How to Check the Fit of Your Cut for Base and Shoe Molding Installation

Installing base and shoe mold requires accurate measurements. Measure each area, and check again after you saw your piece to make sure the piece fits before installing it. It is important to check your measurement before you continue cutting all your pieces of base mold and shoe mold. Using quarter round as shoe mold will add a finished look to your base mold. Remember to wear your safety glasses.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Molding
• Hammer and nails or a nail gun
• Miter saw
• Paint to touch up molding
• Pencil for marking your shoe or base mold

1. Measure the area where the base and shoe molding will be installed. Make note of whether it will go into a corner or next to a door jamb.

2. Cut your first piece of molding to your specific measurements. If it's going in the corner, leave the end flat, but if it's going against a door jamb, cut with a miter saw to a 15-degree angle to give it a more finished edge.

3. Place the piece of molding on the floor where it will be permanently afixed later. It should cover the expansion gap between the baseboard and the floor. Press it against the wall to make sure it fits securely.

4. Nail the piece in place.

5. Continue to measure and cut your base and shoe moldings, check each measurement before you nail it into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pneumatic nailer for faster installation.
• Use a wood filler and paint to touch up the nail holes and any scuffs that get on the molding during installation.
• Remember the mantra: Measure twice, cut once. This will save you cost and trouble by reducing wasted materials.