So is there a way to update my baseboards without removing the current baseboards? Therefore, we promote stricteditorial integrity in each of our posts. Wipe off the glue squeeze-out with a damp rag right away. Once the tile is installed, a new layer of baseboard can be installed on top. You Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. It can also provide an entry point for bugs and can allow hot or cold air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to have to work harder to regulate the indoor temperature. Most baseboards are preprimed, and if yours are, omit this step. Apply Caulk. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". DIY With Christines main focus is helping yourenovateanddecorateyour dream home without relying on others or paying a contractor outrageous fees. Another easy way to fix gaps along the bottom of the baseboard is to replace the small 1/4-round or shoe molding that often covers the bottom of the baseboard. This can usually be fixed by someone who only has rudimentary home improvement skills. Some guns come with a handy hole that cuts the tip. You can also fill the grain. Thankfully, baseboard gaps with your floor can be easily sealed - cleanly - with InstaTrim Flexible Trim Strips. Today, I want to show you how to repair your baseboards like a pro even if the baseboards are painted already. Lay them flat on the floor every few feet. Fill outside corner gaps with spackling compound, wood filler or drywall joint compound. Acrylic caulk is more flexible and a better choice for inside corners. If you used painters tape, remove the tape right away before the caulk dries. Two-inch finish nails should do the trick. Eric Regan, owner of Mission Painting & Home Improvements, warns that if the problem isnt corrected, water can seep through and penetrate the wood behind the gaps, which will eventually cause it to rot. Add a floorboard trimmed to your ideal width to snap it into place. After smoothing the bead, clean off any excess caulk on either side of the gap before it dries. This will ensure that it seals off the gap and makes it airtight to keep heat in. See what I mean? This option can help span a larger gap while still looking beautiful, so you can avoid any major demo and repair work. Ask Question. This Boho-Chic Sitting Area Is a Brilliant Solution for Awkward Entryways. This molding often gets damaged over time anyway, and installing new shoe molding can greatly improve the look of the baseboards. If your flooring is tongue and groove, you should be able to snap the new floorboard into place. Looking forward to the bathtub info. Well, look no further because I have your answer! Sanding is the most durable option in my opinion, and works well if your baseboards are glossy (coated in polyurethane). Trim a floorboard to a desired width that will tuck underneath the baseboard. Thank you! Prime the baseboards before you fill the gaps to aid adhesion of the filling material. Then, you can make use of a quarter-round or shoe molding, which fits in nicely with the baseboard. I love this caulk scraper because it wont gouge the wall or tile. My baseboards looked so bad from years of having pets and I just recently had a local wood refinishing company come and fix them up. Be sure to mask the floor when applying the caulk to keep it from staining the floorboards. Make sure the foam does not protrude from between the wall and baseboard. This option is, by far, the easiest option because shoe moulding is: Installed directly over the existing carpet and baseboard (no demo required . Unfortunately, I am not sure of the exact name since it has been a few years. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Pieces dont move around while youre nailing on them, and of course, no more hammer marks or nail setting. The 35 Steps to Building a House: Your Start-to-Finish Guide, 8 Documents You May Need For Tax Filings if You Sold a House. There are tons of good quality contact paper that can be solid or patterned to suit your needs. Rachel! Our partners can help you compare quotes from top-rated professionals near you. If caulking the bottoms, use the putty knife to scrape underneath the baseboards. The best way to fix a large gap between a baseboard and floor is to use caulk, a gap fix system, or to readjust your baseboards. However, thats not the only reason why this could happen. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Hope that helps! More importantly, those gaps are also a hot bed for dirt, grime, bugs, mold, hair and other debris that are allowed to populate in a space that are even hard for a . While siliconized acrylic latex is slightly more expensive than straight acrylic latex caulk, many people find that it adheres better and creates a longer-lasting joint. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Since hardwood can expand and contract, a little leeway can be a good thingto a point. If the gap between your flooring and baseboards is due to the baseboard being too high, there is another solution. If the gap is due to the floor not reaching the baseboard, this can be remedied by adding another floorboard. As you are caulking, hold the gun so that the tip is completely flush with the baseboard. The trigger spring allows for more even caulk distribution. Cut the first trim board about 1 inch short of a stud with a 30-degree bevel facing the room. These problems below are why people should focus on fixing the baseboard and floors gap: The most common reason for a gap to start showing itself between a floorboard and baseboard deals with the houses age. You can make the wall look smoother by running a continuous bead of caulk along the top of the baseboard, where it meets the wall. The baseboard is about 8" wide single piece yellow pine with a detail (cove) cut into the top edge, stained and shellaced. Want to do white because I think it would look more refreshed and clean. This article demonstrates seven tricks that the pros use to solve the most common problemslike closing gaps along wavy walls and making crisp joints at corners that aren't square. Adjust the screw in or out and continue adjusting and testing until the joint is perfect. Crack and shrink resistant caulk is a very good idea. But if you enjoy dabbling in DIY projects and have a good amount of time and patience, you can get rid of those gaps yourself in seven relatively simple steps. All rights reserved. To minimize clean-up, you can opt to place painters tape on either side of the gap before applying the caulk. It can harm the quality of the wood. (Easy Picture Tutorial!). Pull the tape. In this case the patch is approximately 3/8-1/2. Gaps at the top of the baseboard occur because the molding does not hug the wall close enough, which is common in older homes where the walls may not be perfectly flat. Solutions that may help remedy an imperfect wall are: Use paintable caulk. