Installation Guide

How to install base moulding
Materials needed include:
Utility knife
Tape measure
Miter saw or miter box
Level
Flat bar
Hammer or nail gun
Finish nails
Nail set
Wood glue
Safety glasses
Moulding
Begin by removing the existing base board and shoe moulding if installed
1. Using a utility knife, cut along the joint where the top of the base moulding and wall intersect.
This will loosen any paint or caulk and prevent damage to the sheetrock.
2. Starting in a corner, insert your flat bar between the wall and the moulding. Gently pry the
moulding away from the walls being careful not to damage the sheetrock (Tip: use a putty knife
in between the flat bar and the wall to protect the sheetrock). Continue along the length of the
moulding pulling it away from the wall until you can remove the entire piece. Continue around
the room until all base moulding is removed.
3. Make a sketch of your room. Measure the length of each wall and record that measurement on
your sketch. Add those numbers together to determine the total lineal feet of base moulding
you will need to purchase.
4. Add 10% to that total for waste and miter joints (Tip: deduct the width of any doorways or
openings to get an accurate total).
Choose a wall to begin installing you new base moulding.
5. Cut your first piece to length. Be sure to cut it a little long to allow for your miter joint.
a. If you are installing a piece of moulding between two cased openings, each end will
need to be cut straight to fit tight against the casing.
b. If you are beginning with an inside corner, cut the moulding at a 45 degree angle across
the face of the moulding. This cut will make the back side of the moulding that goes
along the wall longer than the face of the moulding.
c. If you are beginning with an outside corner, cut the moulding a 45 degree angle across
the back side of the moulding. This will make the face of the moulding longer than the
back side that goes against the wall.

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