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Baseboards are a critical part when putting the finishing touches on any room. Read here for baseboard installation tips the pros use!
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Baseboard installation will take your home from basic to polished. With the right adhesive, a steady hand, and a little patience, you can give your home the professional touch it deserves.
Walk into any home improvement store and you will quickly discover a massive range of baseboard products, styles, and materials to choose from. Keep in mind the style of your room and its furnishings, as it will help you select a baseboard that fits your design. In the end, when everything is installed, the baseboard you select should not only cover gaps between the wall and floor, it should make the room pop!
- Measure first. Whether you’re installing a new baseboard or replacing old trim, you need to first measure the area to know exactly how much material you require. Depending on the size of your room, you may be able to buy sections of baseboard that span the entire length or wall section, preventing the need for seams and extra cutting. This will ensure a smooth transition from piece to piece. Don’t forgot to account for corner pieces!
- Prepare the area. Walk through your workspace and clear away any dust and debris after you remove old material. Using your hands or a wide pry-bar, gently pull the old baseboard away from the wall. Be careful as there may be nails as well. Now you can easily scrape off any remaining caulking with a utility knife.
- Make the cut. Lay out all the sections of baseboard in front of the wall they will be adhered to. It helps to mark out the corners at this point as they generally require cuts. Wearing goggles, use a miter saw to cut your corners. If unsure, leave the cut a little longer than measured. Remember you can always cut it shorter! Check to make sure everything fits snug.
Houses often do not have corners of exactly 90 degrees. Small gaps can be filled with caulking at a later stage.
- Attach the boards to the wall. Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions and, once applied, press the baseboard firmly into place against the wall. If using nails to give your baseboards extra hold, be cautious about water and electric lines behind the walls.
- Sand. Once the baseboards are installed, lightly sand all the cut corners with a fine-grit sandpaper.
- Caulk. Apply a small bead of caulk along the top and bottom of the baseboard (if over tile) to seal your project. Ensure you match the colour scheme first before applying caulking.
When it comes to installing baseboard trim, you can’t go wrong with a great quality, high-strength adhesive from Lepage’s premium line of sealants. If you would like to reduce the need for nails, opt for LePage No More Nails All Purpose Construction Adhesive. It has an instant grab and bonds moulding, baseboards, and many other surfaces to drywall. Cleaning up is a cinch with a little soap and water!
For your work to last as long as possible, in the final stage of installing baseboard trim, you’ll want to create a powerful seal between the trim and the wall or floor. Just fill in the gap between the two spaces to seal your project with LePage 2in1 Seal & Bond Interior. It won’t shrink or crack over time, and its superior adhesion formula provides a long-term, durable hold for your beautiful new interior.