How tall should my baseboards be?

Baseboard is typically taller than casing is wide, and about as tall as the crown. The taller the crown, the taller the baseboard should be to maintain visual balance. 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.

Similarly one may ask, what is the most popular baseboard trim?

Rounded or stepped trim is probably the most common type of baseboard you'll encounter. This is the type of trim used in a lot of newer construction. Basically, it's a piece that's about 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch wide and three to three and a half inches tall.

Also Know, does crown molding make a room look bigger or smaller? Size. Crown molding does not make a room look smaller -- in most instances. The molding can be wider if the ceiling is a little higher and can be up to 6 inches wide for a very high ceiling -- up to 12 feet. Crown molding any wider than this is only suitable for very large rooms or very tall ceilings, or both.

Likewise, how do I choose baseboards?

Select baseboard that is tall enough to "be a noticeable accent without overpowering," according to the website One Project Closer. One rule of thumb is to use baseboard that is 5-1/4 inches tall for a room that is 8 feet tall. Use taller baseboard in taller rooms.

How do you make old baseboards look new?

Making Old Baseboards Look Pretty

What You Will Need:
STEP ONE: Prep the surface.
STEP TWO: Get that painter's tape out and tape off the top and bottom of the baseboard, so that you don't get paint on the wall or the floor!
STEP THREE: Paint!
STEP FOUR: This is the most complicated part, but it REALLY gives baseboards a "finished" appearance.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How do you cut baseboards?

Using a miter box or a power miter saw, cut the baseboard at a 45-degree angle. Before nailing it in place, mark the second piece the same way, and test for fitting. Use 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" brads to close the corner. When you encounter the doorway, measure the distance between the door casing and the wall.

Is Crown Moulding still in style?

If they have crown molding in their house=Crown molding never goes out of style. The only reason you no longer see it is because people can't afford it. If they don't have crown molding=Crown molding is out of style. The truth=Probably depends on the style of the house and the quality of workmanship.

What type of baseboards are in style?

Baseboard Styles and Profiles

Plain Baseboard Styles. Requirement MDF baseboard can be really basic.
Vinyl Baseboard Styles. Archiexpo.
Baseboard Profiles.
Back-Profiled Baseboard.
Major Trim Profiles.
Three-Inch Rounded or Stepped Baseboard.
Flat Baseboard Molding.
Sculpted Mid-Height Baseboard Trim.

Do baseboards need to match door trim?

Five or six inches would be more in scale. If you are using beefier 3 ½ or 4 1/2-inch door trim, 8- or 10-inch baseboards are more appropriate. Keep in mind, also, that the outside edge of the door molding has to be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the baseboard.

What is baseboard trim called?

In architecture, a baseboard (also called skirting board, skirting, mopboard, floor molding, or base molding) is usually wooden or vinyl board covering the lowest part of an interior wall. Its purpose is to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor.

What is the trim around a door called?

The trim that surrounds a door frame is called casing, and it's always installed before baseboard and chair rail because they have to butt against it. Casing is also the easiest type of molding to install because the joinery is simple, making it a perfect first project.

Are tall baseboards in style?

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. And the taller baseboards create a modern yet elegant finished look.

Which is better MDF or wood baseboards?

In fact, MDF baseboards are usually sold primed not so much for the convenience of the customers but because primed wood ships better and with less risk of damage. Real wood, even a softwood, is stronger than MDF. Finger joints, like scarf joints, create long baseboard runs out of shorter pieces of material.

What is the difference between trim and molding?

2 Answers. Trim is a general term, often used to describe all types of molding and millwork. Casing is a type of molding, typically used to trim the perimeter of windows and doors. Base molding (or baseboard) is a type of molding, which is applied where the wall and floor meet.

What material is best for baseboards?

Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is one of the most popular options in molding, trim and baseboards because it is one of the most economical options that are also extremely easy to use.

How do you cut baseboards without a miter saw?

Draw a pencil line along the cut edge. This will be the contour of the baseboard. Cut along this pencil line 25 degrees away from the miter. This is called coping because it was traditionally done with a coping saw, but any rotary tool with a cutting blade can replicate the cut.

How high should baseboards be off the floor?

When installing carpet, you'll notice a slight variance in baseboard height, which is typically between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. An easy way to space baseboard off the floor for carpet is by using precut 1/4-inch shims as spacers, which will provide a consistent height throughout the room.

Will oak trim come back in style?

The answer is – no! The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. Oak is a beautiful wood species that lends its self to being painted very well. Its heavy grain is full of movement so when paint is applied you get a wonderful final outcome.

How much does it cost to replace baseboards in a house?

Typical baseboard materials

There are a variety of baseboard sizes and styles available, but generally speaking, fiberboard will be less expensive, with costs averaging 60 cents to $1 per foot. For wood baseboard, expect to pay 80 cents to $1.20 per foot, not including installation.

What color should I paint my baseboards?

“The classic method is to use white for ceiling and trim (baseboards and window and door casings), and then paint the wall a color or hang wallpaper.” But Dixon likes the look of having all the different trim painted the same color as the walls, especially if the room has a lot of ornament or very detailed casings.

Are baseboards necessary?

Baseboards Conceal Hardwood Floors that Expand and Contract: Due to moisture content, it is natural for certain types of hardwood floor to expand and contract throughout the year. This is accommodated by leaving small gaps (e.g., ¼'') along the wall. Baseboard is necessary to cover the gaps.

Should quarter round match floor or trim?

If you are laying quarter round on a ceramic, vinyl, or stone tile floor, you should paint the quarter round to match the baseboard molding. The most common trim color is white, and so this most often will lead to a white quarter round trim.