Do You Need Quarter Round Moulding & Trim?
November 15, 2022
By: The Finished Space
Quarter round moulding is a popular trim style that helps to elevate any room or space. However, it's often small and easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. If you're curious about quarter round trim and whether it's right for you, you've come to the right place.
In this article, we're going to discuss what a quarter round is and its purpose. Then, we'll get into the material options and various sizes of quarter rounds. Finally, we'll help you decide whether quarter round trim is necessary for your next project and tell you how to find quality quarter round moulding.
What is Quarter Round Moulding?
Quarter rounds are a type of trim typically used to conceal the gap and soften the transition between the baseboards and flooring. You might be thinking to yourself, "That sounds a lot like shoe moulding." If so, you're correct.
Quarter round essentially serves the same purpose as shoe moulding. However, there's a primary difference. Because of its shape, quarter round moulding always looks like a quarter of a circle. That's how it got its name, "quarter round."
Quarter round moulding can come in several colors and species. However, most designers recommend matching your quarter round trim to your baseboards. In the end, you want your quarter round moulding to look like an extension of your baseboards.
The Various Materials of Decorative Quarter Round Trim
Like most moulding, quarter round trim comes in various materials and colors to suit your unique needs. The three most common material options are wood, polystyrene, and PVC. Let's take a brief look at each of these:
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a human made, plastic material that's sometimes used for quarter round moulding. It's cost-effective and straightforward to install. It also resists moisture with ease. However, the texture of polystyrene causes it to look and feel inexpensive, which can decrease the value and appearance of upscale designs.
Wood
Wood is a classic and beautiful option and a favorite for homeowners and designers. The look and feel of natural wood scream high-end design, and it's also renewable and sustainable. If it's properly installed, it doesn't rot or warp. However, because it's a natural material, some natural imperfections might bother some people.
PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a human made material that mimics the look and feel of wood while providing greater durability. It requires less maintenance than wood and can be more cost-effective than wood, too. As a result, PVC is a terrific alternative for people who want the look of wood without the headaches associated with wood maintenance.
What Size Quarter Round Should I Use? The Standard Dimensions of Quarter Rounds
Even when people decide they want to use quarter round moulding in their house, they often wonder what size quarter round to use. When it comes to choosing a quarter round profile, it's all about selecting the right quarter round dimensions for your space.
Like most moulding types, the sizes of quarter round trim vary. In fact, quarter round sizes range from ¼" x ¼" all the way up to 15/16" x 15/16". The right quarter round profile for your space comes down to the dimensions of the other finishing touches in your room (like the baseboards) and your personal preference.
If you still aren't sure what size of quarter round is right for you, know that the most common quarter round moulding size is ¾" x ¾." In general, you can purchase quarter round trim in lengths as high as sixteen feet, which allows you to cut the moulding to fit your specific needs.
Do I Need Quarter Round Moulding in My Space?
Quarter round trim improves the appearance of a room dramatically. By eliminating that gap between the baseboards and the floor, you end up with a more finished appearance. However, it's not just about aesthetics.
Quarter round moulding closes that gap and ensures that dirt and grime cannot get trapped in the cracks around your floor. It also does a terrific job of hiding unlevel floors.
Whether you need quarter round moulding is ultimately up to you. However, it serves an aesthetic and functional purpose, so most people and designers agree that quarter round moulding is a must-have feature.
Where to Find High-Quality Quarter Round Moulding
Now that you know what quarter round is used for and have information about quarter round trim sizes, you're probably wondering where to purchase high-quality quarter round moulding for your home.
At Metrie, we work with the world's top designers to create high-quality finishing touches that complement every space. As a result, we have a wide range of quarter rounds in various materials and sizes.
If you aren't sure which quarter round profile is right for you, reach out to our experts today and we'll help you find the perfect solution to your project.
