How to Make Inside Mitre Cuts on Cove Molding

Measure the wall where your cove will be installed with a tape measure. Measure and mark the top edge of pieces that will be installed at floor level or the bottom edge for overhead use. Use an angle finder to calculate the angle of the corner. Fit the finder in the corner with the hinge pressed into the corner and the arms of the finder pressed out to align with the walls.

Read the angle from the indicator on the center of the finder. Divide this angle by two and set the miter saw to this divided angle. Position the cove on the table of the saw, with the marked edge up and the square back corner against the fence. Angle the saw to the right and align the blade on the left side of the mark for a left-hand piece and vice versa. This is the same for both upper and lower uses.

Hold the cove firmly against the fence and table of the saw. Start the motor and make the cut with a single, fluid motion. Reverse the angle of the saw before making the next cut for the opposite piece. Fit the cove into the corner with the short edges of the miters angling away from the corner, matching up with the opposite piece. Nail the cove in place with 1 1/4-inch pin nails, one every 6 inches.