A quarter-round molding for flooring is a convex molding with a cross-section in the form of a quarter circle. It is usually painted or stained to fit in the right angle formed where the floor meets the baseboard.
It is basically used as a decorative feature to hide gaps between the two.
The installation process is relatively a very easy DIY task and is pocket-friendly. A quarter molding is sometimes confused with shoe molding because they look the same but are not the same thing.
What’s the Difference Between a Shoe Mold and a Quarter round?
Both shoe molding and a quarter round have the same 90-degree angle on their backside. However, the shoe has one side that is longer than the other, and when installed, it appears to be hugging the baseboard.
The shoe and the quarter mold come in long and flexible lengths of wood like hemlock, pine, oak, or MDF. This design is made in long lengths to allow installation within a long wall without too many joints.
Scarf joints can be used to join smaller pieces but to ensure you have a clean finish; professional carpenters always try as much as possible to avoid it.
They are both made flexible to ensure they conform to the floor’s profile. You should not be worried if purchasing the piece is not straight because it can bend to any desired shape.
How to Install a Quarter-Round Molding
Remember, our goal is to have this installed and obtain a perfect finish without using a single nail.
Step 01: Prepare the Surface for Installation
The first step is cleaning the floor and ensuring it is dirt and debris-free. Sand along the floor and the baseboard area you are going to install your quarter round to make sure the adhesive you’re doing to use will not detach after a few days.
When there’s varnish, or especially on laminate flooring, the glossy top layer makes it a little bit difficult for the glue to adhere properly.
Step 02: Measure the Pieces
To get the measurements right, there are two methods that you can use. First, get the length of the wall, then transfer it to the quarter round.
The second method, which is the easier way, place the quarter-round strip against the wall you are installing it on and mark it with a pencil.
To ensure you don’t confuse the direction of the angle, make a light mark and use it to make a 45-degree cut.
Step 03: Cut
To cut a quarter round, you can also do it in two ways. Freehand or using a tool called the miter box. If possible, don’t use freehand because it is difficult to attain a 45-degree angle that will match the corners.
A miter box is a plastic or metal box used with handsaws or power miter saws to make precise angular cuts. Clamp the miter box to hold it steady, then place the quarter strip on the marked end. Make the first cut.
Do this to the other pieces and begin to install.
Step 04: Installation
Apply liquid wood glue or any other adhesive on the sanded area and the sides of the quarter round. Let it sit for a minute, then press it against the baseboard and the floor.
Hold it in place for a few to allow the two materials to form a bond when satisfied with the bond, and release and wipe off any excess adhesives seeping from the quarter strip with a damp sponge.
Step 05: Install the Rest of the Pieces
Continue this measure-cut-install process for the rest of the floor. When done, give it time to dry; if need be, you can also varnish the edges.
Quarter Rounds can be installed along with laminate floors, Vinyl floors, and other wide range of floors, where desirable.
Things you will need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Handsaw
- Miter box
- Quarter round matching the profile of your floor
- Varnish
- Wood glue
- Wood putty
- Painters tape
