How do I Install Baseboards on Hardwood Floors?
When finishing the final look of a room, it is good to start with the baseboard. Baseboards are decorative planks made of either wood or plastic that are nailed to the wall where the wall and the floor meet. Using the right baseboard size, color and design will contribute to the final look of the room. With the right tools and precision work, you will be able to attach a baseboard with clean lines that will complement the look of the room. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Baseboard material
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Finish nail gun
- 1.5-inch nails
- Caulking gun
- Damp rag
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Trim the baseboard you are going to be installing at a 45-degree angle. Use a circular saw. For inside corners, the cut should be angled inward, with the back of the baseboard extending further than the front or decorative part of the baseboard. For outside corners, the angle should be pointed outward, with the front of the baseboard extending further than the back.
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2
Measure the length of the wall. Line up a tape measure against the wall from one corner to the other end. When dealing with corners, measure to the inside corner edge of the wall.
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3
Transfer the measurement onto the baseboard. Mark the measurements with a pencil.
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4
Cut the the baseboards using the marks that you made as guides.
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5
Secure the baseboards onto the wall with a nail gun and 1.5-inch nails. Do not nail the board into the hardwood floor, as this will prohibit the expansion of the floor under it.
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6
Use a caulking gun to seal along the top of the baseboard. Apply caulk to the sides, corners and nail holes of the baseboard.
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Wipe the areas where you applied the caulk to with a damp rag to even it out and remove any excess caulk.
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8
Leave the caulk to dry overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are not sure with your measurements, it is better to start out with a longer board and then trim it down to an exact fit than to have a short board and have to start over.
Use extreme caution when dealing with power tools.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
