How to Cope Joints for Wood Corner Trim

What is a Coped Corner?

In a coped baseboard corner, one molding has a square cut on the end that butts up against the wall. The other molding has a coped cut that fits perfectly against the face of the first molding. A coped corner fits tightly, even if the walls are out of square (and they usually are). Coped trim also stays tight-even when the wood shrinks, the walls shift or the vacuum cleaner whacks it.

For baseboard corner pieces, mitering—cutting both pieces of trim at 45 degrees—makes sense in theory. But in the real world, two walls rarely form a perfect 90-degree angle. So getting two miters to meet tight and right is challenging or impossible. And even if you get it tight, the joint will probably open as wood naturally shrinks or swells. Coped corners take these elements out of play.

Video: Coping Baseboard With a Miter Saw

Coped joints for baseboard look great, but can be time-consuming. Instead of using a coping saw, learn to cope baseboard with a miter saw. It’s faster and works great for common baseboard profiles.

Make a Miter Cut

• Cut the ‘straightaway’ with a miter saw.
• Turn the molding upside down, set your saw at least 5 degrees to the right and cut straight down until you hit the curvy part.
  • Note: Some pros even nibble away at curved profiles with a miter saw.
• When you make the miter cut, leave the baseboard a couple of inches too long.
  • Note: You can cut it to final length after the coping is done. The 45-degree cut will provide a perfect profile to guide your coping cut. 

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