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How to Create an External Mitre Joint for Skirting Boards

Creating an external mitre joint is a crucial skill for anyone looking to install skirting boards with a professional finish. Whether you’re renovating a room or tackling a DIY project, mastering this technique can elevate the look of your interiors. In this guide, we will showcase how to create an external mitre joint step-by-step, along with a helpful video.
Tools required
The tools you’ll need are:
- Mitre saw
- Nail gun
- Nails
- Adhesive
- Pencil


How to mitre skirting board
Step 1: Marking the skirting board
To begin, place the skirting board against the wall so that the edge extends 2 to 3 inches past the corner. Use a pencil or pen to mark the skirting board at the point where it meets the corner of the wall. Additionally, make another mark in the direction that the cut needs to be made. This second marking is not a precise guide for the saw, but rather a reminder to prevent cutting in the wrong direction.


Step 2: Setting up the mitre saw
Set the mitre saw to a 45-degree angle in the same direction as the marking made on the skirting board. As a tip, perform a test cut on an offcut or scrap piece before cutting the skirting board. This will help ensure that everything is correctly set up. Once you are confident that the mitre saw is correctly adjusted, proceed to cut the skirting board according to the initial guide marks.


Step 3: Fixing the first piece
Take the mitred length of skirting board back to the wall and line it up as before. If everything looks correct, secure it in place using nails, grip adhesive or a combination of both.


Step 4: Preparing the second piece
For the second piece of skirting board, hold it in position on the opposite side of the external corner. This time, align the piece flush with the corner of the wall instead of leaving an overhang like you did with the first piece. You will make the mitre cut right at the end of this piece rather than a couple of inches in, as you did before. Remember to mark the board to indicate the correct direction for cutting.


Step 5: Checking the joint
Once the cut has been made, take the piece of skirting board back to the wall and hold it in position. Align the mitre joint with that of the first board to ensure everything lines up correctly.


Step 6: Affixing the second piece
Once you are happy with everything, proceed to affix the second piece of skirting board in position as before.
About the Author
Kieron Miller is the Managing Director of Skirting 4 U and has been working in the skirting board and online retail industry since 2012. Kieron has been using his extensive product knowledge and problem-solving experience to help both trade and private consumers all over the country find the perfect skirting board products for their projects. He continues to innovate new solutions and product ideas as the market continues to grow.