How to Install Three-Quarter Round Molding

Add another layer to plain baseboard with round molding.

Three-quarter inch round molding adds a finished effect to a basic, plain square baseboard. When placed atop baseboard molding, the moldings appear as though the round molding and the baseboard are one piece. The three-quarter inch round molding tends to be a more affordable option than buying a specially carved baseboard, which creates the same or similar appearance. This project is fairly straightforward for a homeowner and allows any size round molding.

Things You'll Need

• Miter box
• Hand saw
• Finishing nails
• Hammer
• Awl
• Wood putty
• Paint

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of three-quarter inch round molding for each length of baseboard in the room. Cut each end with a saw and miter box. The cuts should be at 45-degrees angled toward the center of the room. The long angle borders the wall and becomes the full length of its corresponding piece of baseboard. Make straight cuts with the saw for end that do not meet another piece of baseboard in a corner. The flat cuts meet door frames or the end of the wall and baseboard.

2. Nail the molding to the wall atop the baseboard with finishing nails and a hammer. Insert the nail into the round molding at a 45-degree angle. Every four to six inches, insert another nail. Tap each nail to just below the surface of the molding with an awl and hammer.

3. Fill each nail hole with wood putty to conceal nails in the molding.

4. Paint the molding and the baseboard all one color. Now, the pieces appear uniform.

References

• Installing Quarter Round Trim Moldings
• In Home Projects: Quarter Round Molding