How to use a mitre box to cut skirting

Preparing to use your mitre box

Step 1 – Choose your mitre box

There are mitre boxes specifically designed for cutting skirting boards but a multipurpose mitre box is the most commonly used by the average DIYer. For more information, see  What are the different types of mitre box?

Step 2 – Choose a saw

A tenon saw with its fine teeth is ideal for woodworking and is best suited for cutting skirting board.

Step 3 – Secure the mitre box

Securing the mitre box in your vice or attaching it to your workbench will give you added stability when you are sawing.

Step 4 – Decide what angle you require

There are slots on the mitre box which allow you to cut at 45 degrees or 90 degrees. Some also have slots for cutting 22.5-degree angles.

How to cut a 90 degree internal corner

Step 1 – Place first piece of skirting in mitre box

For the left hand piece of an internal corner, place the skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 2 – Cut at 45 degrees

Take your saw and simply cut a 45 degree angle from the bottom left to top right of the mitre box. The piece of skirting to the right of the saw can be discarded (Waste Side)

Step 3 – Place second piece of skirting in mitre box

For the right hand section of an internal corner, place the skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 4 – Cut at 45 degrees

Simply cut a 45 degree angle from the bottom right to top left of the mitre box with your saw. The piece of skirting to the left of the saw can be discarded (Waste Side).

Step 5 – Finished corner

When both sections have been cut at 45 degrees in the manner above, you will achieve a neat and precise 90 degree joint.

How to cut a 90 degree external corner

Step 1 – Place first piece of skirting in mitre box

For the left hand piece of the external corner, you place the skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 2 – Cut at 45 degrees

Then take your saw and simply cut a 45 degree angle from bottom right to top left of the mitre box. The piece of skirting to the right of the saw can be discarded (Waste Side).

Step 3 – Place second piece of skirting in mitre box

For the right hand piece of the external corner, you place the skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 4 – cut at 45 degrees

Take your saw and simply cut a 45 degree angle from bottom left to the top right of the mitre box. The piece of skirting to the left of the saw can be discarded (Waste Side).

Step 5 – Completed external joint

When both sections of skirting have been cut as described, a neat 90 degree external joint will be produced.

Joining two pieces of skirting

Step 1 – Place first piece of skirting in mitre box

Place the first piece of skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 2 – Cut at 45 degrees

Take your saw and cut from the bottom right to top left of the mitre box to produce a 45 degree cut.

The piece of wood to the left of the saw can be discarded.

Step 3 – Place second piece of skirting in mitre box

Place the second piece of skirting in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away from you.

Step 4 – Cut at 45 degrees

Take your saw and cut from the bottom right to top left of the mitre box to produce a 45 degree cut. This time the wood to the right of the saw is to be discarded.

Step 5 – Completed joint

When both lengths of skirting have been cut as described at 45 degrees and butted together you should end up with a neat and precise joint.