What Is Baseboard Molding?

Being a DIY fanatic calls for me to have a desire to learn new things every day and with every new project I take on at home.

Baseboard molding is currently my topic of choice as I progress with my home remodel.

Baseboard molding helps to decoratively fill in the region where the floor and the walls meet.

The molding comes in a broad array of woods and styles.

I have identified oak, fir, and pine as the most popular woods used in making baseboard molding.

However, you can still turn to other woods, e.g., cypress, ash, bamboo, and cherry.

Different methods can be used to make the baseboard moldings, but finger jointing remains the most popular.

Based on my understanding, molders like it because it makes it easier for them to eliminate all the defects during the processing period.

I have been made to understand that both short and long lengths of lumber are needed to produce the very long trims.

In this post, I will look at what it is, the common woods used for these molds, and the benefits of baseboard molding.

What Are the Available Baseboard Molding Trims?

My research has indicated that molds come in varying lengths, with the most popular being between 2.44 to 4.88 meters.

You should always ensure you have purchased molds that are longer than your wall to help you cater for wastage.

Remember, you have to cut several trim sections for the baseboard molding to fit into the desired area.

A visit to my local lumber store helped me realize that there are different wood styles in use today. Shoe molding or quarter round is the one you are most likely to find.

Shoe molding is where the board has an oval wedge to it, making it appear like a fourth/quarter of a circle.

Benefits of Baseboard Molding

While it’s uncommon for you to think about the baseboards running through your home, you should start doing so, especially if you want to take on a DIY home remodel.

The research I have undertaken for my current home remodel project has helped me see the various benefits offered by baseboard remodeling.

Allow me to share a few with you…

It Seals the Space Between the Floor and the Walls

Baseboards molding have a single role in your home: to cover the joint between the walls and the floors.

While the joints may be unsightly when left uncovered, the molds are primarily there to prevent water from running under the flooring.

Allowing water to run under the drywall and flooring will cause mold to grow.

As you know, mold can be harmful to your health and can significantly devalue your property.

Provides Enough Room for Settling and Shifting

The walls and floors will begin to settle as the house continues to age.

Also, moisture in the air may cause the walls and floors to contract and expand as the seasons change throughout the year.

If you check your house, you will find that the builders have left a small gap between the walls and the floors to help account for these changes.

The baseboard molding is meant to assist in concealing this gap without affecting the pieces that are changing.

Baseboard Moulding

Baseboard molding is more than a decorative item in your house as it helps to decoratively fill in the region where the floor and the walls meet.

Before undertaking your next remodel, I recommend you first determine the type of wood used in the current molding.

It also makes sense to ensure you have acquired lengthier pieces to account for wastage when making the trims.