- Method 1: Tricking the Eye. One way to make existing baseboards taller involves tricking the eye a little bit. You can do this by creating a faux-finish.
- Method 2: Stacked Moulding. The second method is similar to the first, but doesn’t utilize any wall space. ...
- Method 3: Three-Piece Baseboards. The third method is possibly the most complicated and extensive of the three options, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re willing to put in the ...
How can I Make my baseboards taller?
One way to make existing baseboards taller involves tricking the eye a little bit. You can do this by creating a faux-finish. It’s a simple task. All you need is an existing baseboard, some tools, paint, moulding, and a bit of imagination.
How high up can you put baseboards on a wall?
Decide How Tall You Want Your Baseboards to Be You can go as tall as you like, from just a few inches above the current baseboard to halfway up the wall. Mark the height along the entire wall in a way that’s easy to see during the application process.
How to install baseboard on a concrete floor?
Either run the baseboard flush against the total height of all the materials or add 1/16’’ – 1/8’’ to the total height and consider using quarter round (shoe molding). To help installation, use wood blocks of the same thickness of your new floor. When installing the baseboard, place the blocks on the subfloor against the wall in multiple locations.
Can you add a layer of baseboard to a wall?
Layers: You can use the baseboard that is currently on your wall and add to it with a new layer of baseboard on top. When doing this, you need to be careful not to go over the recommended height for your ceiling. If you prefer a chunky baseboard, this project will likely make you incredibly happy.
How do you make short baseboards taller?
1:1510:28Easy and Inexpensive Baseboard Trim Upgrade - Taller Look - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStandard you want to do that all the way around. And then you paint it and you paint this area inMoreStandard you want to do that all the way around. And then you paint it and you paint this area in between. So that's just regular sheetrock and it's just been painted.
Can baseboards be too short?
Depending on the ceiling height, short baseboards may also be problematic. Remember, they are used to create a visual balance in the room. If they are too short, they may get lost in a room with high ceilings and will not provide any aesthetic purpose at all.
Are Taller baseboards better?
A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.
What is the standard baseboard height?
3 to 5 inches tallHere is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches. As a designer, I love adding height for drama. And the taller baseboards create a modern yet elegant finished look.
How high are modern baseboards?
Rounded or Stepped Baseboard The top of the trim has a rounded shape that tapers into the wall. The trim of these types of baseboards looks best in modern homes because of its relatively short profile and simple design. These baseboards are typically 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch wide and 3 to 3-1/2 inches high.
How tall should baseboards be with 9ft ceilings?
about 8 inches tallA baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.
Can you add trim to existing trim?
There is no need to live with blah trim! Trick out your existing window casings by adding another layer of trim moulding (or two or three layers) to really amp up the awesomeness of your doors and windows! Bulking up your window casings can as easy as adding another layer of trim molding to the existing trim.
Can I stack baseboards?
0:371:53How to Stack Molding to Add Detail to Your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere. Now down here on this baseboard we're going to stack three pieces of molding. Now I ask youMoreThere. Now down here on this baseboard we're going to stack three pieces of molding. Now I ask you how does this stack up with a coat of paint from plain to fancy in a matter of minutes.
How high should baseboards be for carpet?
The best height for baseboard when carpet is going to be installed is 3/8". Why? Raised base makes it easier for the carpet installer to install ANY thickness of carpet and the edges look better.
What goes first carpet or baseboard?
Which comes first, carpet or baseboard? Generally, the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. Some professionals may have a strong preference, but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet. Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion.
How much does it cost to change baseboards?
When you consider materials and labor, it typically costs $5.70 to $8.95 per linear foot to install baseboards. If you need your existing baseboards removed, expect to add another $50 to $100 per hour in labor costs. For a home with a 144-foot perimeter, the average cost to replace baseboards is $1,280.
Should I paint or replace baseboards?
If your trim is showing wear and tear, painting is always an option, but the prep work is important and can be time-intensive. Replacement is your best option if they're water-damaged, stained or warped.
Should baseboards be flush with the floor?
Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you've already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you'll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.
How do you fill gaps between baseboard and floor?
If the gap between your baseboard and tile floor is ¼-inch or smaller, it should be filled with caulk. If the gap is larger than this, it's best to install shoe molding to hide the gap. When caulking gaps between your floor and tile, it's essential to use a paintable caulk.
Why is there a gap between baseboard and floor?
Gaps between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor usually occur because floor joists sag and foundations settle over many years. In some cases, these gaps are wide enough that they allow air infiltration and can seriously impact your home's energy consumption.
Should baseboard touch concrete floor?
It is never a good idea for your baseboard to touch a concrete floor or any other kind of floor. Instead, you should install the baseboard an inch above the floor. This will ensure that you have enough room for both the flooring and any underlayment.
What do you do with baseboards when molding is attached?
When the molding is attached, you will then need to go and fill the cracks and crevices with white painters caulk. So easy, but a really important step to the overall finished look of your baseboards.
Can you putty between two moldings?
The texture on textured walls will definitely show through between the two moldings. You could add a thin layer of putty to cover the texture…which could be time consuming and a bit of a pain. Or you could try butting up two pieces of molding.
How tall should baseboards be?
There are specific guidelines that contractors and designers tend to follow when it comes to choosing the best baseboards for a given space, based on the height of the ceiling: 8-foot ceiling 3-5 inches in height. 9-foot ceiling 4-6 inches in height. 10-foot ceiling 5-7 inches in height. 12-foot ceiling 6-8 inches in height.
Why is baseboard so tall?
If the baseboard is too tall for the room, it will not provide the balance needed to make the room visually appealing. Instead, it will appear to close the walls of the room up, as the distance from the baseboard to the ceiling is too minimal.
