Step By Step Process Of Cutting Chair Rail At Corners
Often used as a form of border or trim above the stairs or at the top of wainscoting that runs up steps, chair rail is a type of profiled molding. Angles are cut into the chair rail's ends to connect them when the stairs are at various levels or when there is a landing. By shortening two long pieces, you can cut the angles correctly every time. Transfer the angle to the long parts once it has been established. Miters are another name for angle cuts. Chair rail angles can be cut using a miter saw to perfection.
Step 1: Measure Up From Each Step & Make A Mark On The Wall
- Make a mark on the wall where you want the bottom of the chair rail to be by measuring up from each step. Attempt both levels. The bottom of one of the long chair rail pieces should be flush with the lines on the first level wall, as if the chair rail were already there. Hold the chair rail against the wall.
Step 2: Make Pencil Marks Underneath The Chair Rail
- Make pencil marks underneath the chair rail. The line should continue past the spot where it connects with the line from the lower level. In order for both lines to cross, take out the first component and repeat the process on the following level. The angle is cut at this location. Using a miter saw, cut two chair rail molding pieces at 36 inches each. The model or test components are these.
Step 3: Mount Both 36-inch Pieces To The Wall
- Holding both 36-inch pieces together, mount them to the wall. Just as with the long pieces, align them, allowing no more than one piece to overlap the other. Where the angle cut has to be made should be obvious. Make an effort to picture it and mark the angle on the first piece of molding with a pencil.
Step 4: On The Molding, Cut The Angle
- On a miter saw, lay the piece with the pencil line flat. Align the blade with the pencil mark by swinging it to the left or right. On the molding, cut the angle. Lock it down at the same angle after swinging the blade to the opposite side. On the second brief piece of molding, make the same angle but in the other way.
Step 5: Fit The Angles Together & Attach Both Molding Pieces To The Wall
- Fit the angles together and attach both molding pieces to the wall. Verify the fit. Sometimes there is a gap. Cut both pieces once more, one to the left and one to the right, after making a 1-degree adjustment to the saw's depth or sharpness. Retest the components. When both pieces are placed on the wall and are lined up with the markers on the wall, adjust the saw as necessary again, if required. Using the same parameters, cut the lengthy pieces at a left and right hand angle.