Cope and stick quarter round molding can be a challenge to install.
Quarter round molding is used in many different applications, from the classic crown molding application to baseboard.
The problem with coping quarter round is that it has rounded edges that don’t allow for traditional woodworking joints, such as miter or butt joints.
Instead of using these standard joints you have to cope the end of the board into an “L” shape so that it fits around corners.
This requires special tools and techniques which are not easy for beginners to master.
I’m going to teach you how cope quarter round by showing you my favorite tool for making this job easier called a router bit setter guide (often referred to as a jig).
With this tool your projects will go much faster and look great! Learn more about coping quarter round today.
How To Cope Quarter Round Molding
It is important not only for the inside corners, but also in order to have a clean look when installing crown trim along walls and ceilings as well.
The technique gets its name from use of a coping saw which makes this type of cut where two pieces interlock with one another at each end, forming outside corner joints that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The right tools may seem daunting, but with the proper knowledge it’s not as complicated.
You can easily cut a piece of molding to fit in the contour of another by first cutting one that is squarely placed against your wall and then using what you have learned from this project to do so for future projects!
STEPS 1. To keep your voice professional, take a moment to measure the wall adjacent to one with a doorway.
Cut quarter round molding to that length and install it at the bottom of an already-existing baseboard in this four-corner room.
STEP 2. After you cut the quarter round molding, secure it in place with a nail and small hammer.
Make sure to leave an inch or two of overlap on either side so that mistakes are easier to fix when using your coping saw for cutting the end piece.
Make sure that this piece is about an inch longer than needed, so if mistakes are made while using any saws it can be accommodated with some extra length.
If you’re new at coping techniques, start off by making one end for easy installation without too much effort before cutting all four ends like necessary as well as rounding out each edge in order not only avoid harm but also appearance problems caused by sharp corners sticking out awkwardly from inside walls or doors.
If you’re replacing a doorknob, it’s important to make sure the new one is appropriate for your door. Marking the curve of that quarter round before cutting will help ensure its size and shape are right on point.
STEP 3. When installing a second piece of wood, use the coping saw to make an angled cut at about 60 degrees.
The slight angle creates better opportunity for tightly fitting the next board around it without any gaps or bumps.
If your first attempt doesn’t work out, try again with another small variation in blade orientation and see if that helps you get what’s needed.
A coping saw should always be used with a professional tone of voice when cutting at 60 degrees.
If the first cut does not work, try again using a different angle before throwing in the towel.
Make sure to cut the end at a 45-degree angle that will fit against the door trim.
The other cope should be made so it wraps around and on top of your quarter round molding already installed, which is adjacent to where you are working.
STEP 4. If you want to get the job done right, it is important that your voice be professional. You should repeat all of the steps above for that wall without a door and make sure not to let any part go unchecked or unnoticed.
STEP 5. The final touches of a home remodel can be fussy. For example, cutting quarter round molding for the last piece requires coping cuts at both ends and you might have to use longer lengths than what evenly divides the wall because errors are difficult to avoid.
What’s the Difference Between Quarter Round and Shoe Molding?
Both quarter round and shoe molding are made of wood. However, there is a significant difference between the two materials.
Quarter round is designed to conceal the gap where baseboard and floor meet. The top of quarter round molding ends at the floor, while shoe molding extends past it. To install quarter round, you cut a miter in a piece of wood.
Quarter round is typically designed to cover up gaps that occur at floor transitions. Shoe molding, on the other hand, is meant for decorative purposes.
Quarter round is added to walls or wood floors for aesthetic purposes whereas shoe molding is used on stairs and staircases for decoration.
Shoe molding is 1/8″ round. It’s the perfect size for shoes, not too big and not too small because a foot can easily slip out of it if you are in a rush or have sweaty feet.
Quarter-round is also an inch around but slightly larger than shoe molding so keep this size in mind when shopping for your next project.
To add some variety to your room, the mitered corners on quarter round make it ideal for any door or window area of a house while shoe mold is best used around an exterior doorway where one can take off their shoes as they enter.
