
What is a quarter round molding used for?
Quarter round is a molding that is used for covering up gaps in the flooring. The cross-section of this molding is a perfect quarter radius. It is produced in different types of wood and plastic. The best thing about the quarter-round molding is its flexibility. What is quarter round for flooring?
Can you use quarter round molding on Laminate flooring?
You can use quarter-round molding to cover up any gaps between the vinyl or laminate flooring and the wall or baseboard molding. It is not mandatory for the flooring, but it’s a great way of filling up the gaps and fixing any imperfections around the edges of the flooring.
What is the difference between quarter round and shoe molding?
The finishing trim comes in different forms—the two different forms of quarter round and shoe molding. Shoe molding is more narrow and taller than the quarter round and preferred by carpenters. It looks a lot sleeker and smoother than quarter round. However, the quarter round can be used for the bottom of the baseboard.
What is a 90 degree quarter round?
It has a 90° angle on the backside with a perfect quarter radius on the side that shows. The quarter round comes in a variety of sizes, which makes it versatile enough for a wide range of applications, as well as an ideal solution for eliminating the gap between trim and moldings and to fill corners.

Do I need quarter round for floor?
One of the most common questions people ask is if they really need the base shoe, or if it's just an add on. The answer is a simple yes. Without it, there is typically a gap between the trim and flooring, which is not only unattractive but makes it extremely easy for dirt and debris to build up under the base trim.
What is quarter round for wood flooring?
0:000:19What is a quarter round molding for a wood floor? BuildDirect.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuarter round is a simple piece of molding. It's basically a quarter of a circle. You use it whenMoreQuarter round is a simple piece of molding. It's basically a quarter of a circle. You use it when you're when you're putting molding in a right angle.
Do I need quarter round for vinyl flooring?
No you never need to use quarterround.
What is the difference between base shoe and quarter round?
Shoe molding is much the same as quarter round, having the same 90° angle on the backside but instead of being a perfect quarter radius, its profile is a bit more squat. The main use for shoe molding is to run along the intersection of the baseboard and floor.
Why do you need quarter round?
The quarter-round molding serves a very important purpose. It covers the gap between the baseboard on the wall, and the new flooring. You find this if the installer chose to keep the baseboard in place, rather than remove it and reinstall it.
What do you use quarter round for?
Quarter round is another moulding style typically paired with baseboards to cover up gaps and imperfections between the base and the floor. As such, it essentially has the same purpose as shoe moulding.
How do you install vinyl plank flooring without quarter round?
4:265:07How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring WITHOUT Removing BaseboardsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece into place then line up the overlapping. End use the floor installation tool to pull the lastMorePiece into place then line up the overlapping. End use the floor installation tool to pull the last piece into place and tap the overlapping. End until it is tight.
Do I have to use padding under vinyl plank flooring?
If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, then you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn't cushioned, and concrete floors.
How do you seal the edges of vinyl flooring?
0:341:28Laying vinyl flooring (part 3) silicone sealant to edges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to just cut a very fine angle off the end of your silicon nozzle. You don't want to beMoreYou want to just cut a very fine angle off the end of your silicon nozzle. You don't want to be putting lots down it's only a very fine beat. So all you're doing pop pop it in the corner.
Do hardwood floors need to match baseboards?
It is not a requisite for your hardwood floor to match your trims. However, matching your floors with trims can be visually appealing in many cases. Therefore, you will have to understand the visual effects brought about by your painted or stained trims to decide the best option.
Do baseboards need to be removed to install hardwood floors?
A: It is not absolutely necessary to remove baseboards to install new hardwoods, but remember that wood floors require an expansion gap of 1/2 inch along the surrounding walls to accommodate expansion and contraction with changes in moisture and humidity.
How thick is quarter round?
The standard width and height of quarter-round pieces is ¾ inch.
Should quarter round match baseboard or floor?
Remember, floor installers stick to flooring! Quarter round trim is part of the baseboard, not an extension of the floor. If you have white or off-white molding, the quarter round or shoe molding should be white, too. The floor installer will use the same color as the floor color to save both time and money.
How do you install laminate flooring without quarter round?
4:265:07How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring WITHOUT Removing BaseboardsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece into place then line up the overlapping. End use the floor installation tool to pull the lastMorePiece into place then line up the overlapping. End use the floor installation tool to pull the last piece into place and tap the overlapping. End until it is tight.
Can you nail quarter round to flooring?
Use the nailer or hammer and nails to attach the molding to the baseboard. Be sure you hold the quarter round tight against both the baseboard and floor for a tight fit. To hand-nail molding, drive each nail almost flush with the quarter round, then use the nail set to sink the head beneath the surface.
Do you need shoe molding on wood floors?
Using shoe molding gives the floor installer more latitude in their end cuts and also allows you to hide the expansion gaps between the wall and the floor. Due to the small and flexible nature of the shoe molding, it is able to expand and contract along with the floor.
What is a quarter round dowel?
Quarter round (shown in two sizes in the picture on the left and the right) is exactly as its name implies, one quarter of a round dowel. It has a 90° angle on the backside with a perfect quarter radius on the side that shows.
Can you put a gap between trim and flooring?
The answer is a simple yes. Without it, there is typically a gap between the trim and flooring, which is not only unattractive but makes it extremely easy for dirt and debris to build up under the base trim.
Should the Base Shoe Match the Trim Color or the Floor Color?
