Inside Corner Installation: Flat Pattern Template Method

Photo 1 – This photo shows the inside corner with the cove stick and metal cap strip installed. Note the miter of the inside corner is done precisely.

Photo 2 – Illustrates the dimensions for the “T” template. The “T” template is sized for a six inch cove. While there are many versions of the “T” template, I have found this the most accurate. For different height coves this template can be adjusted to fit the circumstances.

Photo 3 – The finished template is cut out of a flexible and durable piece of material the same thickness as the material to be installed. The “T” shaped template is cut into an 8 inch square then notched 1-1/2 inches on each side to allow work on the inside corner without interference by the cove stick.

Photo 4 – This is the dimensions for the “V” corner. It is basically a right triangle with a “V” tail to emulate the piece of material cut out at the base of the inside corner.

Photo 5 – The completed “V”- shaped template is equal on both sides of the right triangle except a 1-1/8” radius tail is left on to allow for the curvature of the cove stick. Like the “T” template the material needs to be the same thickness as the material to be installed.

Photo 6 - After the pattern felt is cut in and anchored to prevent any movement from working on top of it, you can start the scribing process. The installer must decide which side of the corner is going to be installed first. In this case the left side goes in first. The template must be held tight up into the cap strip and tight into the vertical portion of the inside corner. The marks will be at the left side and the base of the template.

Photo 7 – This is the second side to be scribed. The template is placed up tight into the cap strip. Note the scrap piece of material placed along the vertical side of the corner. This side of the corner is going to be placed in second. The scrap is allowing for the thickness of the first side of the corner. The marks are at the right side of the base and along the base.

Photo 8 – The scribing process is complete. Note how the inside corner marks are two right angle marks that cross at the corner. The little tail at the corners makes it easier to align the template when transferring plus it also tells me the corner is square. If a corner is out of square the two marks will not come together. Each side of the corner then has to be scribed in two procedures one form the cap strip and one for the inside corner.

Photo 9 – Position the pattern felt onto the piece of material to be installed. Be sure you have ample material for installation. Remember there needs to be eight inches of material past the scribed lines.

Photo 10 – After the pattern felt is secured on the material to prevent slippage you can start the transferring of the scribe lines to the material. Starting with the left side of the corner set the template in position and mark the top and right side of the template.

Photo 11 – Repeat the process for the right side of the corner. Position the template to the corresponding marks. Mark the top and left side of the template. Note no allowance has to be made for the thickness of the material as it was done in the scribing process.

Photo 12 – Transferring of the marks is complete. The transfer lines have been darkened for this photo. Scribe lines should be kept as light as possible to prevent the inside corner from being too dark and unsightly.

Photo 13 – Now place the “V” template on the scribed vertical inside corner lines and transfer the lines for the radius of the cove stick.

Photo 14 - This completes the transferring of the lines. Note how the area to be cut out resembles the “V” template.

Photo 15 – When cutting out the inside corner be sure to impart a slight undercut to both the top where the cap strip meets the material, but on the vertical portion of the inside corner I will lay the knife on a heaver beveled undercut. This allows the corner to fit tighter with some compression. There is less buckling at the inside corner.

Photo 16 – After the material is cut out it is ready to install. The template method is used by the majority of the installers. When done correctly the results are a work of art.