Maya Ellison
Shoe molding is a thin, flexible piece of wood that is installed along the baseboards of a room with hard flooring. It is used to cover gaps between the floor and the wall, providing a more finished look to the room. Shoe molding is easy to install and requires minimal tools, such as a utility knife, a putty knife, a measuring tape, a nail gun, and nails. The first step in installing shoe molding is to measure the area that needs to be covered and buy the appropriate amount of molding. Then, the molding should be cut to length and prepped with a finish. Finally, the molding can be nailed into place, ensuring that it is firmly pressed against the floor and baseboard.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right material
Shoe molding is a finishing trim designed to seamlessly blend baseboards into the floor. It is a cost-effective solution to cover up any gaps between the wall and the floor. When choosing the right material for your shoe molding, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, you need to decide on the type of material you want. Shoe molding typically comes in wood, vinyl, or other flexible materials. Wood is the most common material and includes oak, pine, and walnut varieties. It is the best choice when trying to match shoe molding to unpainted baseboards. It is extremely durable, long-lasting, and can easily be stained or painted as styles change. However, it is the most expensive option, costing between $0.50 to $4.00 per linear foot. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) which is made out of bonded sawdust and is known for its durability. While it requires a stain or paint to look pleasing, it is more affordable than wood at $1 to $1.20 per linear foot. Polystyrene is another option, being the least expensive at $0.16 to $0.36 per linear foot, but it is not as durable as wood or MDF.
Secondly, you should consider the style and application of your shoe molding. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to suit a wide range of applications, from traditional wood floors to modern concrete patterns. The style you choose should complement the overall aesthetic of the room.
Lastly, it is important to take into account the functionality of the shoe molding. Shoe molding should help keep dirt and grime out of your flooring. Therefore, choosing a material that can be securely fastened and fitted to your floor is crucial.
By considering the type of material, style, and functionality, you can choose the right shoe molding material that will enhance the look and functionality of your space.
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Prepping the wall
Before installing plastic shoe moulding, there are a few preparatory steps to take to ensure a smooth process and a professional finish. Firstly, measure the area that will be covered in shoe moulding. Using a tape measure, measure along the wall, noting the exact measurements from corner to corner. These measurements will guide how much shoe moulding to purchase and the length to cut each section.
If you are removing old base moulding, carefully cut through any paint adhering the base moulding to the baseboard using a utility knife. This prevents chipping the paint as you pry away the base moulding. Next, use a stiff putty knife to gently work the base moulding loose by sliding it behind and under the base moulding without damaging the baseboard or floor. Finally, pry the moulding away from the baseboard using a flat bar and remove all nails.
With the old moulding removed, you can prepare the wall for the new shoe moulding. Sand and paint the baseboards if necessary. If the baseboards are in good condition, you can proceed with the base moulding installation. Ensure the walls are painted before installing the shoe moulding if your project includes painting the walls and trim.
Additionally, fill and sand any holes or imperfections on the baseboards and scuff-sand any surfaces covered in glossy paint or stain. Finally, wipe away the dust with a microfiber cloth to create a smooth and clean surface for the new shoe moulding installation.
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Measuring the room
Next, you will need to measure each of the places where you will need to install shoe moulding. This includes all the corners and doorways that will need to be worked around. Add up the total length of these measurements and then add 10% to this number to account for all the cuts that will be made. This will give you the total amount of shoe moulding you need to buy.
It is important to note that if you have any outside corners in the room, you will need to cut the moulding for that section longer than the wall itself. Add about 1-2 inches to ensure that the two pieces will be long enough to go around the corner and stay connected.
For inside corners, which are the most common type in a room, you will need to cut one of the two moulding pieces to the exact length of the wall for that side, so that it butts up against the adjoining wall. This can be done by setting the blade of your miter saw to a 45-degree angle and placing the moulding on the miter box so that the blade and the pencil mark barely touch. Turn the blade to the opposite 45-degree angle and repeat the process for the other side of the moulding.
By following these steps, you will be able to accurately measure the room and determine the amount of shoe moulding needed for your project.
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Cutting the moulding
Before cutting the moulding, it is recommended that you prep and apply a finish to them. Lightly sand the moulding and lay them on a set of sawhorses to finish them to match your floors. This can be done by applying a few coats of varnish or paint.
After preparing the moulding, measure the area that you will need to cover. Use a tape measure to measure along the wall and write down the exact measurements of each run, from corner to corner. The overall measurements will tell you how much moulding to buy, and the run measurements will tell you how long to cut each section.
When cutting the moulding, there are several types of joints you need to consider. These include square cuts, miter cuts, mitered returns, and mitered scarf joints. Set the blade to a 45-degree angle and place the moulding on the miter box so that the blade and pencil mark barely touch. You want the blade on the outer edge of the mark to avoid cutting it too short. Turn the blade to the opposite 45-degree angle and repeat the process for the other side of the moulding.
If you have outside corners in your room, cut the moulding for that section longer than the wall itself. Add about 1-2 inches to ensure that the two pieces are long enough to go around the corner and stay connected. For inside corners, the most common type of corner in a room, cut one of the two moulding pieces to the exact length of the wall so that the end butts up against the adjoining wall. This is known as a cope cut.
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$32.95
Installing the moulding
Installing plastic shoe moulding is a simple DIY project that can significantly improve the appearance of a room. Shoe moulding is a thin, flexible piece of trim that is installed along the baseboard of a room with hard flooring, such as tile, stone, or hardwood, to cover gaps between the floor and the wall.
Before installing shoe moulding, it is important to measure the area that will be covered. Use a tape measure to measure along the wall, taking into account any outside and inside corners. For outside corners, cut the moulding longer than the wall itself by about 1-2 inches to ensure the pieces are long enough to stay connected. For inside corners, which are the most common type, cut one of the two moulding pieces to the exact length of the wall so that it butts up against the adjoining wall.
Once the moulding has been measured and cut to size, it is a good idea to apply a finish before installation. This can include paint, stain, or varnish. Painting or staining the moulding before installation is easier and less messy than doing it afterwards.
To install the shoe moulding, use a nail gun or a hammer and nails to secure the moulding to the wall, not the floor. Make sure to firmly press the moulding against the floor and baseboard when nailing it into place, and space the nails about one foot apart. You can also add glue to each piece that joins with another for a snug fit.
After the moulding has been installed, touch up any finishes and fill any gaps with wood putty or caulk. If you have painted trim, use caulk instead of wood putty.
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Frequently asked questions
Shoe molding is a thin piece of molding that covers the gap between the floor and the baseboard. It is usually made of wood, but plastic or PVC shoe molding is also available.
Shoe molding provides a more professional and finished look to a room. It can also help to seal out dirt and insects.
You will need a utility knife, a putty knife, a measuring tape, a saw, and a nail gun. You might also want paint, varnish, caulk, a nail setter, and a nail crayon.
First, measure the area that you will need to cover in shoe molding. Then, cut the molding to length and sand it lightly. Next, apply a finish to the molding before installing it. Finally, nail the molding into the wall, not the floor, making sure to firmly press it against the baseboard.
The type of cut depends on the type of joint. For square cuts, where the molding ends at a vertical surface, a straight 90-degree cut is needed. For miter cuts, where the molding wraps inside and outside corners, a 45-degree cut is required.
