The most common angle to miter corners is 45 degrees, as this creates a 90-degree or right-angle corner when two pieces are joined. However, other angles like 22.5 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees are also frequently used depending on the desired final corner angle.
Mitered joints are a popular way to join two pieces of material, such as wood trim, picture frames, or molding, to form a corner. The angle cut on each piece is half of the total angle required for the corner.
Common Miter Angles and Their Uses
While the 45-degree miter is standard for typical square corners (90 degrees), the angle you choose depends entirely on the angle of the corner you are trying to create.
Here are some common miter angles:
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45 Degrees: This is the most standard miter cut. When two pieces are cut at 45 degrees and joined, they form a 90-degree (right) angle. This is used for:
- Picture frames
- Door and window trim
- Baseboards on interior corners
- Box construction
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22.5 Degrees: Mentioned as half the standard 45-degree angle, two pieces cut at 22.5 degrees create a 45-degree angle when joined. This angle is often used for:
- Corners on bay windows
- Octagonal shapes (8-sided figures) where each internal angle is 135 degrees, requiring 67.5-degree miters, or external features forming a 45-degree angle.
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30 Degrees: Two pieces cut at 30 degrees join to form a 60-degree angle. This might be used for:
- Hexagonal shapes (6-sided figures) where each internal angle is 120 degrees, requiring 60-degree miters.
- Specific decorative trim applications.
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60 Degrees: When two pieces are cut at 60 degrees, they form a 120-degree angle. This is less common for typical building corners but could be used for:
- Joining pieces within a larger, multi-angled structure.
- Specific furniture or craft designs.
Summary Table
| Miter Angle (Each Piece) | Total Corner Angle (When Joined) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 45 degrees | 90 degrees (Right Angle) | Standard corners (frames, trim) |
| 22.5 degrees | 45 degrees | Bay windows, certain decorative work |
| 30 degrees | 60 degrees | Less common, specific designs |
| 60 degrees | 120 degrees | Less common, complex designs |
Choosing the correct miter angle is crucial for achieving tight, professional-looking joints. Always measure the exact angle of the corner you are working with and divide that measurement by two to find the required miter angle for each piece. For standard 90-degree corners, 45 degrees is the go-to angle.
