QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Base Trim

Should I nail or glue baseboards?

Installing baseboards with a combination of baseboard adhesive and finish nails creates a tight connection between the wood and the wall. The adhesive prevents the wood from bowing out between the wall studs, while the nails keep the boards locked into place while the glue sets.

Where do you start when installing trim?

Begin by cutting the ends of two boards with overlapping 45-degree angles across their faces. When installing these boards on the wall, marry these two angles to make the joint disappear. Be sure to nail through the joint for the best results.

Should baseboards touch the floor?

Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you’ve already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you’ll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.

Can you install baseboard without a nail gun?

A nail gun is preferred because it is an effective way to consistently get the nails in through the baseboard without damaging the baseboard while securing them to the wall. Without a nail gun typically means using a hammer to install the baseboards.

Is installing trim difficult?

While the installation of the baseboard trim itself isn’t hard, the cutting and measuring of the angles can be a bit tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. A homeowner can easily learn how to install baseboards with this easy-to-follow project guide.

Do you nail baseboard to studs?

Base molding fits flush along the bottom of the wall and typically attaches to the wall studs and to the floor plate. The top nail should hit the stud and the bottom nail should either hit the stud or the floor plate, which is 1-1/2 inches higher than the subfloor.

What angle do you cut baseboard corners?

With inner mitered baseboard joints, each baseboard piece is cut at a 45-degree angle. When joined, the two pieces form a 90-degree angle that fits perfectly against the inside corner where two walls meet.

Do you install baseboards before or after flooring?

Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.

How do you install base molding on an uneven floor?

6 Easy Steps for Installing Baseboard Molding on Uneven Floor Step 1: Grab the tools. Step 2: Prep the Baseboards. Step 3: Attach the baseboard on the wall. Step 4: Optional, Install Quarter Rounds. Step 5: Fill in the uneven gaps. Step 6: Paint the baseboards.

How do you glue baseboard trim?

Glue Baseboard to the Wall Apply construction adhesive at the top and bottom. Nail the floor trim to the studs and then tack the braces to the trim with 1-inch brads. Force the gaps closed with the scrap and tack the blocks to the trim. Leave it overnight to let the adhesive set, and then pry the blocks free.

How do you hide the gap between baseboard and floor?

How To Fix A Large Gap Between Your Baseboard And Floor Use caulk to bridge the gap. Install additional molding between the baseboard and floor. Add insulation to the area. Replace the baseboards. Consider using a specialty product.

Should I caulk between baseboard and floor?

Caulking between the baseboard and floorboards will help solve gaps imperfections on the floor. Caulking the gaps in trim joints, and the gap between flooring baseboards, improve water impermeability of the floor.

Do you paint baseboards before installing?

Many experts say that it’s wise to paint the trim before you install it. It’s a fast and easy process that can dramatically speed up paint time. People who paint trim before installing tend to place the boards on sawhorses over a drop cloth to work.

Can I use brad nails for baseboard?

Yes, you can use an 18-gauge Brad Nailer for your baseboards. You are probably wondering if you need an 18 gauge or 16 gauge nailer for baseboard trims. The 18GA nails work well for trims up to 1/2 inch. For baseboards thicker than 1/2 inch I recommend you go for 16 gauge nail gun.

How long should finish nails be for trim?

Just to summarize the whole post, the minimum finish nails size you can use to secure baseboard trim (and other similar trim pieces) is 2″. But we suggest that you work with 2.5” (8d), 15 to 18 gauge finish nails for the best results.

Can you use Liquid Nails to install baseboards?

Use LIQUID NAILS® FUZE*IT® All-Surface Construction Adhesive (LN-2000), or LIQUID NAILS® Ultra Qwik Grip Adhesive (LN-990) for your interior trim and molding installation to save you time and to give you a better finished product.

How much should I charge to install trim?

Average Trim Costs The national average cost of installing trim in a house is $1,280, with a typical range between $604 and $1,994. The cost at the low end is $200, and the high-end cost is $5,200. Trim and molding are woodwork elements that embellish a home’s floors, walls and ceilings.

What nails do you use for trim?

Trim nails should penetrate into wall studs. Standard finish nails usually work fine. However, many carpenters prefer to use galvanized finish nails. They hold a bit firmer because they have a slightly rough surface, and they resist rusting, which is occasionally a problem.

How long should baseboard nails be?

As a general rule, baseboard nails shouldn’t be any longer than 2 inches. The ideal length is between 1.5 inches and 2 inches.

How do you fill baseboard corners?

Apply acrylic latex caulk to fill inside corners, especially when the baseboard is molded. Put a tube of caulk in a caulking gun and place the tip at the lowest part of the gap. Drag the tip toward the top as you squeeze the trigger. Tool, or smooth, the bead by flattening it with your finger.

When should baseboards be installed?

Baseboard Installation Baseboards are often installed before flooring, since they must be finished in place with either stain or paint and this is much easier without worrying about staining the hardwood, tile or carpet.

Do you trim or floor first?

The answer to the question is, “do the floors first!” Here’s why: Removing and replacing flooring or carpeting is dirty work. If you paint first, and then do floors, there is a good chance that a lot of dirt, dust, sawdust or tile/stone dust will end up on your freshly painted walls and trim.