
-
Hold the quarter round in place against the corner, ensuring that the cut ends overlap by about 1/4 inch.
-
Drive a small nail through the overlapping area, at about 1/2 inch from the end of each piece.
-
Countersink the nails slightly below the surface of the quarter round using a nail set or a hammer and nail.
-
Fill the nail holes with wood filler or paintable caulk to conceal them.
-
If desired, you can apply glue along the inside of the corner joint before securing it with nails for added strength.
-
To enhance the appearance of the corner, you can use a corner block or a quarter round backer, which is a small piece of wood or plastic that provides additional support to the inside corner.
-
Place the corner block or backer inside the corner and secure it with glue or nails before attaching the quarter round.
-
Once the quarter round is secured, apply adhesive or liquid nails around the inside corner for extra reinforcement.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold quarter round in place with overlapping cut ends. |
| 2 | Drive nails 1/2 inch from end of each piece. |
| 3 | Countersink nails below surface using nail set or hammer. |
| 4 | Fill nail holes with wood filler or caulk. |
| 5 | Use corner block or backer for added support. |
| 6 | Attach quarter round with glue or nails. |
| 7 | Apply adhesive or liquid nails around inside corner. |
Touch-Up and Refinishing
After cutting and installing the quarter round, you may need to touch up the paint or finish. Here are some steps to follow:
- Use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cut edges.
- Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth.
- Apply a thin coat of touch-up paint or finish using a small brush.
- Let the paint or finish dry completely.
- If necessary, apply a second coat for a more even finish.
10. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems while cutting an inside corner of quarter round, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The miter joint is not tight. | Adjust the angle of the miter saw or use a coping saw to cut a tighter fit. |
| The quarter round is splitting. | Use a sharp saw blade and cut slowly and carefully. If the quarter round is very thin, consider using a utility knife instead of a saw. |
| The paint or finish is peeling. | Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying paint or finish. Use a primer to help the paint or finish adhere better. |
How To Cut An Inside Corner Of Quarter Round
To cut an inside corner of quarter round, you will need a miter saw or a coping saw. If you are using a miter saw, set the saw to a 45-degree angle and cut the quarter round at a 45-degree angle. If you are using a coping saw, place the quarter round on a flat surface and use the saw to cut along the inside edge of the quarter round at a 45-degree angle. Once you have cut both pieces of quarter round, place them together at the corner and miter the ends together. Secure the quarter round in place with nails or wood glue.
People Also Ask
How do you cut quarter round with a miter saw?
To cut quarter round with a miter saw, set the saw to a 45-degree angle and cut the quarter round at a 45-degree angle.
How do you cut quarter round with a coping saw?
To cut quarter round with a coping saw, place the quarter round on a flat surface and use the saw to cut along the inside edge of the quarter round at a 45-degree angle.
How do you miter quarter round?
To miter quarter round, place the two pieces of quarter round together at the corner and cut the ends together at a 45-degree angle.
