How to Cope and Install Baseboard

Cost

$ $

Skill Level

Start to Finish

1 Day

Tools

measuring tape
coping saw
nail gun
miter saw

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Materials

baseboard
wood glue

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Step 1

baseboard measure wall

Hand holds down a measuring tape while measuring side of wall.

Measure Wall

The first step is to measure the wall. If you are measuring from a section of the wall that has trim on one end and a corner on the other, measure from the edge of the trim to the corner. Measure twice to make sure your measurements are accurate. You want to be precise to a 16th of an inch.

Step 2

baseboard cut angle

Contractor uses a DeWalt saw to cut an angle for the baseboard installation project.

Cut Baseboard to Length

Using a miter saw, make your cut on a 45 degree angle. If you are using a compound miter saw, reverse your angle to cut the next piece. If you are unable to do that, flip the next piece to cut it.

Step 3

checking the fit of the two baseboards before installing them in the home.

closeup of man using a coping saw to cut the baseboard at the right angle.

baseboard check fit

checking the fit of the two baseboards before installing them in the home.

baseboard coping saw

closeup of man using a coping saw to cut the baseboard at the right angle.

Cope Baseboard

If you are cutting baseboard for an inside corner, put your pieces up together and see how well they fit (Image 1). If it is not a tight fit, you may want to cope the baseboard. Using a coping saw, cut out the miter at a back angle to create a negative cut (Image 2). The cut piece should fit perfectly around the non-cut piece.