How to Install Quarter Round
The quarter round is done. Well, 95% done. There are a few spots left to tackle, but it’s looking great. A quick refresher: quarter round, aka shoe molding, is a piece of molding that fits between the floor and baseboard. I stained and sealed Oak quarter round rather than purchasing expensive Walnut. Installing quarter round is very similar to installing baseboard.
Tools for Installing Quarter Round
- Miter Saw
- Finish Nailer
- Coping Saw
- Wood Putty
How to Install Quarter Round
Quarter round goes up very much like baseboard. Like before, I suggest moving around a room counter-clockwise for right handed people.
- Cope cut the inside corners. Use 100 grit, sandpaper to make a perfect fit.
- Miter cut the outside corners at a 45° angle. Use a scrap piece to make sure everything lines up. Take your time. You can caulk baseboard but you can’t caulk quarter round. Test each piece before you nail.
- Exposed ends at the end of a run, like at a door jam, should be cut at 22.5°.
- Cut scarf joints just like baseboard. Cut the first piece at a 45° angle. Cut the second piece at a supplementary angle (45° but facing the opposite way) so as to overlap the first.
- Make sure you nail into the baseboard and not the underlying floor. I highly recommend a compressed air, nail gun. Installation will be faster, you won’t have to sink the nails, or drill pilot holes.
- Keep a rag and extra stain nearby. Dab some stain on the cut ends before nailing. This helps conceal minute imperfections.
- Putty and stain the nail holes.
What do you think? Any tips to add?
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Comments & Conversation on this Article...
4 Responses to How to Install Quarter Round
October 20th, 2008 11:55 am
A timely post for me as we are having to do this type of repair following Hurricane Gustav. Thanks !!!
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October 20th, 2008 9:06 pm
@Lisa, Hope this post is helpful. Good luck with your repairs.
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June 10th, 2009 7:29 pm
The article was very helpful. Particularly since we’re getting ready yo remodel our family room and plan to install new quarter round (among other things).. One question: Since we are installing wall-to-wall carpet; what, if anything, do I have to do differently or more carefully?
Thanks in advance for your help, . . . Fred
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August 31st, 2011 6:20 pm
i just purchased a lake home and am planning to paint. the problem i am having is that the floors are hard wook and the moldings are white. The quarter round is stained to match the floors, i feel that this makes the molding look shorter and am really considering painting the round to match the molding i want substantial molding
am i wrong, its alot of work but…..
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