Baseboard Trim & Moulding: Profiles, Styles, and How to Install

When most homeowners and designers think of baseboards, they think of the thin strip of wood at the bottom of a wall. However, baseboards are much more diverse than that. They range in size, styling, profile, and more.

In this article, we’ll discuss the various aspects of baseboard trim and moulding, including a brief tutorial on installing it in your home.

When you start shopping for baseboard trim and moulding, there are many profiles from which to choose. The options vary, ranging from classic baseboards to tall baseboards and everything in between. Here’s a list of the many types of baseboard moulding and trim profiles and styles:

3¼” Solid Pine Baseboard

3¼” solid pine baseboard is a classic and versatile baseboard profile. It fits nicely into many design styles, including farmhouse, ranch-style, and traditional homes. It’s also minimally designed with straight lines and uniformity, making it a perfect complement to a modern aesthetic.

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4¼” MDF Baseboard

A little taller than the 3¼” solid pine baseboards discussed above, the 4¼” MDF baseboard adds a touch of drama to the classic profile. It’s thin on top and thicker at the bottom, providing many exciting details. This baseboard profile is the ideal selection for a colonial-style home.

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4¼” Oak Baseboard

You can never go wrong with oak! This straightforward baseboard is the classic modern farmhouse baseboard, which is probably why it looks so familiar. It’s the perfect final touch to any rustic and warm home design aesthetic.

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5½” MDF Baseboard

The 5½” MDF baseboard is a surprising twist on the classic baseboard. It’s double-stacked, standing almost twice as tall as our 3¼” solid pine baseboard, which means it’ll really stand out in a room. It’s also flat on the bottom and curvy at the top, making it a versatile and stylish choice for homeowners looking for that extra flair.

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Baseboard Caps and Shoes

Baseboard caps and shoes are versatile baseboard profiles that can be added to classic baseboards to embellish a more traditional design. They come in various styles and patterns, adding complexity to the architectural design of your baseboard. They can also be used to conceal gaps and transitions.

Quarter Round

Sabrina Scrivo

Typically applied to the bottom of baseboards, quarter rounds are an ideal moulding accessory. They serve as the perfect finishing touch for your home’s baseboards, giving them a more streamlined and elegant final look.

How to Install Baseboard Trim and Moulding

Home improvement projects range in difficulty. Some of them require the deft hands of a professional contractor, while others can easily be accomplished by a novice DIYer. Luckily, baseboard trim and moulding installation aren’t incredibly complex.

So, if you’re thinking about installing your own baseboard trim and moulding, here’s a brief step-by-step tutorial to help you get started.

Step 1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies

You’ll need a few supplies and tools before you get started, including the baseboards and moulding, a nail gun, nails, a miter saw, a pry bar, caulk, wood filler, and paint. Tools and supplies may vary depending on the baseboards and moulding you purchase.

Step 2. Remove the Old Baseboards

Using the pry bar, remove the old baseboards. Remember to clean up all the dust and debris left behind. You want the walls and floors to be spotless when you start.

Step 3. Measure Your Walls

Measure the length of the walls. Pay special attention to the corners because that will impact the next step in this guide.

Step 4. Prep and Cut the Baseboards to Fit Your Walls

Use the measurements you gathered in step three to prep and cut your new baseboards. When you’re cutting the pieces that’ll be installed at corners, it’s best to cut them at 45-degree angles. When paired with another corner piece, this will create a 90-degree angle.

Step 5. Attach the Baseboards to the Wall

Before you start attaching the baseboard, locate the studs in your wall. Once you have them marked out, use the nail gun to attach the baseboards to the wall. Remember to wear your safety glasses.

Step 6. Fill the Nail Holes

After you’ve finished nailing in the baseboard, it’s time to fill those new holes with wood filler. Once you’ve filled the nail holes with wood filler, sand it down until it’s flush with the baseboard.

Step 7. Attach Any Additional Trim and Moulding

After the baseboards are installed, you can attach any additional trim and moulding, including the caps and shoes discussed above.

Step 8. Caulk the Gaps Along the Baseboard

Once everything is completely installed, caulk along the edges of the baseboards, so there are no gaps. You don’t want to leave any gaps or space for dirt, dust, and debris.

Step 9. Touch Up the Paint, and You’re Done!

Once everything’s caulked, add another round of paint to any of the discolored areas. Then, when that’s finally finished, and you’re happy with the results, take a step back and enjoy your work!

Get Quality Baseboard Trim and Moulding Today

If you’re looking for high-quality baseboard trim and moulding for your home, you’ve come to the right place. At Metrie, our products are designed with durability and style in mind. Check out our inspiration galleries for additional ideas from designers around the world.

If you aren’t sure which moulding and trim style is right for your home, check out Option {M} today. It’s a nifty design tool that pairs moulding types with popular design trends, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong kind.