Is shoe molding necessary?

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. Due to the small and flexible nature of the shoe molding, it is able to expand and contract along with the floor.

Do I need shoe molding with baseboards?

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.

What is the point of shoe molding?

Shoe molding, so called because it's located at “shoe level,” caught on because it looked good and also helped seal out insects and dirt. Today, the main goal of both baseboard and shoe molding is to conceal the less-than-appealing transition between the bottom of the wall and the floor.

What can I use instead of shoe molding?

Quarter round is another moulding style typically paired with baseboards to cover up gaps and imperfections between the base and the floor. As such, it essentially has the same purpose as shoe moulding.

Is floor molding necessary?

While they often go unnoticed, they are essential both for the elegance and functionality of your floors. Transition Molding is also essential from a safety standpoint, as it is necessary to prevent tripping between walking from hard surface to carpeting.

Shoe Moulding Tips and Tricks

Do modern houses have baseboards?

Even though simple baseboards are a hallmark of modern design, there's no reason that you can't incorporate a more traditional baseboard style into your modern home.

Is quarter round necessary for vinyl flooring?

No you never need to use quarterround.

Do you need quarter round with hardwood floors?

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.

Which is better shoe molding or quarter round?

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.

Do you put shoe molding around cabinets?

Shoe molding is usually installed to the perimeter of the base cabinets in your kitchen, connecting and adding a decorative element to the space between your cabinets and your flooring.

Is shoe molding expensive?

The cost of door and window trim like shoe molding starts at about $0.50 per linear foot, which you'll typically buy in eight-foot lengths.

Should baseboards touch the floor?

Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you've already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you'll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.

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.

Should baseboards match floor or trim?

Matching Trim

If you have other natural wood trim in the room, such as window trim or chair molding, having the trim and the baseboards match the floor can lend a feeling of coherence throughout the room. The stained wood accents will tie in to one another throughout a room and complement one another.

Do we need quarter round?

One of the most common questions people ask is if they really need the base shoe, or if it's just an add on. The answer is a simple yes. Without it, there is typically a gap between the trim and flooring, which is not only unattractive but makes it extremely easy for dirt and debris to build up under the base trim.

What type of baseboards are in style?

Should quarter round be nailed to floor or baseboard?

Other times, the baseboard may leave gaps. Installing quarter round trim on baseboards covers gaps for a smooth, rounded finish to the baseboard and floor. Another type of molding is shoe molding. It's typically flatter and taller than a quarter round.

Should I use quarter round when installing laminate flooring?

Installation: Both of these moldings are installed by nailing them directly into the wall. Never allow nails or screws in the Wallbase or Quarter Round to enter into the laminate flooring or the expansion zone around the flooring perimeter, as it will prevent proper expansion and contraction of the flooring.

What is quarter round molding used for?

They provide a nice transition between different materials and also hide gaps like my story above. Quarter round is a better choice when you want a curved edge that's well defined while shoe molding is good when you're looking for a more subtle look. Molding that matches floor color instead of baseboard white …

What size baseboards are in style?

Here is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches. As a designer, I love adding height for drama. And the taller baseboards create a modern yet elegant finished look.

Do baseboards matter?

Baseboards are a critical part of any building, whether it be a home or office building. While baseboards can offer appeal to a room, they also serve an especially vital purpose of protecting the drywall from kicks and bumps, which could cause it to break.

Are Taller baseboards better?

A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.