This is really a matter of preference. Traditionally speaking, the base shoe color should match the trim color, however, the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner. We suggest matching with your trim color to add contrast and emphasize the beautiful stain color of your hardwood floors.
Can you butt a floor with a base shoe?
More importantly, however, removing the base shoe will allow you to butt the new flooring up to the wall. If we are refinishing a floor, and the base shoe is left in place, it will prevent us from getting the sander along the edge of the existing floor.
Does the Base Shoe Need to Be Removed before Refinishing or Installing a Wood Floor?
Yes, it should. There are a couple of reasons why you should remove the base shoe before installing a new floor. It is most likely that the existing base shoe molding has been in place for quite some time, so it may be dented or damaged in places. Plus it probably has several layers of paint on it from over the years. More importantly, however, removing the base shoe will allow you to butt the new flooring up to the wall. If we are refinishing a floor, and the base shoe is left in place, it will prevent us from getting the sander along the edge of the existing floor.
What is Quarter Round Molding?
Quarter round is one-quarter of a round dowel that’s cut to be nearly perfectly symmetrical in width and height. It’s a piece of trim work that’s one-quarter of a circle and is designed to lie perfectly flat. Quarter round is similar to shoe molding but differs in that it’s always the same size and shape.
Where to put shoe molding and quarter round?
Installing both shoe molding and quarter round at the edge of your baseboards is a fairly straightforward project. Follow these steps and tips in order to achieve a successful installation.
What Is Shoe Molding?
Also known as “base shoe,” shoe molding is a decorative piece of trim that comes in various shapes and sizes. Shoe molding also comes in a variety of colors and materials based on what your needs are for your home. You’ll usually see shoe molding at the base of your trim, where it meets the floor.
What is the purpose of molding on baseboards?
A small piece of molding is used to finish off the baseboard installation and close the gap between the floor and the baseboard itself. In general, there are two types of molding that can be used to fill this gap; shoe molding and quarter round molding. Although they appear to be almost identical and can be interchangeable in some cases, ...
Why is shoe molding called shoe molding?
The molding gets its name because of its location at the “shoe level.” Shoe molding really caught on with homeowners because of its attractive appearance and the ability to seal out dirt and rodents.
Does shoe molding have a quarter radius?
Although these two types of finishing trim are almost identical, shoe molding does not have the same perfect quarter radius that comes with the construction of quarter round. Instead, the profile of shoe molding is more squat. The use of shoe molding gives the installer more leeway in their end cuts.
Can quarter round be used on baseboard?
While quarter round can also be used along the baseboard to fill gaps, homeowners and carpenters often prefer to use shoe molding. The sleeker, taller, and narrower look of shoe molding is more desirable than the curved nature of the quarter round.
What is quarter round molding?
Quarter round molding is most often used to cover the gap between baseboards and flooring. My first experience came when remodeling a 100 year old Victorian. We tried but didn't quite get the floors level between our new kitchen-dining-family room. That's when our builder recommended adding molding (quarter round or shoe molding).
Where is quarter round molding installed?
Quarter round molding gets installed at the bottom of your baseboard …
What is shoe molding?
Similar to quarter round, shoe molding is another option you can use to trim along walls and baseboards. Like quarter round trim, shoe molding has a less pronounced curve that's a half inch wide instead of quarter rounds three-quarter inch width. Both types of molding provide a smooth, professional look to flooring and countertops.
Which is better, quarter round or shoe molding?
Quarter round is a better choice when you want a curved edge that's well defined while shoe molding is good when you're looking for a more subtle look. Molding that matches floor color instead of baseboard white ….
Is quarter round molding split resistant?
PVC quarter round molding – is moisture, termite and split resistant. It can also be painted or stained.
Can quarter round molding be painted the same color as baseboard?
It's not an easy decision so I asked several interior designers what they recommend. They unanimously said quarter round molding should be painted the same color as the baseboard.
What is quarter round molding?
Quarter rounds, which are one type of shoe molding, add a finished look to any room while covering gaps between the floor and baseboards. They can be painted or stained to form a stylish border around any room.
How to make quarter round caulk look even?
Run your finger around the tops of the quarter rounds to push the caulk down behind them. Do the same with any gaps between individual pieces as well. Try to make the caulk look as even and hidden as possible. When you're done, wipe up the excess with a damp rag.
How to cut molding 45 degrees?
If you don't have a miter saw, use a hand saw, holding the molding in place with a miter box. These guide the saw to make a perfect 45° angle. Keep in mind these are a little tougher to use for cutting corners, since you need to carefully cut the wood at the proper angle by hand.
How to cut molding with a miter saw?
After making the first cut, turn the blade around to the 45° mark on the opposite side of the saw's base, then cut the second quarter round.
What is the best way to cut a piece of wood?
Using a miter saw is the easiest way to make the cuts and may produce better-looking results. Also, you may need to cut off very thin slices to make the pieces fit, and this almost requires a miter saw. They can be rented at tool rental shops.
How to measure for quarter round nails?
Mark spots for nails every 12 in (30 cm) along the quarter rounds. Start at the corners and measure along the length of each piece of molding. Using a pencil, make the marks along the middle of each quarter round. This can be a little tedious, but it ensures the quarter rounds fit neatly and properly.
What paint should I use to match a wood floor?
Buy bare wood quarter round and stain it to match hardwood floors. You could also buy primed quarter round, which is flat white, and paint it with semi-gloss paint to match the baseboard. You must use this paint to paint over the nails, which will be covered with caulk.
