What height should baseboards be?

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.

How high should baseboards be off the floor?

As discussed above, baseboards are typically installed between 3/8" and 1" from the floor to accommodate carpet. Baseboards are often mounted level with the bottom edge of the drywall, which is kept 1" from the floor. This keeps both the drywall and the trim up out of the way of any spills or water leaks.

Can baseboards be too tall?

If the baseboard is too tall for the room, it will not provide the balance needed to make the room visually appealing. Instead, it will appear to close the walls of the room up, as the distance from the baseboard to the ceiling is too minimal.

Should baseboards sit on 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.

How tall should baseboards be with 7ft ceilings?

There is no hard and fast rule on the exact height your baseboards should be compared to your ceiling height, but a good rule of thumb is the 1:12 ratio, in which you have one inch of baseboard for every 12 inches of ceiling height.

Installing baseboard: what size base should I use?

Is 5 inch baseboards too high?

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.

Are 7 inch baseboards too high?

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.

Should baseboard be level or follow the floor?

If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

Do baseboards need to be nailed to studs?

Base Molding

The standard method of installation is to install two nails over each wall stud. The top nail should hit the stud and the bottom nail should either hit the stud or the floor plate, which is 1-1/2 inches higher than the subfloor.

How do you hide the gap between baseboard and floor?

If the gap between your baseboard and tile floor is ¼-inch or smaller, it should be filled with caulk. If the gap is larger than this, it's best to install shoe molding to hide the gap. When caulking gaps between your floor and tile, it's essential to use a paintable caulk.

How tall are modern baseboards?

Rounded or Stepped Baseboard

The top of the trim has a rounded shape that tapers into the wall. The trim of these types of baseboards looks best in modern homes because of its relatively short profile and simple design. These baseboards are typically 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch wide and 3 to 3-1/2 inches high.

What size baseboard is popular?

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.

What is the most popular baseboard style?

Solid wood finger jointed wood, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) baseboards are among the most popular material choices.

How high do you put baseboards before carpet?

Most of them recommend 1 inch to allow room for both pad and carpet. It is also best, if possible, to nail down any tack strip before installing the baseboard to prevent damage to the baseboard from errant hammer strikes. Nail baseboard in place with 2-inch finish nails and a hammer, or an air-powered pin nailer.

Do you install baseboards or carpet first?

Which comes first, carpet or baseboard? 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. Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion.

Is it better to glue or nail baseboards?

While many contractors use glue to secure baseboards to the wall, you'll typically find that nails are used to secure them most of the time. The main reason is that the nails prevent the board from flexing over time, and they can easily be removed once the board is taken off.

Can I nail baseboard to drywall?

Installing baseboards is quick and easy with a nail gun for baseboards called a finish nailer. The long, thin finish nails pierce the baseboard, drywall and wooden wall stud for a secure connection while displaying an unobtrusive head.

Can you put up trim without a nail gun?

Installing it is as simple as buying a box of itty-bitty finishing nails and hammering in the molding. Seriously, you do not even need a nail gun.

Do baseboards need to be level?

They don't have to be level, they have to look straight. This can actually get quite complicated when doing tile or vinyl planking (especially those with no underlayment).

Should baseboards be installed before hardwood?

Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.

How tall should baseboard be for 9 foot ceilings?

A baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.

Should crown molding and baseboards be the same size?

Crown molding is typically in proportion to the baseboard molding. The rule of thumb is, the taller the baseboard, the taller the crown, and vice versa. A standard 8-foot wall would be overpowered by large ornate crown. Moldings at this height typically range between 3 and 5 inches.

Can baseboard and door trim be the same size?

While choosing the final touches of your room, you may wonder if the baseboards should match the door trim style and size. We have done the research to answer this question for you. Baseboards and door trim style and size do not have to match.