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Shoe molding is much the same as quarter round, having the same 90° angle on the backside but instead of being a perfect quarter radius, its profile is a bit more squat. Using shoe molding gives the floor installer more latitude in their end cuts and also allows the trim carpenter to hide un-level floors.
What is better quarter round or shoe molding?
Shoe molding, also spelled “moulding,” is smaller and thinner than quarter round, and can have a decorative profile. Quarter round is, literally, a quarter circle. The thin profile of shoe molding allows it to bend into place easily, where the stout quarter round does a better job covering large gaps.
Is base shoe the same as quarter round?
Base shoe and quarter round are almost identical. In some situations, they can be used interchangeably, but they both have their own specific uses as well. Quarter round (shown in two sizes in the picture on the left and the right) is exactly as its name implies, one quarter of a round dowel.
Do you need quarter round with vinyl plank flooring?
No you never need to use quarterround. I try to do all installs without using it.
What can I use in place of quarter round?
What can you use instead of quarter round? If you don’t want to reinstall quarter round, the other option is to install shoe molding. Quarter round and shoe molding will cover any gaps between your flooring and your wall/trim. Despite having the same job, quarter round and shoe molding are not the same thing.
When should I use shoe molding?
Moldings are used to cover the expansion area, to hide cut ends, to adjust height differences or transitions between floors and to aesthetically finish the area.” Using shoe molding gives the floor installer more latitude in their end cuts and also allows you to hide the expansion gaps between the wall and the floor.
What is shoe molding used for?
Paired with baseboard and stained or painted to match your trim, shoe molding (also known as “base shoe”) is a small, thin strip of molding that gives your room a finished look. Shoe molding adds a decorative touch while covering any gaps that might lie between the bottom of baseboard and the floor.
What size shoe molding should I use?
Consideration #1: The scale of your house–The most typical dimensions of quarter round are ¾” x ¾” while the most common size of shoe molding is ½” x ¾”.
Does shoe molding come in white?
If you are laying quarter round or shoe molding on hardwood floors, you should lay a quarter round or shoe molding that matches the floor wood grain & stain. The most common trim color is white, and so this most often will lead to a white quarter round trim.
Is quarter round dated?
Quarter round molding is often the default standard molding among contractors, but it looks cheap and dated. Be sure to specify an alternative, such as a flat molding. Most contractors will be more than happy to accommodate. Quarter round molding is, literally, a quarter of a dowel.
Do you caulk between quarter round and floor?
To Install Quarter Round Use Nails Not Caulk Installing quarter round on baseboards with caulk is not a good idea because it can be difficult to remove should you need to repair the floor in the future.
Do I need quarter round for floor?
Answered by ContractorDon: He may be trying to speed up the process of laying the floor, yes you do need expansion room for the flooring to expand but between the space normally there where the sheetrock meets the wall and the baseboard it should be enough without the 1/4 round.
What type of Moulding is the most weather resistant?
Composite trim may be wood/plastic, cellular PVC, vinyl, or polyurethane. They differ in weight and appearance, but they all boast better weather-resistant qualities than most wood exterior trim products.
Do you really need baseboards?
Baseboards Protect Against Water Damage: Because of their material, drywall is susceptible to moisture damage. Without baseboards, moisture spilled on the floor could easily penetrate the drywall, expanding upward and creating unsightly damage. Baseboard is necessary to cover the gaps.
Should there be a gap between shoe molding and floor?
Usually 3/8- 1/2 inch around the floor perimeter. The size of the gap is such that standard floor molding can span this gap so it is not seen. It’s always a good idea to keep this gap open and clear.
How do you install shoe molding without a nail gun?
On a clean work area, lay down the shoe molding face down and apply a bead of liquid nails in a zig-zag pattern so it covers the length of the molding. Put the molding up to the wall with the adhesive side facing the wall and press firmly into place. Carefully make sure everything is lined up.
Do you have to install shoe molding?
You don’t need it. You can have the contractor install the baseboards first (obviously) and then look at it and see what you think. Really, who’s going to be inspecting your baseboards anyway? Shoe mold in a new build is for aesthetic purposes only, and a personal preference.
Should I paint quarter round before installing?
Many experts say that it’s wise to paint the trim before you install it. It’s a fast and easy process that can dramatically speed up paint time. People who paint trim before installing tend to place the boards on sawhorses over a drop cloth to work.
