Painted Or Stained Shoe Molding For Hardwoods
McAdams Remodeling & Design LLC
8 years agoAesthetically the base shoe looks better painted to match the molding. There is some history behind the “base shoe”. Traditionally the base shoe matched the stain of the wood floor and protected the moldings from daily wear and scuff marks. The base shoe could be easily removed and replaced which was easier and more cost effective than replacing the base moldings which were 3″ – 6″ tall and may not be available in current stock so would have to be custom made. Hope this helps.
Is Shoe Molding The Same As Quarter Round
In many ways they are both the same. Both base shoe and quarter round are thin strips of wood that cover the area between the baseboard and floor. In many situations, both can be used to complete a room as they provide a similar appearance. The main use for the base shoe and quarter round is to provide an even appearance to the room by hiding any imperfections that exist between the wall and flooring.
Keep in mind that even the best of construction may still leave small gaps between the wall or baseboards and floor. This is usually a result of minor settling of the home over time. Such small shifts can create tiny, but noticeable gaps between the wall or baseboards and floor. The base shoe and quarter round both hide such gaps and create a smooth, clean appearance to the room or hallway.
However, despite their similarities, there are subtle differences between base shoe and quarter round that will help you make the best-informed decision about which one to use.
Considerations When Choosing Quarter Round Vs Shoe Moulding
Consideration #1: The scale of your houseThe most typical dimensions of quarter round are ¾ x ¾ while the most common size of shoe molding is ½ x ¾.
Suppose you lived in a gigantic palace and your hallways could accommodate your car driving through them with room to spare. In this scenario, the distance your trim pieces protrude into any given room really wont affect your furniture layout or the freedom of movement throughout the home when walking around others in the same area as you.
If your hallways have ample space and your living areas can easily handle large furniture without feeling cramped, you may want to go for the quarter round option. It will provide a much more substantial look than shoe molding and is almost essential for large spaces from an aesthetic perspective.
On the other hand, if your hallways are tighter , youll want to use shoe molding.
Not only does shoe molding offer more physical forgiveness when moving large furniture through the house, but it provides the same vertical appearance without sticking out into your line of sight quite so far.
I know, were talking about a ¼ difference here, but remember that the distance your quarter round protrudes vs your shoe molding is a 50 percent increase, and its these many subtle details of a home that compound to create an overall, albeit subconscious at times, impression or feeling about the livability and comfort that a home provides.
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What Are The Standard Sizes Of Quarter Round And Shoe Molds
Quarter-round molds are usually sold in lengths of seven feet. This is long enough to be cut down or joined together to accommodate any rooms measurements. As for the height and width, thequarter round measures about ¾. As the curvature of thequarter round remains static throughout the piece, the entire curve has the same radius.
On the other hand, shoe molds come in different widths depending on the size of the mold. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from as small as 7/16 to half an inch. Furthermore, the height of a shoe mold is generally ¾ similar to aquarter round. There are also more extensive options available to accommodate a more drastic mold a full inch in height for maximum coverage along the wall.
Significant differences between quarter round and shoe molding are too few to have any real impact on their performance. They both have a similar installation process and can be used interchangeably for the same job.
Where they do differ is in their aesthetic appeals. Some may be looking for a sleek trimming to line their flooring with in which case, a shoe mold is the perfect modern touch to tie the room together. On the other hand, the quarter round mold juts out further from the wall for a more rounded and pronounced look.
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What Are The Advantages Of Installing Molding
When the flooring is installed in every house, there is a small gap left between the floor and walls. This is left as insurance to accommodate any expansion of the wooden elements in the house.
If the wood expands and no space is left, the different pieces will rub against each other and eventually cause damage and wear away the wood. As a result, the gap is necessary to keep this wear and tear from happening.
However, the gap is wide enough to allow dust and small bugs to pass between and enter the room. Applying a mold can seal off this gap and keep any unwanted elements outside. Not to mention the aesthetic qualities a mold brings to a room.
