How To Make Baseboards

How do you make your own baseboards?

What can be used as baseboards?

Rubber Base Molding. Look into a rubber base molding if you don’t want to use a traditional baseboard. Reglet. One of the most popular alternatives to a baseboard is a Reglet trim, and it adds depth to any room. Vinyl Wall Base. Reclaimed Wood Molding. Porcelain Tile. Wood Quarter Round. Decals.

Is it cheaper to make your own molding?

I could get 3 linear feet of 3 1/4 molding out of a board foot, so yes, material wise you can make it cheaper. Probably for half the cost. Your rectangular moldings would require a jointer, planer, table saw and router table.

Is it hard to DIY baseboards?

While the installation of the baseboard trim itself isn’t hard, the cutting and measuring of the angles can be a bit tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. A homeowner can easily learn how to install baseboards with this easy-to-follow project guide.

What is the cheapest baseboard?

Jointed pine baseboard can be as inexpensive as $1.50 per linear foot and up to $3.00 per linear foot.

Can you use regular wood for baseboards?

If you want the look of natural wood, the decision is clear: solid wood baseboards. Hemlock, oak, pine, poplar, and maple are popular solid wood baseboards for staining. If you are installing in a wet application, then choose primed wood or, even better, PVC baseboards.

Can I use plywood for baseboard?

Build Up Your Baseboards With just a few pieces of plywood, and some imagination, you can bulk up your baseboards and create the illusion of a Craftsman or cottage-style home. It’s also an ideal way to add character to a space and cover any wall or design flaws in your baseboards.

How do you finish a wall without baseboards?

To achieve the no baseboard look, the contractor should also use a bead in between the floor and the wall. A bead is a place of plastic trim that the drywaller can use to create a gap while finishing the bottom edge of the drywall. There are several different styles of beads.

Should I nail or glue baseboards?

Installing baseboards with a combination of baseboard adhesive and finish nails creates a tight connection between the wood and the wall. The adhesive prevents the wood from bowing out between the wall studs, while the nails keep the boards locked into place while the glue sets.

Do you need a nail gun for baseboards?

A nail gun is preferred because it is an effective way to consistently get the nails in through the baseboard without damaging the baseboard while securing them to the wall. Without a nail gun typically means using a hammer to install the baseboards.

Do you have to nail baseboards into studs?

As long as you’re inserting the nails into the top 3 inches of wall, locating studs isn’t necessary. If you’re attaching the molding below the top 3 inches of the wall, insert the nails in the wall studs.

Can I use quarter round instead of baseboard?

While quarter rounds can jazz up a baseboard, they can also be used in lieu of baseboards. These pieces of wood will still join the gap between the floor and the wall, and they are usually a bit more flexible, allowing for pleasing visuals at a fraction of the cost.

Is MDF good for baseboards?

MDF is a very cost effective material for baseboard and casings. MDF has zero imperfections. It is always primed and ready for paint. MDF and has zero warps or twists in the material.

How thick should baseboards be?

Most baseboards are 1/2 to 1 inch thick and 3 to 8 inches tall. Gauge baseboard size by its relationship to crown and casing. Baseboard is typically taller than casing is wide, and about as tall as the crown. The taller the crown, the taller the baseboard should be to maintain visual balance.

What type of wood is used for trim?

Several types of hardwoods such as cherry and walnut are commonly used for stain grade moldings and trim because of how well they absorb the stain. Softwoods such as fir or pine are regularly used for paint grade trim and moldings since it is generally less expensive and easy to work with.

Can you use pine for baseboards?

Pine is the least expensive of the natural woods. Unlike regular pine wood, knots and warping are not an issue since jointed pine comes pre-primed and treated. It is also sold unprimed. This makes jointed pine baseboard easy to nail and quick to install.

Which is better wood or MDF?

When it comes to engineered wood, MDF is often considered a level above plywood. It is denser, stronger and more durable. For these reasons, it has almost as many applications as solid wood. They vary by density, size, glue type, moisture content, wood species and thickness.

Is MDF cheaper than wood?

-MDF is less expensive than solid wood and plywood. Where it’s used: MDF is used in so many spaces in our homes. You can find it in cabinets, furniture, moulding/trim work, door parts, and store fixtures.

Can you have no baseboards?

You could opt to not have any baseboards at all. This is recommended if you are going for a very contemporary look with clean uninterrupted lines. Opting to not have any baseboards will keep your design simple and modern. The only downside is a loss of protection for your walls from brooms and vacuums.

Do you need baseboards with carpet?

Generally, the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. Some professionals may have a strong preference, but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet.

Can I use 1×6 for baseboard?

baseboard trim question–using 1×6 boards In my house, we did 1×8 on the 1st floor and 1×6 on the second, and used basic cap molding with it. Its simple and looks just fine.

What is the most popular baseboard trim?

One of the most commonly used residential baseboards are the three inch rounded or stepped baseboards. This is because the top of the baseboard tapers off to give a softer more decorative corner. While still mildly decorative it is one of the less expensive options, due to its popularity.