Baseboard, which might be called skirting or just base, provides visual weight to walls but is much more than decoration. It hides the gap between the wall and the floor and covers the gap left around wood floors that allows the boards to expand and contract.
Typical baseboard, installed by builders in most homes today is 3-1/4″ tall and goes unnoticed. Upgrading base board moldings to a taller profile are a great home improvement project that will enhance any room. Any time new floors are installed would be a good time to remove the existing baseboard and once the new floor is down, add new and taller base trim.
Click an image below to find the baseboard molding perfect for your project
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
We make baseboard molding for architects, contractors, installers and homeowners from over 200 wood species as well as MDF (medium density fiberboard), plastic, flexible trim and foam and have hundreds of styles or size up to 12″. We also produce the base caps used in some styles and base shoe which is often needed where hard surface flooring is installed. Popular wood choices for painting are poplar, pine, MDF and finger-joint pine and for staining are mahogany, maple, red oak, cherry and pine.
How to Use Our Molding Search Tool
To begin a molding search, use the drop down menu (currently “Crown”) to select the type of molding. To see all available moldings in all sizes simply click “Start Search”. You can narrow the selection by entering dimensions in the fields.
What Size Should my Baseboards Be?
Consider the door casing thickness, ceiling height and type of flooring when deciding on the size of baseboard. The baseboard should be thinner than the casing, 1/8″ difference is ideal, to create a crisp reveal because a flush joint is almost impossible to create. The trend today is a height of at least 5-1/4″ for 8 feet ceiling height. Taller should be considered for higher ceilings. The thickness of the base may also depend on the type of flooring installed. Carpet is rarely an issue but wood floors require an gap at the walls for expansion and contraction. The base will need to be thick enough to hide the gap or a baseshoe added to add thickness along the flooring.
How Much Baseboard Molding Will I Need?
Use a tape measure and record the length of each wall for which base will be applied. Add the lengths together and add at least 10% for cutting waste.
What Tools Will I Need to Install Base Board Moldings?
Tape Measure
Miter saw (Electric Power Miter Saw)
Hammer (or Pneumatic Finish Nail Gun with compressor)
Nail Punch
Sand Paper
Square
Putty Knife
Caulking Gun
What Materials Will I Need for Installing Baseboard Molding?
Baseboard Molding
Finish Nails (8d) or 2-1/2” finished nails
Wood Filler
Stain/Paint
Interior Grade Caulk
What if My Wall is Longer than my Molding?
Whenever possible use one length of molding per wall section but it isn’t always possible. A scarf joint is used to make an in-line connection between two pieces of baseboard molding. When cut properly, one piece will seamlessly overlap the other.
FIND BASEBOARD MOLDING:
- Base Board Molding Collection
- 2″ to 4″ Base Board Molding
- 4″ to 5″ Baseboard Molding
- 5″ to 6″ Base Boards Molding
- 6″ Baseboard Moldings
- 6-1/16″ to 8″ Baseboard Moldings
- Over 8″ Baseboard Moldings
- All Base Cap Mouldings
- All Base Shoe Profiles
wood species is best for your project? We would love to assist.
Call us at (888) 209-9307 – or contact us.
TOOLS FOR INSTALLING BASEBOARD MOULDING:
- Purchase a Compound Miter Saw
- Purchase Miter Saw Accessories
BASEBOARD MOULDING INSTALLATION RESOURCES:
- Install Base Moldings Like a Pro!
Related articles by Zemanta
- Things to Consider When Thinking About Buying Laminate Flooring (mckayflooringblog.com)
{ 6 trackbacks }
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
In older houses in England (where I come from) it seems that taller skirting boards are the norm, while more modern properties (1930s onward) tend to have shallower versions. I always associate large skirting boards with the grand old style!
.-= Dan@Illuminated Bathroom Mirror´s last blog ..Illuminated Bathroom Mirror =-.
Welcome Dan,
That is also true in the United States. Before tract homes were the norm here houses were individually built and designed and had larger, more elaborate moldings of all kinds.
Baseboards were much taller and many homes had wide door and window moldings. Crown moldings and chair rail moldings were common.
Now only upscale homes have these moldings here unless a home owner adds them when doing home improvement.
.-= Good Millwork´s last blog ..Crown Moldings: Selecting, Measuring, Installing =-.
I can see those base boards very elegant. Most of them are seen in those home magazines. I have not seen one in real life yet.
.-= mikan146@sportdiscountstore´s last blog ..Online Sports: 3% off all orders =-.
