How to Cut Scotia With a Miter

A power miter makes quick work of flooring scotia.

Two 45-degree ends equal 90 degrees, which is the angle of every square corner. Since scotia has thin edges, sharp blades are essential for clean cuts that minimize splintering.

1. Measure the wall section you intend to install scotia along at its base, where it meets the floor. Mark the scotia to length as long as the wall section, plus the width of the base of your scotia for each corner that folds back away from the wall you are installing on, This is known as an outside corner.

2. Mark your ends to indicate whether they will be mitered for an outside or inside corner. Inside corners are cut into the length of the scotia, so that the back edge is longest. Outside corners are cut away, so that the front edge is longest.

3. Set your saw to 45 degrees by aligning the indicator arrow to the correct setting on your miter saw's miter gauge. Set the gauge left of center for a left-end outside corner or right-end inside corner. Set the saw right of center for a right-end outside corner or left-end inside corner.

4. Position your scotia on the saw's table with its top edge against the back fence as it will be against the wall and its bottom face against the table as it is will be against the floor. Set your mark to the left of the blade for a right end and to the right of the blade for the left end.

5. Hold the molding firmly against the table and fence, with the left hand for a right end and the right hand for the left end, with your hand well back from the blade. Grasp the trigger handle with the opposite hand without crossing over your other arm. Start the saw and pull the blade down, making the cut in one fluid motion.