Installation Guide

HOW TO INSTALL BASEBOARD

Tips:

• Prime and paint (or stain and varnish) all sides of the baseboard, including the back, before

you install it. This will help keep it from warping, and save you time.

• Wear appropriate hearing and eye protection when cutting your baseboard.

• Using a nail gun saves time and gets better results when installing your baseboard.

Tools Required:

Table Saw or Circular Saw, Brad Nailer, Miter Saw, Drill, Router, Coping Saw, Utility Knife,

Crowbar, Laser Level and Standard Level

Materials Required:

Baseboard Molding, Caulk, Paint, Finishing Nails, Wood Glue

Overview

Baseboard molding is a simple way to add instant character to a room. 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 molding.

Baseboards are typically composed of three components: cap molding, baseboards and shoe

molding. You may not need all three components for your project.

• Cap molding fits on top of the baseboards to add an ornamental touch and are optional.

Cap molding is often used with wainscot paneling or with a chair rail.

• Baseboards range from 3½- to 6-inches high and are predominantly flat. They form the

bulk of the baseboard.

• Shoe molding is another ornamental detail at the bottom of the baseboard. Although

they are optional, they help complete the look. Shoe molding is used when retrofitting or

putting down new flooring.

Find the Longest Wall; Cut a Scarf Joint

Begin the process by determining your longest wall. If you have a piece of baseboard molding

that is longer than the actual wall, you can do this first wall with just one baseboard. If this is

the case, measure carefully and then cut each end of the baseboard at 90 degrees to run

directly into each side's perpendicular wall.

If you need two pieces for the first wall, join the two pieces with a scarf joint. A scarf joint

marries two 45-degree cuts on different boards. If possible, cut and situate the two boards so

that the scarf joint can be secured to the wall at a stud location.

PAGE 1
HOW TO INSTALL BASEBOARD Tips: • Prime and paint (or stain and varnish) all sides of the baseboard, including the back, before you install it. This will help keep it from warping, and save you time. • Wear appropriate hearing and eye protection when cutting your baseboard. • Using a nail gun saves time and gets better results when installing your baseboard.
PAGE 2
Start with two pieces of baseboard that have 90-degree cuts at opposite ends. To create the scarf joint in the middle, place the first board in place and mark a 45-degree cut at a stud location. Using the miter saw, cut this end of the first board at a 45-degree angle and sand it smooth. Don't over sand. Hammer it in place with a few finishing nails, keeping the heads exposed. Measure the other board, being very careful to draw exactly the 45-degree cut from the board already in place.