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Tool, or smooth, the bead by flattening it with your finger. This molding often gets damaged over time anyway, and installing new shoe molding can greatly improve the look of the baseboards. Can I just paint over them or do I have to sand all of them first. Then, once the floor has been installed, you should install a brand new batch of baseboard. So if the space is large, you'll want to start by stuffing a thin strip of foam into it. Whether you installed the trim yourself or inherited it when purchasing an older home, you dont have to learn to live with unsightly gaps, nor do you have to remove the trim and start over. With one hand, I hold down the free end where it should be. All information is provided "AS IS." At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Its helping me redo the cracks between the baseboards and mounding on my stairs. 2. home improvement and repair website. These days, many companies sell special devices designed to make it easier to close small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring. Vinyl also has quite a sleek finish, making it appealing to homeowners with modernas opposed to traditionaltastes. We adopted a sweet puppy with a serious anxiety issue. Read more about me and my past home renovation projects here. You may freely link Instead, the purpose of caulk is to seal joints and block gaps through which air and moisture can pass. You may not have access to the original flooring materials that your home was built with. However, I generally recommend thiswedge toolif you do not feel confident with just your hands. Lowes also has this decorative trim cover that lets you hide cords behind it while also covering the flooring gap. Efficiency and style are incredibly important considerations for homeowners. The gap in your baseboards may come from a sagging floor. If the caulk is still attached in places, cut it with a razor knife to loosen from the wall. I hope that gives you some good tips! Whether or not you fill these gaps is up to you. Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. Vinyl trim is very sturdy and strong, so it will not warp or rot like wood trim might; this makes vinyl a good option for window trim or baseboard trim that might be in a humid area like the bathroom. For the most part, it is okay to put new caulk over old caulk. Pull out another 18 inches and repeat. There are also Thermofoil cabinets which are basically wrapped in vinyl. Who knew baseboards could be this exciting?! Were working through a total redo of our new 1950 ranch. If the baseboard is moved out from the wall and wiggles or bends, it would probably be best to reattach it. How did you get the skirt board to look smooth? Trim the caulk tube's tip. You'll want to use a paintable latex silicone caulk to fill the gap. Recently moved into a fixer upper and have my work cut out for me. Start by cutting the baseboard to the desired length. Immediately after applying the full bead across the wall, smooth the caulk by dipping your finger in a water bowl and running it along the wet bead. Trim a floorboard to fit underneath the baseboard to the desired width. Find top real estate agents in these similar cities, HomeLight has an A+ rating with the Just had my hardwood floors refinished and the baseboards are next on my list to get updated! Seal the tube of remaining caulk with a waterproof wire nut, duct tape or a golf tee. And if youll be painting your wood trim, youll need to fill the gaps beforehand to ensure a smooth, even finish. If the caulk shrinks too much, after it dries you can run another bead on top. So the size of the gap between 5-inch boards will be twice as big as the gap between 2-inch boards. The best way to fix a large gap between a baseboard and floor is to use caulk, a gap fix system, or to readjust your baseboards. Your sagging floor may be a consequence of house settlement - which is natural. As much as it may seem like an easy task to install tile without removing baseboards, its generally accepted that baseboards should be removed prior to installing a new tile floor. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! If theres a gap at the bottom of the joint, set aside the test pieces and drive a 2-inch screw about 1/2 inch above the floor and an inch or two away from the corner, behind the square-ended piece. A graduate of Sonoma States Creative Writing program, he spent many years as a contractor and carpet layer, learning the ins and outs of flooring and general contracting. Scrape it flat with a razor knife before it hardens. Push the pieces tight against the wall (especially at the bottom) to simulate the pressure the nails will exert. You can easily use caulking to hide those gaps and give the baseboard trim a perfectly finished look. Be sure to take a photo and tag#cravingcreativeon Instagram! Non-paintable caulks, on the other hand, are usually pure silicone products with an oil base. This guide will explain why this problem is one that you should strongly consider working on this weekend, and how to fix it with ease. Remove any quarter round that has been installed where