A Simple Molding Trim Around a Cabinet

I have almost go this cupboard cut off in the back to make it more narrow to fit on my bathroom wall. I would like to put a small, nothing fancy trim around the top to dress it up. I know I have to miter the ends. Can this be done with a regular saw? I have a miter saw but it is daunting to even look at. This will be repainted and repurposed soon. Wouldn't I just cut 45 degree angles and put the ends together? Don't laugh if that was a stupid question. Thanks for any advice.
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The cute old-fashioned latch
Inside
A view of one side.
  8 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 12, 2013
    Yes a 45 degree miter cut will work fine for most flat moulding. If you are using angled "crown" moulding then the 45 degree miter cut need to be completed with the moulding held at the "installed" angle. This is best done with a small jig.
  • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Aug 12, 2013
    @Nancy Dean Davis They sell a Miter box at most any hardware store. That might not be so intimidating to you, but oh so helpful! And they are pretty inexpensive!! xox
  • Nancy Dean Davis Nancy Dean Davis on Aug 13, 2013
    Here is the issue. I probably have one somewhere. My fiance did woodworking, carpentry, remodeling, etc. We have every tool and gadget made. 2 years ago he had a massive stroke and cannot talk well he can but it takes him a while and he gets frustrated. If he could walk he'd go into the garage and get what I need. He tells me how to do things by showing me. It is a question and answer session, with yes and no's mainly. When I asked him about mitering, he laughed. lol I will ask him if we have one. Thank you for the comment.
    • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Aug 13, 2013
      @Nancy Dean Davis So sorry to hear about your fiance. Yep you probably have one out there for sure. Bless his heart, he laughed probably because he knows really, really well about mitering and how difficult it can be at times. With the miter box you just use a handsaw and it takes the guesswork out of precision angles. I have an idea? If you are near a Home Depot, ask them to show you how to use your miter saw and the miter box. Make them your go to place for the fantastic tools you are bound to come across in your workshop. That way you'll have a little hands on and then your fiancee can 'fine tune' things for you at home without perhaps the frustration. IDk, Just a thought. Hang in there!! xox
  • Nancy Dean Davis Nancy Dean Davis on Aug 13, 2013
    I have the back almost completely sawed off. I have to do the shelves today. Then start painting.
  • That is not a dumb question at all! What I normally do is cut the pieces for the sides first (longer than they need to be), then cut a 45 degree angle in one end of each piece. (There will be a left and a right piece.) I position the pieces on the sides where they need to be, then cut off any excess and mount the pieces. I cut the piece for the front a lot longer than it needs to be, hold it in front, then mark where the angles need to be cut. All of the cuts can be made easily with a handsaw. Good luck on your project!
  • Nancy Dean Davis Nancy Dean Davis on Aug 13, 2013
    @Cher @ Designs By Studio C Thank you very much.
  • Phil Miller Phil Miller on Aug 14, 2013
    An old cabinet maker once told me to cut molding "Upside down and backwards." Slanting it to fit the crown. KMS said it correctly
  • Carrie Krumrie Carrie Krumrie on Feb 23, 2015
    Go buy a new miter box......saves time, rather than looking for it!!! The newer boxes are colorful and easier to see!!! enjoy the process......and I love the piece!!!