Hello Mikan,
Almost all houses and buildings have baseboards – they just aren’t tall or thick so you don’t really notice them.
haha, until i visited your website, i never really thought about moldings and thought they were all the same. I guess you learn as you go!
Even many builders are probably not aware that there are so many different styles, thicknesses and heights in baseboards and other architectural moldings.
This is a useful resource. I recently installed a very large skirting board in our promotional showroom to complement the existing architraves and the results are nothing short of splendid.
It’s amazing how much good molding can improve the overall fit an finish of your home. The difference is night and day.
.-= Nathan@Metal Water Bottles´s last blog ..Metal water bottle brands =-.
I agree with the point in this article about how baseboards and skirting not only help to hide and uneven finishing in the flooring but can also add a weighty visual effect to the whole wall.
I think that it should be a standard fitting to all walls as, in my opinion, they just add character and is a great finish to any wall.
These baseboard designs are very classy. I am planning on redoing my baseboards and add crown mouldings to update the interior of my home. It really makes a huge difference once you add those to your home decor.
I was amazed by the variety of different moldings you have shared. Illustrations on the baseboard molding for your project were awesome. Thanks for the clear descriptions and types of moldings.
I never knew so much went into selecting and installing moldings. You provide great explanations on everything from the tools to the materials and everything else someone would want to know about installing their own basement molding. Thanks.
I was astonished by the variety of distinct moldings you might have shared. Illustrations for the baseboard molding for your project have been awesome. Thanks for that obvious descriptions and types of moldings.
I in no way knew so much went into picking and setting up moldings. You supply wonderful explanations on everything from your resources for the supplies and anything else anyone would want to know about setting up their own basement molding.
I in no way knew a lot went into picking and setting up moldings. You supply great explanations on almost everything from the resources for the supplies and something else anyone would desire to know about setting up their very own basement molding.
I know about baseboard moldings and how they can practically turn a plain-looking room into something that’s elegant. But I didn’t know that there are plenty of designs available. I’ll remember to use them in my next home improvement project.
Twitter: @cognitive46
In this post the complete guide for baseboard is provided. A carpenter with intermediate skill can design such baseboard by reading this article.
Your baseboards should match the overall theme of your house. Older homes or homes where you are attempting to recreate the past generally had larger base boards, where as modern homes have slim or even none.
I enjoyed reading your post. These baseboard designs are very stylish and looks good. I am considering renovating my hall using this style of baseboard. This work should be completed before Christmas. Thank you for sharing such a good post.
Awesome post, I will be sure to recommend to friends!
very good post…
I am planning on redoing my baseboards and add crown mouldings to update the interior of my home. It really makes a huge difference once you add those to your home decor.
i never really thought about moldings and thought they were all the same. I guess you learn as you go!
I absolutely love the idea of going to taller baseboards, that’s actually how I found this blog post! I had been Googling tips and tricks on the subject and found it, very helpful post.
Just came across this post when looking up info on skirting boads – I’m currently redecorating my house and searching for different types. I definitely do prefer these taller profile ones, they give off more of a luxury feel I think will be perfect for my dining room. Thanks!
I agree, these wider set skirting boards ooze a bit of luxury. Need these in my home!
Interesting article about baseboard molding.I just want to add one more thing When baseboards are installed in rooms with hard surface flooring, a shoe molding is usually included. Rooms with carpeting often do not have shoe molding. The same cutting rules apply to the shoe molding when installed.
I definitely do prefer these taller profile ones, they give off more of a luxury feel I think will be perfect for my dining room. Thanks!
I agree with your premise that use one length of molding per wall section.Baseboards should be chosen to work in harmony with your casings to finish and tie the room together. Baseboards are usually thinner than the casing.
Twitter: @storkclubny
baseboards really makes a big difference in a home..adds that old world charm
Choose moulding styles to coordinate with the style of your home. You may love deep crown moulding and a center medallion on the ceiling, but this would probably not work in a contemporary or ranch style home. A modern home should have plain mouldings with little detail. Traditional homes look wonderful with deep baseboards and wide casings.
Twitter: @MA_real_estate
We are considering replacing our baseboard and door moldings. The house is a brick front center entrance colonial with a rounded portico over the front door. It looks very nice. A bit of a timeless look in our opinion. But, it was built in the 80′s so all the moldings inside are the “speed” molding as it is called in the northeast. Slim, low and narrow. I am thinking of starting replacement myself one room at a time.
andover´s last [type] ..Fenway Neighborhood Realty Boston