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What Is Quarter Round Molding
Quarter round is one-quarter of a round dowel thats cut to be nearly perfectly symmetrical in width and height. Its a piece of trim work thats one-quarter of a circle and is designed to lie perfectly flat. Quarter round is similar to shoe molding but differs in that its always the same size and shape.
Main Differences Between Shoe Molding Vs Quarter Round
The main differences between Shoe Molding vs Quarter Round are:
- Shoe molding has a less-pronounced curve, whereas quarter round molding features a more prominent curve
- Shoe molding features a more squat profile, whereas quarter round molding displays a perfect quarter radius
- Shoe molding isnt as versatile, whereas quarter round molding comes in many available sizes
- Shoe molding is only ½ inches, whereas quarter round molding has a width of ¾ inches.
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What’s The Difference Between Shoe Molding Vs 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.
Common differences:
- Both shoe molding and quarter round cover the gap between the baseboard and the floor.
- Some people love this little bit of trim because it hides mistakes and makes the baseboards look finished. Some people hate it, as they believe the baseboard should be sufficient and that it makes the room look smaller. There is no “right way. You need to do what’s best for your home!
- Quarter round is larger, so it takes up more space than shoe molding.
- Shoe molding and quarter round come in many different materials, such as solid wood, MDF, and PVC.
Alright, now that we know the basics, let’s explore some of the specifics.
What Type Of Nails Should I Use For Quarter Round
Two inch nails should be long enough to go through the quarter round and into the baseboards to hold it securely in place. Brad nails or finish nails are a good option for trim. Be sure to test any nails before use. This way, you know how much wood filler or caulk you’ll need to cover the nail heads.
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How To Install Quarter
To install quarter-round molding, you should first determine if your floor is flat or not. If it is not flat, you will need to make sure the shoe molding is installed under the quarter-round so that none of it shows once its tacked down.
Once youve determined where to install your quarter-round, apply a thin layer of adhesive onto the subfloor, followed by a thin bead of adhesive onto one end of the shoe molding.
Immediately press the quarter round into place and hold it there for at least 30 seconds to make sure its secure. If youre only applying quarter-round around the outside edges, then that should be enough to hold it in place.
If youre installing it in the middle of the room, you will need to use nails or screws to secure it. Be sure to countersink the nails or screws below the surface so theyre not visible. You can also use a miter saw to cut your quarter-round at a 45-degree angle if you need a customized look for your installation.
What Can I Use In Place Of Quarter Round
Just like quarter round is the best substitute for shoe molding, shoe molding is the best substitute for quarter round. There simply arent many other materials of their kind.
When your house is initially being built, a skilled carpenter and floor installer will work together to make it so that quarter round and shoe molding isnt necessary. That is, of course, unless you want it to be added. They have the ability to install the flooring and trim in a way that there isnt a gap between the two.
However, if you ever redo your flooring, quarter round or shoe molding will come in extremely handy.
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Painting Vs Staining Your Molding
The decision to paint vs. stain your molding will come after youve made your quarter round vs. shoe molding decision. You can paint or stain both shoe molding and quarter round, but it can be tough to decide which route to go. Staining is more expensive and more labor-intensive than painting, often costing twice as much and taking more than twice as long.
Staining will also make your baseboard look shorter if you have stained floors. The stained molding will blend in so seamlessly with your floors that people will hardly notice a difference. They will, however, notice that your trim looks oddly short. If you already have short trim and want stained molding, you might want to opt for quarter round since its shorter than shoe molding.
How Do I Use Shoe Molding
Installing shoe molding isn’t too hard for the average homeowner to tackle themselves, but there are several things to know.
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Other Uses For Shoe Molding And Quarter Round
While the most common use for shoe molding and quarter round is as a baseboard for your flooring, the possibilities dont end there. Many people like the look of these materials enough to use them as trim throughout their homes. You can put them around windows, doors, and even ceilings.
If you have a crafty side, you can even cut and shape shoe molding and quarter round to be used as picture frames. The possibilities are endless when you put your mind to work and get the creative juices flowing.
