How to Install Baseboard Moulding

Measure twice, cut once.

Baseboard gives a room a finished look by covering the joint where drywall meets the floor. Baseboard comes in varying widths, materials and price points. Installing baseboard requires attention to detail and patience. You should consider using a helper for large projects and for smaller jobs when you use manual tools.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Baseboard
• Miter saw or coping saw
• Base moulding
• Pneumatic nail gun or hammer
• Trim nails
• Caulk and caulk gun (optional)
• Scraper

Instructions

1. Use the stud finder to locate the studs. Mark all studs about 12 inches from the floor.

2. Measure each wall and mark baseboard to fit. Note whether each mark requires a butt (flat) or miter (angle) cut. Hold each piece in position at any outside corners. Mark them for cutting where the inside edge meets the outside corner of the wall. Set the miter saw to 45 degrees and make all angle cuts.

3. Lay the first piece of baseboard against the the wall with one end butted against the adjacent wall in an inside corner.

4. Shoot one nail 1/2 inch from the top edge of the baseboard so that it goes into the stud. Shoot the other 1/2 inch from the bottom so that it goes into the sole plate (the bottom, horizontal framing member). Repeat at each stud, continuing around the room until you return to the starting corner. Butt the last piece against the first piece.

5. Shoot an additional nail through pieces at the outside corners, about 1 inch from the joint.

6. Caulk any gaps between the baseboard and wall, any joints that do not meet perfectly and all nail holes. Scrape away any excess caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing baseboards takes much longer with a coping saw and hammer. Rent a miter saw and pneumatic nail gun if you do not have them.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry"; Creative Publishing; 2000