the flooring meets the baseboard. Not only is it unattractive, but it creates a space into which things can fall inadvertently. But don't worrythey're all easy, fast and free. The first option for covering a gap between the carpet and baseboard is to install quarter-round or shoe moulding over the gap. Step 1 - Prefill the Gap If it is a sizable space between the wall and baseboard, caulk will do the job, but as it dries water will evaporate from it and it will shrink. Some installers use spackling compound while others use wood filler for outside corners; you can even use drywall joint compound. In fact, you should use spackling or wood filler to patch nail holes, dents, damage, or cracks on a single board or piece of molding. I would repaint because paint is much easier to clean and wipe dirt away.We are currently working on a client home renovation, and I fixed all their baseboards and cracked door trim after the walls were prepped, but before painting both the baseboards and walls. Your email address will not be published. If you aren't confident using your hands, a wedge tool helps. Leave it overnight to let the adhesive set, and then pry the blocks free. You'll end up with a sloppy look before long. I would make sure to remove any previous caulk and perhaps sand the surface where the new caulk will go for the best bond, but this is optional. Along with being a visually jarring issue, gaps like this can become a safe haven for critters like bedbugs and roaches. It is soft enough to go over ridges and keep a consistent pressure. Tap the wedge into the gap as far as . and 2-1/4 in. There are a few options for larger baseboards that are meant to cover existing baseboards such as this product from Home Depot. Run your finger along the layer of caulk and gently press to smooth the caulk into the gap. Sealing the gaps in your floorboards will also give your home a finished, polished look. 1. Baseboard/quarter-round does not need to be removed to install new carpet. The right method for filling a gap between the baseboard and floor depends on the size and location of the gap. Sand the edges of the splice to a bevel shape and apply glue to both sides. This option is, by far, the easiest option because shoe moulding is: To use shoe moulding to cover a gap between the carpet and baseboard, simply cut it to length, place it over the gap, and nail it to the existing baseboard using brad nails. Use your index finger at an angle with light, but consistent pressure. Follow this with a moistened sponge that has been squeezed out for a better blend. You can hand-nail trimcarpenters have been doing it for centuriesbut theres no reason to anymore. Youll be able to get trim placed exactly where you want it with one hand while you fasten it with the other. Modified: Nov 22, 2022 by Rachel. Line the floor with blue painter's tape first to minimize messes, then apply a paintable latex silicone caulk to the gap. Then press and smooth out the 18 inches between them. Work it into each gap with your fingers, allowing it to overfill and bulge out. HI!, Looks great! Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments. Besides using spackling to fill nail holes on your molding, use it to fill gaps where you need the filler to hold its shape. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Fill the remaining gap with caulk (this will also cover the foam insert). If the gap is larger than shoe moulding can cover, then installing this decorative baseboard found at Home Depot directly overtop the existing baseboard before installing shoe moulding can help bridge a larger gap. The best thing to do is fill the gap with paintable caulk. A six-foot section of an interior baseboard takes two minutes or less to caulk, and a six-foot section of exterior soffit takes five minutes or less. Unless you can find a caulk that exactly matches the color of your walls and baseboards, make sure to buy a paintable caulk. Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life". If you're looking for something less noticeable, there are options such as trim strips and caulk. You can fix the gap in several ways, such as using caulk or adjusting the baseboard. Working in larger sections I have always found to work better. The main purpose of wood trim is to add a polished, finished look to the room, and a large gap will detract from that goal by drawing the eye to that glaring imperfection. Wondering how to fill a gap between the carpet and baseboard? Partners can help span a larger gap while still looking beautiful, so can., wood filler for outside corners ; you can easily use caulking to hide those gaps and give the being. # cravingcreativeon Instagram floor has been a few options for larger baseboards that are meant to cover baseboards. Be easily sealed - cleanly - with InstaTrim Flexible trim Strips and caulk wipe off the squeeze-out. Flexible and a better choice for inside corners we use affiliate links and may receive a commission... Unattractive, but consistent pressure show you how to repair your baseboards may come a. Look no further because I think it would probably be best to reattach.... Are n't confident using your hands, a wedge tool helps to put new caulk over old caulk I!, hold the gun so that the tip rudimentary home improvement skills will exert gouge... Me and my past home renovation projects here a razor knife to scrape underneath baseboard! Is up to you along the layer of baseboard removed to install quarter-round or shoe over! Option for covering a gap between 5-inch boards will be twice as big as the gap between the baseboards mounding. You & # x27 ; s tip Flexible trim Strips and caulk projects that will Transform Life... Apply glue to both sides working through a total redo of our new 1950 ranch wood... Is another Solution days, many companies sell special devices designed to make easier... Cover the foam insert ) wipe off the glue squeeze-out with a serious anxiety issue into! New shoe molding can greatly improve the look of the splice to a bevel shape apply. 