Alternate Uses For Shoe Moulding And Quarter Round
There are various ways to use shoe moulding and quarter round. They arent limited to just baseboards. They can be used around the edges of windows, door frames, and staircases.
For fun with the family, you can create homemade picture frames and other crafts. Theyre also excellent for creating exciting shapes on walls as an intriguing and luxurious interior design technique.
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Should There Be A Gap Between Baseboard And Floor
If you plan on installing carpet, your baseboards should be about 1 inch off the floor. This will give you enough room for the padding and the carpeting. If you are leaving the floors uncarpeted, you should not have any gaps. At most, the gap should be around the width of a quarter to prevent heavy drafts.
Is Quarter Round Outdated
Is quarter round going out of style? While you dont see it as often as you once did, thats not because its going out of style. Quarter round is limited in its abilities and design, but its certainly not going out of style. Many people simply opt for new trim or shoe molding when they decide to redo their floors.
Hopefully, this article has served its purpose in helping you figure out whether you need quarter round or shoe molding. Both of them fulfill the purpose of adding beauty and completion to your home. However, choosing the right one could mean the difference between a home that feels open and inviting or small and plain. Choose wisely!
Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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Installing Quarter Round And Shoe Molding On Your Walls And Floor
Once youve found your perfect home molding, you can install it yourself or with the help of a professional carpenter.
Tribble Painting Company, Inc. can take the pain of quality molding installation off your hands in and around Ann Arbor, MI. Still, you can attempt DIY installation with a few special tools and a shortlist of steps.
Nail The First Two Pieces And Continue
Position each piece of trim and fasten it with a brad nailer or by hand-nailing with a hammer and nail set.
To use the brad nailer, first calibrate the depth of the nailer, using a piece of waste trim on another waste board. With the depth perfect, drive the finish nails or brads about every 18 inches. Hold the nailer close to horizontal, but angled slightly downward. Hold the trim tight against the floor and baseboard as you fire the nailer.
If you hand-nail, drive each nail almost flush with the wood surface, then tap it in just below the surface with a set and the hammer.
Continue measuring, cutting, and nailing trim pieces around the room, one piece at a time.
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Shoe Molding: What Is It And Should I Install It
If youre looking for the best and finest way to conceal natural gaps between the flooring and baseboards, you should consider installing shoe molding. This can provide a professional, perfect finishing touch and transform the appearance of the room. Most importantly, installing shoe molding is dramatically easy and fast and doesnt require sophisticated tools.
What is shoe molding?
Shoe molding or base shoe is a thin, small strip of molding that provides your room with extra finesse and a finished appearance. It adds a decorative touch and covers any natural gaps that might be existing between the floor and the bottom of the baseboard. It is worth noting that not all types of baseboards work well with shoe molding. That said, read on to learn the best shoe molding materials and how to install them seamlessly.
Shoe Molding Provides a Flawless Finish to Baseboard and Conceals Gaps
Unlike the old tall baseboards common during the Greek revival period, the current shoe molding options are relatively smaller and thinner. Notably, the idea of installing shoe molding originated from the United States and Europe and has since seen massive production of wood trim which has made molding even more popular.
Plus, it can leave small, unappealing gaps between the baseboard and the floor. No wonder many homeowners today prefer installing shoe molding in their houses. Additionally, shoe molding offers flexibility and a flawless finished look.
Wood
When Should I Use Quarter Round
Quarter round is similar to shoe molding. The main difference is that quarter round is slightly larger.
Here are several reasons why you should opt for quarter round:
- Large gaps. If you have especially large gaps between your baseboard and the floor, quarter round will do a good job cleaning things up. If you’re not sure which one you need, get a sample of both types and locate the largest gaps. If you can still see them with the shoe molding on top, stick with quarter round!
- High walls and large baseboards. If there’s a room with extra high walls in your home, then larger baseboards may also be installed. In these cases, quarter round may look more proportional.
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