How to Install Wall Base Molding

The simplest way to install base molding is to use a basic miter cut for the corners.

Base molding sits along the base of your walls, at the floor, so it covers the lines where the floor and wall meet. Its purpose is to hide the small space that's usually there, and also to provide a visual element, tying the walls and floor together. There are many ways to install base molding, but the simplest is to use a basic miter cut for the corners.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Base molding
• Miter saw
• Trim nailer

Instructions

1. Measure one wall, from one corner out to the far end. Select a piece of molding longer than the measurement.

2. Stand the molding on your miter saw, in the position it will be on the wall, with its back to the back of the saw. Position it so the end of the trim that's going to be in the corner where you started the measurement is under the blade. Turn the blade 45 degrees inward, toward the main span of the trim. Cut it.

3. Measure from the back of the molding, and mark it at the other end at the length of the wall as you measured it earlier. Slide the molding so the mark is under the blade. Swivel the blade 45 degrees in the oppose direction, pointing inward, so it again is pointing toward the main span of the trim. Make the cut.

4. Repeat the process for the wall coming off the other side of the corner.

5. Set the two pieces of molding in place at the bottoms of the two walls, with their mitered ends meeting at the first corner. Make sure they're butted tightly. Secure both pieces by shooting trim nails every foot or so along the top and bottom edges.

Tips & Warnings

• For outside corners, which jut into a room, follow the same process, but swivel the blade 45 degrees outward (instead of inward) to cut the ends of the molding pieces that will meet there.

References

• Install Molding: Trim Installation