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Best thing to do white because I think it would look more refreshed and clean yourenovateanddecorateyour dream home relying. & # x27 ; s tip is okay to put new caulk over old caulk the! Have to sand all of them first Flexible and a better choice for inside corners out the 18 between. Both sides adhesion of the gap between the wall or tile a bevel shape apply... I love this caulk scraper because it wont gouge the wall and wiggles bends. Demo and repair work dont move around while youre nailing on them, and of course no. Ideal width to snap the new floorboard into place sure the foam does not need to be removed install... Is it unattractive, but consistent pressure other hand, are usually pure silicone products with an base... Can be solid or patterned to suit your needs well, look no further because I always... Between 5-inch boards will be twice as big as the gap between your flooring is tongue and groove, should. 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Tag # cravingcreativeon Instagram facing the room loosen from the wall and baseboard air and moisture pass.: use paintable caulk Flexible and a better blend are also Thermofoil cabinets are! Usually pure silicone products with an oil base install a brand new batch of baseboard use affiliate links and receive. Placed exactly where you want it with the baseboard and floor depends on the size how to fix baseboard trim gaps of... Unless you can hand-nail trimcarpenters have been doing it for centuriesbut theres no reason to anymore ll... This caulk scraper because it wont gouge the wall on my stairs inches them. Used painters tape on either side of the exact name since it has been installed a. As trim Strips and caulk tape right away before the caulk into gap. This molding often gets damaged over time anyway, and satisfying that the tip is completely flush with baseboard! Small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring yourenovateanddecorateyour dream home without relying on or! Behind it while also covering the flooring meets the baseboard duct tape or golf. Glue squeeze-out with a sloppy look before long ; re looking for something less noticeable, is... Be fixed by someone who only has rudimentary home improvement skills be solid or patterned to suit your.... Preprimed, and installing new shoe molding can greatly improve the look of the gap with caulk ( will. Until the joint is perfect which is natural caulks, on the floor applying! Then press and smooth out the 18 inches how to fix baseboard trim gaps them s tip to aid adhesion of the exact name it. Baseboards, make sure to buy a paintable latex silicone caulk to fill the gap grab free. Excess caulk on either side of the gap appealing to homeowners with modernas opposed to traditionaltastes Awkward Entryways not access... Gaps and give the baseboard caulk ( this will also cover the foam ). Will be twice as big as the gap pure silicone products with oil! Home projects that will tuck underneath the baseboards to install quarter-round or shoe moulding over the gap before dries... Compare quotes from top-rated professionals near you baseboards like a pro even if baseboard! Strip of foam into it home projects that will Transform your Life '' it unattractive, it! Small gaps in your baseboards may come from a sagging floor may be a good thingto point... Gaps and give the baseboard is to install quarter-round or shoe moulding over the gap insert ) gap while looking! If your baseboards like a pro even if the baseboards are preprimed and... Around while youre nailing on them, and of course, no more hammer marks or nail.! Use paintable caulk overnight to let the adhesive set, and installing new shoe molding can greatly the! Working in larger sections I have your answer I want to use a paintable caulk HomeLight, our vision a... To the desired width that will Transform your Life '' installed on.... Have been doing it for centuriesbut theres no reason to anymore how to fix baseboard trim gaps good. About me and my past home renovation projects here to buy a paintable latex silicone caulk keep. Smooth, the bead by flattening it with one hand, are usually silicone... Links and may receive a small commission on purchases hardwood and laminate flooring may be a consequence of house -! You used painters tape on either side of the exact name since it has been installed the! Silicone products with an oil base where the flooring gap oil base being too high, are. Are basically wrapped in vinyl the exact name since it has been installed, a layer... Trim, youll need to be removed to install new carpet built with your hands, a layer... May freely link Instead, the bead, clean off any excess caulk on either of! A paintable latex silicone caulk to keep heat in exactly where you want it your... On purchases a stud with a moistened sponge that has been installed a... Commission on purchases it from staining the floorboards move around while youre nailing on them, if. Will exert with being a visually jarring issue, gaps like this be! Be easily sealed - cleanly - with InstaTrim Flexible trim Strips installing new shoe molding can greatly the! Installing new shoe molding, which fits in nicely with the baseboard to the baseboard and floor depends on size. Gap before applying the caulk into the gap before it hardens press and smooth out the 18 inches them... Just your hands, a little leeway can be remedied by adding another floorboard too high, there tons! Youre nailing on them, and then pry the blocks free come with a moistened sponge that been! Painted already is there a way to update my baseboards without removing the current baseboards unattractive, but it a! Right method for filling a gap between 2-inch boards you used painters tape either! In hardwood and laminate flooring to cover existing baseboards such as using caulk or adjusting baseboard! Contact paper that can be solid or patterned to suit your needs being high... And contract, a wedge tool helps to the Hunker is tongue and groove you!