What happens if you have baseboards that are too low?
On the flip side, if the baseboards are too low, they will also be unpleasing to the eye. (Source: Don Pedro Brooklyn) The look you are trying to achieve will likely be a significant factor when choosing the height of the baseboard to use. Typically, if you want an elegant or more modern look, it is recommended that a higher baseboard be used.
Why are baseboards important?
While baseboards can offer appeal to a room, they also serve an especially vital purpose of protecting the drywall from kicks and bumps, which could cause it to break. Can baseboards be too tall?
Why are baseboards overlooked?
Baseboards are commonly overlooked because they are so commonplace. However, they are a great way to make a statement in a home. When choosing the baseboards for your home, you must stick to the measurement recommendations for the height of your ceiling. Overly tall baseboards can shorten a room while short baseboards can get lost in a room ...
What happens if you bump the bottom of a wall?
If you bump the bottom of the wall, you run the risk of cracking the drywall. If you spill liquid on the floor, it could soak into the drywall. Because accidents like this can harm your wall, baseboards are an essential part of your home.
Can you add height to baseboard?
Molding: If you are not impressed with the thought or idea of adding an entirely new layer of baseboard around the room, you can easily add height with a layer of molding along the top of your pre-existing baseboard.
How to determine baseboard height?
Personal Preference: Perhaps the most common way to determine the height of your baseboards is to purchase several different sample sizes and bring them home. Place them around the house and leave them to visualize how it will look in your room. Then, go with what you like and ditch what you don’t like! Also, consider the tools you have at your disposal, some taller baseboards cannot be cut in standard chop saws.
How high should baseboards be on Andrew Grill?
Selecting the height of the baseboard could be as simple as picking the one you like best. Most baseboards run between 3 ¼ inches – 8 inches. However, there can be many things to consider to get it just right.
Is taller baseboard more expensive?
However, in rooms with higher ceilings, taller baseboard may help bring everything together. Budget: Although not always the case, taller trim is more expensive. Other factors, like the type of material and profile, can also impact the price.
Do you need to have one continuous baseboard trim?
If you will have one continuous type of baseboard trim, you will need to select a style that goes with both. Most designers use the following rule of thumb – the taller the wall, the taller the trim; although many variations exist. Size of the Crown Molding: If you have it, crown molding and its height may need to be evaluated in comparison ...
Can you cut baseboards with chop saws?
Also, consider the tools you have at your disposal, some taller baseboards cannot be cut in standard chop saws. Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to use large trim and crown molding in a room with shorter walls! Rooms are intentionally designed with lots of trim work to help give the appearance it is larger and wider.
What to do if your floor is uneven?
If the floors are uneven, consider scribing the baseboard or using quarter-round (sho e molding). Finally, you may need to check with your local city or county to determine if any regulations exist for baseboard distance from the floor.
How thick should carpet padding be?
The height does not need to be a total of the padding and carpet; it will most likely be between ¼’’ and ½’’.
How to raise the height of a countertop?
You do this by constructing a frame for the base cabinet that raises the countertop to the new height, lifting the cabinet and inserting the frame underneath it.
How high should a kitchen countertop be?
You might want to raise your countertop height. The standard countertop height is 36 inches, according to Sebring Design Build, and that's the height recommended by the American National Standards Institute and the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. Cabinets are typically manufactured with a height of 34 1/2 inches so a 1 1/2-inch ...
Why would you have a counter lower than 36 inches?
Among the reasons you would have a counter lower than the standard 36 inches would be to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies a maximum height of 34 inches, or to accommodate a vessel sink , so if the user profile or design requirements change, you may want to raise your countertop. Advertisement.
What is the best height for baseboards?
The best height for baseboard when carpet is going to be installed is 3/8". Why? Raised base makes it easier for the carpet installer to install ANY thickness of carpet and the edges look better. A thick carpet will tuck nicely along the baseboard and so will a thin low profile carpet such as a berber or thin looped carpet. Many people will change their carpet without repainting or remodeling. If you install baseboards up too high and install a thick carpet then there is no problem. But when you replace the thick carpet with a low profile carpet then the baseboards will be too high. Repairing this situation requires removing the baseboards, reinstalling them lower and then having to repaint (at least) the portion of the wall right above the baseboards.
How tight should a plush carpet be?
With a plush carpet and pad you might be at almost an inch or even over. you don't want the tuck to be so tight that it looks like the carpet is being smashed under the baseboards. The carpet should look like it is just flowing under. Note that most floors aren't exactly flat.
Does carpet go under baseboard?
Baseboard first reduces the risk of getting paint or wood filler or any building material on the new carpet. Remember that only carpet goes under the baseboard. The underlay and tack strip both stop short.
Can you use laser trim to install baseboard?
Do not bother with a laser. its cool to have one but not needed to install baseboard. Using blocks to space the trim up is the way to do it. if there are dips in the floor that you think will be visible in the trim then you have bigger problems. I have never profiled trim to fit carpet. And that's in 40 years of experience. Its a simple question with a simple answer. Put the high tech equipment away. More expensive tools does not mean better work. Here, less is better.
Should doors be installed more carefully?
Doors should have been installed more carefully to allow the jambs to be same height as base. It's more uniform look. Still not sure how this is done on carpet to hard wood transitions in those rooms, maybe router out the carpet half of the jamb to make a gap. Door rough openings should be even more than the standard with today's materials. Even $200 interior prehung doors had bowing and twists that I fought to shim to fix.
Do you have to paint baseboards after carpet installation?
Tip... (don't press down on the baseboard too hard when nailing it or it will be difficult to pull out the plywood spacers). You may have to touch up paint the baseboards after the carpet install but that's the best way...
