Install New Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards are the finishing touch that bridges your new floor to the walls. They hide the expansion gap, protect the wall base from scuffs, and add a polished, intentional look to the room. The right profile and height can elevate the entire space.
Time Required
1-2 days
Cost
$300-$1,200
Difficulty
Moderate
Installation Steps
Pre-paint the baseboards
Prime and apply two coats of semi-gloss paint to baseboard pieces before installation. It's far easier to paint on sawhorses than on your hands and knees. You'll only need minor touch-ups after nailing.
Cut and cope inside corners
Butt the first piece into the corner. For the adjoining piece, make a 45-degree miter cut, then cope the profile with a coping saw to fit tightly against the first piece. Coped joints stay tight as the house shifts, unlike mitered inside corners.
Nail into studs
Use a brad nailer with 2-inch 18-gauge nails. Shoot into every stud (16 inches on center). Place one nail near the top and one near the bottom of the baseboard. Keep the baseboard tight against the floor while nailing.
Fill, caulk, and touch up
Fill nail holes with lightweight wood filler. Caulk the top edge where the baseboard meets the wall with paintable caulk. Touch up paint over filler and caulk lines. Add shoe molding at the floor line if needed.
Baseboard Styles and Heights
- 3.5-inch (standard): Most common height. Works in rooms with 8-foot ceilings. Clean, proportional look.
- 5.25-inch (tall): More substantial presence. Ideal for rooms with 9-foot ceilings. Adds a sense of craftsmanship.
- 7-inch+ (extra tall): Dramatic and elegant. Best for rooms with 10-foot or higher ceilings. Often paired with crown molding.
- Colonial profile: Classic stepped profile with a rounded top. Traditional and universally appealing.
- Craftsman/shaker: Flat board with a simple cap. Clean lines that suit modern and transitional homes.
- Modern/flat stock: Square-edged MDF boards. Minimalist look for contemporary spaces.
Pro Tips
- •Match the style to your molding: Baseboards should coordinate with crown molding, door casing, and window trim. Use the same profile family throughout for a cohesive look.
- •Use MDF for painted baseboards: MDF won't split, warp, or show grain through paint. It's cheaper than solid wood and takes paint beautifully. Use wood only if you plan to stain.
- •Add transition strips between rooms: Where different flooring types meet (e.g., hardwood to tile), install a T-molding or reducer strip for a clean transition.