If you’re the kind of DIY enthusiast planning to install your own wood flooring, you’re probably looking at the best techniques for getting the job done and done right.
Although the main flooring area might be relatively easy to do, it’s often the finishing touches that are a little trickier.
Today, we’ll be sharing some tips on how to cut floor beading(trim) with a mitre saw because, honestly, a mitre saw is the only tool you should be considered for this job.
Mitre Joint Basics
When you install floor beading or trim (sometimes also referred to as Scotia), it’s essential to keep in mind that you’ll be using mitre joints to round off your work. To create a mitre joint, you’ll join two pieces of wood together, both cut at 45° angles to form a perfect 90° turn. Whenever two parts of the beading have to meet in the corner of a room, you’ll use a mitre joint.
Using a compound mitre saw to cut floor beading
Compound mitre saws are great to use for large projects like installing wooden flooring and cutting trim to precise size and angles. Start by measuring and marking your piece of trim before you make any cuts.
Once you’ve made your cutting point marks, set your compound mitre saw up to 45° and then place your wood on the saw’s table, pushing it up to the fence. Ensure the cut mark aligns with the centre of the blade recess and then performs the cut. Lower the blade down while pushing the wood down with your free hand to ensure it doesn’t move around. Once you’ve cut your first half-joint, repeat the process so you’ll have two 45° angle pieces of wood to form a mitre joint.
Using a manual mitre saw to cut floor beading
Manual mitre saws are great for casual DIYers but require a lot of physical input. A mitre block and hand saw might also not give you a refined finish when you’re cutting floor beading, but if you don’t own a compound mitre saw, this is the cheapest way of getting the job done.
To use your mitre block, simply place your piece of beading or trim inside the block and slot your handsaw into the cut slot at the correct angle. Clamp your piece of trim down and then perform the cut. Once you’ve made the cut, unclamp the beading and remove it from the mitre block.
Final Thoughts
After reading through this article, you should have a basic understanding of how to cut floor beading/trim with a mitre saw. While it’s cheaper to use a mitre block and handsaw if you’re a casual DIYer, a compound mitre saw is quicker, more effective, and always delivers refined results.