Carpenter how-to
How to Cut an Accurate Miter for Trim
Tight miters make finish carpentry look professional.
Tight miters make finish carpentry look professional. In short: measure; set; mark, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Measure the wall carefully, noting inside versus outside corners.
Set the miter saw to 45 degrees for a standard 90-degree corner.
Mark the cut on the long point or short point as required by the corner type.
Hold the trim firmly against the saw fence in the same orientation it will sit on the wall.
Make a slow, steady cut and let the blade stop before lifting.
Dry-fit the joint, adjust the angle slightly if the corner isn’t a perfect 90 degrees, then glue and nail.
Safety reminders for carpenters
- Use fall protection and inspect scaffolds and ladders before use
- Wear eye and hearing protection with power tools
- Keep blade guards in place and never remove safety features
- Lift with your legs and get help with heavy materials
Key terms
Stud · On center (OC) · Top and bottom plates · Header · Joist · Rafter: see the full carpenter glossary.