These cove mitres have a curved shape that matches the curvature of the coving, and are made of plastic.
They have a lip on their wall edge that is used to position and hold them in place on the coving.
As the right and left faces are only formed by the edges of this type of cove mitre, it doesn’t provide as accurate an angle to tilt the saw blade at when cutting. This means the mitre joints made with it will not be as accurate and may require more sanding and filling to achieve a good fit.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Cheapest type of cove mitre
Edges are worn away by the saw blade so will need replacing frequently
Can only be used on plain coving with no pattern and a matching curvature
Not as accurate as other cove mitres
Folded triangle cove mitre
These cove mitres are roughly triangular in shape. The right and left faces are formed by their folded shape. The fold along the crease which runs down their centre gives the necessary angle for the most accurate mitre joints. They can be made of either plastic or metal.
Plastic folded triangle cove mitre
This type of cove mitre costs more than a curved cove mitre but less than a metal folded triangle cove mitre.
This type is often seen advertised as a DIY cove mitre.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Costs less than a steel folded triangle cove mitre
The angle of the right and left faces provides a more accurate cutting angle than a curved plastic cove mitre
The plastic can flex or bend affecting the accuracy with which mitres are cut
Will not last as long as a steel folded triangle cove mitre
Metal folded triangle cove mitre
These are exactly the same shape as the plastic folded triangle cove mitres but made of steel.
They will often be sold or advertised as being professional or trade cove mitres.
Being made of steel, they are much stronger and will resist wear from the saw blade, meaning they will last far longer than any other type of cove mitre.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Does not wear, so lasts far longer than other cove mitres
Rigid shape means it won’t flex or distort in use
May be used to cut cornice with simple patterning as well as plain coving
Most expensive type of cove mitre costing approximately double what a plastic one would
Will wear the saw blade over time
What is the best type of cove mitre?
The steel folded triangle cove mitre is the best type, unless you only need to cut a few pieces of coving. This is because it will last far longer than other cove mitres and the rigid shape will continue to provide the most accurate cutting angle for mitre joints.