How to cut 45-degree angles in skirting

When installing skirting boards or cove moulding, you want to maintain a continuous, even strip around the entire room, including corners. The corners present a problem easily corrected with angular cuts. Since most corners turn at a 90-degree angle, you must split this angle across two joining pieces of skirting board. This means the ends of each board must be cut at 45-degree angles. Inside corners require these 45-degree angles to be cut back, trimming off a portion from the front edge of the skirting. To go around corners, the opposite is true, meaning you will cut the 45-degree angles to trim off a portion of the back end.

Measure the length you need from wall-to-wall.

Measure the skirting board and place a mark on the top, back edge. This is the part that will be fitted against the wall. The forward piece will be slighting longer or shorter, but the 45-degree cut will take care of that difference in length.

Set the chop saw for a 45-degree cut, according to the directions. Usually, this requires loosening a knob and rotating the entire head of the saw around. Other models might require rotating the back brace, corresponding to a 45-degree mark. Since each chop saw is slightly different, be sure to consult the manual for specific instructions. Since there are two types of 45-degree cuts you might make, ensure you set the saw to the appropriate mark. If you are cutting for an inside corner, the blade will be facing the "keep" portion of the skirting. To clarify, if you are cutting away the right side -- the piece you will use is on the left -- for an inside corner cut, then the blade will be pointing towards the left. If you are cutting to go around a corner, the blade will be facing away from the keep side.

Place the back of the skirting board against the back brace with the mark aligned with the designated cut line on the chop saw.

Turn on the chop saw and pull it down across the mark to complete your 45-degree cut.