In this post I’ll show you how to install quarter round molding (or shoe molding, or baseboards) with just a few simple tools.
Whether you’ve just installed completely new floors or are simply updating your trim, part of the project is installing new baseboards or molding.
Quarter round is a perfect, simple option for bridging the gap between your floors and the walls for a clean and finished look. You can also go a fancier route with all kinds of elaborate molding, but for the purpose of this tutorial I’m just using good old fashioned quarter round.
Now, most tutorials you’ll find online will tell you to nail the molding in place with a pneumatic nailer. But, if you’re a normal person like me and not a construction worker, you don’t just have a pneumatic nailer laying around. Not only are they pricey to buy, but they’re a pain to rent because there are so many different parts you need to get (nailer, air compressor, special nails, etc.).
The good news is, you can complete your baseboard installation with just a hammer and nails and one more magical tool: a nail set.
Tools And Materials To Install Quarter Round Molding
- Hack saw (many other types of saws will work too, but a hack saw is quick and easy)
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
- Nail set
- Latex sealant/caulk
How To Install Quarter Round Molding Without A Nail Gun
A nail set is a simple tool that looks just like a pencil, but made out of metal. Instead of hammering your finishing nails all the way into the molding, which would result in an ugly, hammer-shaped dent, you’re going to hammer them almost all the way in, then finish the job with the nail set.
Step 1: Cut molding
You can use any kind of saw you’re comfortable with to cut quarter round molding; since it’s pretty easy to cut by hand, I used a simple hack saw.
Step 2: Lay molding against wall, flush with the floor
It’s okay if there are small gaps between the molding and the wall; you’re going to fill those in later with sealant. It’s better to pay attention to laying the molding nice and flat against the floor.
Step 3: Hammer your finishing nail almost all the way into the wall
Always nail baseboards into the wall—never the floor. It’s easiest to hammer if you angle your nail slightly downward rather than trying to nail straight in.
Hammer with confidence! You’re less likely to miss and dent your baseboard if you take a few good, solid whacks rather than if you’re taking a dozen tiny hits to move the nail in. This comes with practice, and I still haven’t mastered it.
Stop hammering when there’s about 1/8 of an inch of the nail still sticking out of the wall.
Step 4: Use the nail set to drive the nail the rest of the way in
Line up the tip of the nail set with the top of your nail. Nail sets come in different sizes; you want one that’s just a tiny bit smaller than your nailhead.
Now, use the hammer on the nail set to drive the nail the rest of the way into the wall. This part takes some practice and you’ll probably miss a few times at first! You might want to practice on a spare piece of plywood until you get the hang of it.
You’re done once you’ve driven the nail just beneath the surface of your baseboard. Continue driving your nails about two feet apart along the length of the baseboard.
Step 5: Finish with sealant
Use a tube of basic indoor/outdoor sealant or caulk to close the gap between the baseboard and the wall. Don’t worry if it’s coming out of the tube a little sloppy–the best tool for getting a smooth, perfect seal is your finger. Once you’ve applied the sealant, run your (clean) finger over the top to smooth it out. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel.
Step 6: Cover nail heads
If you’ve done a good job with your nail set, your nail heads are barely noticeable. Still, you want to make them even more invisible by putting a dab of sealant over the top of them. If it’s a bit messy, that’s okay; you can sand it down once the sealant dries.
Note—this whole process is easiest if you use white baseboards and white sealant, because everything just blends perfectly. Otherwise, if they’re different colors (like natural wood baseboards) you’ll have to paint it all to match at the end.
Voila! Beautiful, clean looking baseboards.
It’s really not hard at all once you get going. I started on the wall behind our bed just in case I had any major screw-ups, which was a great way to get the hang of it before moving on to more visible walls.
New molding takes an unfinished room and makes it feel clean and polished! To see what led up to this point, check out my full post on installing laminate floors.
