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Installing Baseboard - Part 1

Project Overview

Installing Baseboard - Part 1

Do it right the first time. Lay out the top of the baseboard and use a level to ensure that your moulding does not appear off kilter. If there is an interruption or obstruction such as an inside or outside corner, leave one of those two walls until the end.

7 Steps

  1. LAY OUT THE TOP OF THE BASEBOARD
  2. MEASURE LENGTH OF THE FIRST PIECE
  3. MARK STUD LOCATIONS ON THE WALL
  4. CUT THE FIRST MOULDING TO LENGTH
  5. MARK BASEBOARD TO SHOW STUD LOCATIONS
  1. SPRING FIRST MOULDING INTO PLACE
  2. NAIL THE BASEBOARD TO THE WALL
Show all steps »
LAY OUT THE TOP OF THE BASEBOARD
MEASURE LENGTH OF THE FIRST PIECE

Step 1

LAY OUT THE TOP OF THE BASEBOARD

Lay out the top of the baseboard. Don't count on the floor being level. It may be, but if it's not, the moulding can look out of kilter when you look at the chair rail or the windows immediately above it. Play it safe: Attach a line level to a chalk line, level the line, and then remove the level before snapping a level chalk line on each wall.

MARK STUD LOCATIONS ON THE WALL

Step 2

MEASURE LENGTH OF THE FIRST PIECE

Measure the length of the first piece. When you're measuring between two walls, put the tape measure tight against each wall and read the measurement to the nearest sixteenth. Write the measurement on the wall and add in the length of the tape measure body—3 inches in this case. For a tight fit add another 1/16 inch to any measurement over 8 feet, and 1/8 inch to any piece over 12 feet.

CUT THE FIRST MOLDING TO LENGTH

Step 3

MARK STUD LOCATIONS ON THE WALL

Mark the wall to show where the studs are. Find the studs with a stud finder, and mark their location on the wall in an area that will be covered by the baseboard.

MARK BASEBOARD TO SHOW STUD LOCATIONS

Step 4

CUT THE FIRST MOULDING TO LENGTH

Cut the first moulding to length. The first moulding that you install is square on both ends. Check your measurement on the wall, and make sure you add in the extra required for long pieces. Cut a piece to this length, cutting it square on both ends.

SPRING FIRST MOLDING INTO PLACE

Step 5

MARK BASEBOARD TO SHOW STUD LOCATIONS

Mark the baseboard to show stud locations. Lean the baseboard against the wall, and make a mark on it at each stud location. Marking the baseboard instead of the wall means you won't have marks on the wall that you'll have to paint over.

NAIL THE BASEBOARD TO THE WALL

Step 6

SPRING FIRST MOULDING INTO PLACE

Spring the first moulding into place. Put the moulding against the wall. If you've added either 1/8 inch or 1/16 inch for a tight fight, put an end in its corner and flex the moulding until it fits against the other corner. Once both ends are in place, push the centre of the moulding against the wall.

NAIL THE BASEBOARD TO THE WALL

Step 7

NAIL THE BASEBOARD TO THE WALL

Nail the baseboard to the wall. Drive two 8d finishing nails at each stud. The first should be 3/4 to 1 inch off the floor, so that it will hit the framing that runs along the floor. Drive the second nail closer to the top of the moulding and into the stud. Click here for Installing Baseboard - Part 2.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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