Are you wondering how to cut coving corners like a pro?

Mitre boxes are the answer! Not only do they make angled cuts easy, but they also help you stay precise – so your finished product looks great.

With the right mitre box, you can easily cut coving corners at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure that your walls are always nice and square.

Let’s take you step-by-step through the process:

Cutting Coving Internal Corners

Step 1 – Gather your tools

The tools you’ll need:

  • Crosscut saw
  • Cutting board or a piece of cardboard
  • Mitre block
  • Pencil
  • Protractor
  • Sharp knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Straight edge (a ruler or a level)
  • Tape measure

Step 2 – Measure and mark the corner

The Mitre block is probably the most important tool for this job, so make sure you have one that’s the right size for the coving you’re using. The Mitre block allows you to make precise, angled cuts.

First, you need to measure the angle of the corner. To do this, use a protractor or angle finder. Once you know the angle, transfer this measurement to your mitre block.

Next, measure the length of the coving you need to cut. Add 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement and mark it on the coving.

Step 3 – Cut the coving

Place the coving on your cutting board or piece of cardboard. Position the mitre block at the mark you made in Step 2. Using a crosscut saw, cut along the line on the mitre block.

If your coving is particularly thick or hard to cut, you may need to use a different saw. For example, a handsaw or jigsaw would work well.

Step 4 – Smooth the edges

Once you’ve cut the coving, use sandpaper to smooth the edges. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cut coving corners.

Cutting Coving External Corners

The way in which you cut coving for external corners will be slightly different from cutting internal corners.

Step 1 – Gather your tools

The tools you’ll need are the same as for internal corners, with the addition of a coping saw.

Step 2 – Measure and mark the corner

As before, use a protractor or angle finder to measure the angle of the corner. Transfer this measurement to your mitre block.

Next, measure the length of coving you need to cut. Add 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement and mark it on the coving.

Step 3 – Cut the coving

Place the coving on your cutting board or piece of cardboard. Position the mitre block at the mark you made in Step 2. Using a coping saw, cut along the line on the mitre block.

The cutting motion for a coping saw is different from that of a crosscut saw. When using a coping saw, you’ll need to push and pull the blade through the material.

If your coving is particularly thick or hard to cut, you may need to use a different saw. For example, a handsaw or jigsaw would work well.

Step 4 – Smooth the edges

Once you’ve cut the coving, use sandpaper to smooth the edges. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cut coving corners.

Cutting Coving Corners Without A Mitre Box

If you’re in the unfortunate position of not having a mitre box, don’t worry – there are still ways you can cut coving corners.

Step 1 – Gather your tools

The tools you’ll need:

  • Crosscut saw
  • Cutting board or a piece of cardboard
  • Pencil
  • Protractor
  • Sharp knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Straight edge (a ruler or a level)
  • Tape measure

Step 2 – Measure and mark the corner

First, you need to measure the angle of the corner. To do this, use a protractor or angle finder. Once you know the angle, transfer this measurement to your cutting board or piece of cardboard.

Next, measure the length of the coving you need to cut. Add 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement and mark it on the coving.

Step 3 – Cut the coving

Place the coving on your cutting board or piece of cardboard. Position the straight edge at the mark you made in Step 2. Using a crosscut saw, cut along the line.

If your coving is particularly thick or hard to cut, you may need to use a different saw. For example, a handsaw or jigsaw would work well.

Step 4 – Smooth the edges

Once you’ve cut the coving, use sandpaper to smooth the edges. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cut coving corners without a mitre box.

If you don’t have a mitre saw and don’t want to buy a mitre block, use a protractor and ruler to measure 45-degree angles on your polystyrene covings and cut them with a hacksaw. Follow the same directions you would when cutting with a mitre box to draw the angles and make the cuts.

Cutting Coving Ends

To cut a coving end I would recommend you use two mitre blocks. One for each side of the coving. This will give you a straighter cut and avoid any wobbly bits.

You will need:

  • Coving
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Mitre block or saw
  • Sandpaper (optional)

Step 1 – measure the wall

Measure the wall to work out how much coving you need. Add 10cm to this measurement to allow for any mistakes.

