How to Cut Corner Trim Without a Miter Saw

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Cutting corner trim or baseboard corners when you don’t have a miter saw might seem like a challenge but there are other tools you can use.

It’s important to realize that a miter saw is not the only tool that can provide you with great baseboard corners.

Quick Summary

In this post, we will provide instructions on how you can cut baseboard corners or corner trim with the use of:

A circular saw
A jigsaw
A hand saw

If you have any of these three tools at your disposal, make sure to go through this post to figure out how you can cut baseboard corners with them.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Cut Baseboard Corners with a Circular Saw (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you don’t have access to a miter saw to make baseboard corners, then the next-best option is the handy dandy circular saw.

You can easily handle molding joints with it and it can also make other angled cuts if you adjust its angle bracket.

To cut baseboard corners with a circular saw, follow these steps:

Step 1: Insert the pivot bit into your drill. Then, drill a hole into each corner of the block piece of trim.

Please note that there should be two holes both at the top and the bottom and should not be too close together.

Step 2: Position a single block in one corner and utilize a level to make sure that it’s set straight.

To add even more stability, you can hammer trim nails using the holes on the exposed side of the block.

Please note that the nails should go straight into the wall.

Step 3: Make use of a nail set to sink all of the nail heads appropriately.

Then, repeat steps 2 and 3 for each corner of your room.

Step 4: Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the inside edges of two corner blocks.

Then, measure the adjoining pieces of trim you will use to connect them. Once you find the appropriate length, mark it. You can ensure that your pencil lines are fully straight by using a T-square.

Step 5: Cut the trim slowly and carefully with your circular saw.

Step 6: Lay the trim edge that you cut in step 5 between the two corner blocks to make sure it fits properly. Make sure that the cut edges align properly.

Step 7: Along the bottom as well as the top parts of the baseboard, drill holes every 15 inches.

Nail the baseboard in place using finish nails. Then, sink them all properly with your nail set.

Repeat the process with all of your baseboard trim.

How to Cut Baseboard Corners with a Jigsaw (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you haven’t bought a miter saw but have a jigsaw on hand, you can use that to cut baseboard corners as well.

If you want precise and accurate cuts, your jigsaw needs to have at least 10 teeth. If it has 15, that would be even better.

Additionally, you will also need:

Measuring tape
A pencil or a marker
A speed square

Follow these steps to cut baseboard corners properly with a jigsaw:

Step 1: Use your measuring tape to measure the distance from the endpoint to the point where you need to make the cut.

Use your speed square to properly determine the cutting line. Then, use your pencil or marker to trace it.

You can use anything you want as long as it can create a prominent, visible line on the material.

Step 2: When you pick up your jigsaw, make sure that it starts on the waste side of the cutting line.

Position the shoe flat on the baseboard.

Ensure the baseboard is securely clamped in a way so that it has enough distance from the floor and the workbench. This will ensure that the saw does not make contact with either of them once you make the cut.

Step 3: Turn on the jigsaw and let it reach full speed.

Once it’s at full speed, bring it down and guide it along the marked line you made in step 1.

After the cut has been fully made, let go of the trigger and let the saw fully stop. Once it’s fully stopped, bring it back up.

If you prefer, you can also use the speed square to guide the shoe instead.

Please note that it’s very important you let the saw reach full speed before making the cut. It’s equally important that you let it fully stop before you bring it up.

Being careless with this can lead to the saw getting stuck in the material and as a result, it will send it flying.

We don’t need to tell you how dangerous something like that could be. Hence, exercise extreme caution when you are working with any type of electric saw.

How to Cut Baseboard Corners with a Hand Saw (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you don’t have a miter saw, a circular saw, or a jigsaw, one last option you have is to use a hand saw.

Of course, with a handsaw, you will lack the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of a power saw. However, it will still get the job done as long as you work slowly.

The main issue with using a handsaw is to get the angle right. For that, you can use a miter box.

You can buy a miter box from your local hardware store or make one of your own.

To make your own miter box, follow the steps provided below:

Step 1: First off, you need to gather all of the supplies that you will need. This will include:

2 lengths of 1×4 of 12” long lumber
2 foot-long lengths of 1×6 lumber
Wood glue
½” wood screws
A screwdriver
A bevel
A pencil or a marker
A carpenter’s square

For the lumber, you can use pretty much any straight, smooth wood that is not warped. If you can find oak, that would be the best.

Step 2: To start, you will create a 4-inch open box. To do this, take 1×4 lumber pieces and squeeze glue along their lengths.

Next, use the glue to stick 1×6 lumber pieces onto them.

Step 3: Utilize the ½” wood screws to firmly secure the 1×4 and 1×6 pieces of lumber together.

Step 4: Use a pencil or marker to add indicators on the top of the box. This should be done on both sides. This will be the section indicating where the bevel will show a 45-degree angle.

Use a carpenter’s square and a pencil or marker to draw a straight line down the outer side. This is where the angled line would intersect with the box’s bottom side.

Step 5: Take a hand saw and position it so that it is aligned with the top edges of the angle. Once it’s properly aligned, make a cut all the way through.

Make sure that while you cut, the ends of the hand saw stay aligned with the perpendicular line present on the outside of the box.

Your miter box is ready to go.

To cut baseboard corners with a handsaw and a miter box, follow these steps:

Step 1: After you have your miter box and your baseboard, place the end inside the box.

Step 2: Firmly grab the board securely against the appropriate side of the box. You don’t want it moving or jittering as you cut it.

Step 3: Ensure that there is a mark or some sort of indication on the baseboard that tells you the slith length you need.

You can make this mark with your pencil or marker.

Step 4: Hold the saw inside the slit of the box and use your hand saw to cut the board.