Baseboards are very good for hiding the seams between the walls and the floor and give your room an artistic finishing touch. If you happen to have two different profiles of baseboards, though, it can be challenging to achieve that seamless transition between the two pieces.
There are a few things you can do to join different profiles of baseboards together and make it look as good as possible, so stick around to find out more! This article will guide you through this home improvement process so you can remodel your home in no time.
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What are baseboards?
They are planks that run from the lowest point of an interior wall to the edge of the door trim. Baseboards fitted in living and dining rooms can range in height from a few centimetres to even halfway up the walls.
Generally speaking, they are made of solid hardwoods or engineered wood materials that are robust and can sustain repetitive impact.
Types of baseboards
They are available in a variety of styles. The majority lack a set name, though they may be labelled as “colonial,” “traditional,” and other terms. Their measurements are usually used to label them:
1. Rounded or stepped baseboard
This is the most common type that homeowners prefer. The top of the baseboard trim tapers into the wall and has a rounded appearance.
Because of its small profile and simple form, the trim looks best in modern homes. It is usually 12 to 30cm tall and 20 to 30 centimetres wide.
2. Flat baseboard
The front of this one is completely flat. It is available in a variety of heights, ranging from 7 to 10 cm. The back of the trim is grooved to allow for bending and make installation easier. It is also adaptable and can be used in almost any home style.
3. Sculpted mid-height baseboard
This trim profile is approximately 10 to 13 cm tall and 12 to 20 cm thick. The top of the trim is formed decoratively with scallops or steps that taper towards the wall. This style of trim is best suited to homes with a more formal design.
4. Sculpted taller baseboard
It can be anywhere from 12 and 17 cm tall to 12 and 20 cm wide, and it looks perfect in the living room. The top edge of the trim is moulded into the wall with ornate scalloped or stepped embellishments. This type is best suited to large-scale residences.
5. Shoe moulding and quarter round
Although shoe moulding and quarter round trims are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct types. A quarter-round trim has a 90-degree angle on the back. It is quite easy to use when you want to fill corners.
Shoe moulding has the same 90-degree angle on the back. It is available in wood, MDF, and polystyrene to match your drywall panelling, but It does not have a quarter radius.
How to join two different baseboard styles together step-by-step
These are the tools needed for this DIY project:
- A power mitre saw, or mitre box and handsaw
- Tape measure
- Nail gun, or hammer and nail set
- Pencil
- Wood glue
Then, you have to follow the steps below:
Step 1: Decide where you want to place the boards
If possible, place the first board so that the end joint falls over a wall stud. By placing the joint over a wall stud, you can secure the entire junction by nailing into the stud, rather than just the wall plate along the floor.
If this isn’t possible, build the joint nonetheless, but make sure the components are anchored into the bottom wall plate.
It’s usually easier to prep and paint the boards before putting them up. Although some touch-up work will be required at the joints, it is better for DIYers to complete most of the painting and sanding before installing the two baseboard pieces.
Step 2: Cut and install the first board
Cut it at a 45-degree angle. The pointy side should be placed against the wall. Place the board against the wall and use a nail gun or hand-driven finish nails to secure it to the wall plate and studs.
You have two options for attaching it to the perpendicular wall. You can square-cut the end so that the coped joint will fit the board. Or, you can cut both pieces at the inside corner with a mitre saw.
Step 3: Cut and fit the second board
Measure and cut the second piece at a 45-degree angle, but with the bevel facing the wall to overlap the previous board.
Place the second board in place and check the scarf joint’s fit. If the second board is too long, use the mitre saw to trim it down and reassemble the junction.
Step 4: Glue and nail the boards together
Apply a thin layer of wood glue on the second board. Drill pilot holes and drive two nail heads through both baseboard pieces and into the wall stud after fitting the boards together to provide a beautiful union. If you’re going to use finish nails and a hammer, drill pilot holes first.
Step 5: Nail the second board
Nail the rest of the second board to within 30 centimetres or so of the joint, and then return and nail the remaining of the first board to within 30 cm of the junction. Also, you can use other types to join the scarf joints, such as ceiling crown “Wainscoting” or chair rail.
Tips on how to clean and maintain baseboards
1. Brushes and brooms
Use a broom to sweep debris or dust on a regular basis. Sweep the dust off your boards before vacuuming the floor beneath them, especially if you have a laminate floor. Use a new paintbrush for a more detailed dusting. Don’t forget to clean the door casing while at it!
2. Vacuum cleaner
A portable vacuum cleaner is easy and quick, but a normal vacuum with brush and wand attachments will pick up more dirt and dust. Start at the top of the board and work your way down with the brush attachment. Use the wand attachment on your vacuum to get into nooks and crannies.
3. Baby wipes
They are not only one of the best baby care inventions ever, but they also make the process of cleaning up a lot easier. Disposable wipes may be the answer when you need to clean up quickly.
4. Dryer sheets
Fabric softener sheets have a pleasant scent and are effective at removing dirt, dust, and pet hair so that they can prevent further accumulation. Especially if you have dogs, this simple cleaning procedure is a great option for regular cleaning maintenance.
5. “Mr Clean” magic eraser
These multi-purpose and cleaning sponges can be used to clean a variety of surfaces throughout the house, and they may be the most convenient way to clean on a regular basis.
All you’ll need is a bucket of warm water and a handful of Magic Erasers. You can also add dish soap to the mix if you are working with paints. If you are dealing with stubborn stains, use distilled white vinegar to clean them. Wipe down with your eraser after dipping it into the bucket and wringing it out.
That’s it! Once you install baseboards and fit them together at your home, you can make it look as if it were a single piece along the entire wall. Above all, maintain and keep your new baseboards in good shape by cleaning them on a regular basis! It might seem like a chore, but trust us, it’s easier than you think! Go out there and gather your tools now!
That’s it! Once you install baseboards and fit them together at your home, you can make it look as if it were a single piece along the entire wall. Above all, maintain and keep your new baseboards in good shape by cleaning them on a regular basis! It might seem like a chore, but trust us, it’s easier than you think! Go out there and gather your tools now!