Step 2 – Cut one side

Cut one side of the coving at a 45 degree angle using a mitre block or saw.

Step 3 – Measure from the first cut to the end

Measure from the first cut to the end of the coving and mark this measurement on the other side of the coving.

Step 4 – Cut the other side

Cut the other side of the coving at a 45 degree angle using a mitre block or saw.

Step 5 – Trim any excess (optional)

Use sandpaper to trim any excess coving from the edges.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully cut coving corners and ends.

Cutting Coving Odd Angles

Odd angles are usually found in rooms with bay windows or alcoves. To cut coving for these areas, you’ll need to use a mitre saw.

If you don’t have a mitre saw, you can still cut coving for these areas. However, it will be more difficult and the results may not be as good.

You will need:

  • Coving
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Mitre saw (or a handsaw and mitre block)
  • Sandpaper (optional)

Step 1 – Measure the wall

Measure the wall to work out how much coving you need. Add 10cm to this measurement to allow for any mistakes.

Step 2 – Draw a line on the coving

Using a pencil, draw a line on the coving where you want to make the cut.

Step 3 – Set up your mitre saw

Set up your mitre saw at the angle you need to make the cut. If you’re using a handsaw and mitre block, make sure the mitre block is set at the correct angle.

Step 4 – Cut along the line

Cut along the line you drew in Step 2.

Step 5 – Trim any excess (optional)

Use sandpaper to trim any excess coving from the edges.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully cut coving for an odd angle.

Cutting Coving Already Fitted

Now, let’s be honest here. You’re going to have trouble cutting coving that’s already fitted.

So, you have two options:

You can either remove the old coving and start again. Or, you can try to cut the coving while it’s still fitted.

If you’re going to try to cut the coving while it’s still fitted, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

First, you need to make sure the coving is firmly attached to the wall. If it’s not, it could fall and break when you try to cut it.

Second, you need to be very careful when cutting the coving. It’s easy to slip and damage the wall or injure yourself.

And third, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. A sharp knife or Stanley knife will work best.

Ensure you don’t throw away the old coving until you’re sure the new coving fits properly. If you make any mistakes in the cutting, you can always use the old coving to fill or replace the damaged areas.

Finally, you can also butt and scribe the new coving to the old. This is a good option if the old coving is in good condition and you want to avoid any damage to the wall.

Once painted, it will be hard to tell the difference between the new and old coving.

Cutting Coving Around Pipes

When cutting coving around pipes, you need to take into consideration the diameter of the pipe.

If the pipe is less than 10cm in diameter, you can cut a hole in the coving and fit it around the pipe.

For pipes that are 10cm or more in diameter, you’ll need to use two pieces of coving. First, cut a hole in one piece of coving to fit around the pipe. Then, cut the other piece of coving to butt up against the first piece.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully cut coving around pipes.

FAQs

How do I stop the coving from cracking?

You can prevent the coving from cracking by using a hacksaw with a very fine tooth blade. This will create a cleaner cut and put less stress on the coving.

What angle do you cut coving corners?

When cutting coving corners, you need to use a 45-degree angle. This assumes that you have square corners. If they aren’t you’ll need to measure the angle and adjust your cut accordingly.

Is cutting polystyrene coving different from cutting plaster coving?

Yes, it is. When cutting polystyrene coving, you need to use a hot wire cutter. This will make clean, precise cuts and prevent the coving from cracking.

How do I avoid mistakes when cutting coving?

We recommend that you practice cutting coving on some scrap pieces before you start working on your walls. This will help you get a feel for the process and avoid any mistakes.

Can I use a power saw to cut coving?

Yes, you can use a power saw to cut coving. However, you need to be very careful as it’s easy to damage the coving or the wall. We recommend using a handsaw for a cleaner and safer cut.

Is crown molding the same as coving?

No, crown molding is not the same as coving. Crown molding is usually larger and more ornate than coving. It’s also installed differently, as it’s meant to sit on top of the wall rather than be flush with it.

About the Author

Passionate about helping households transition to sustainable energy with helpful information and resources.

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