The baseboard installation is never an easy job to do. It is challenging to set them straight and smooth, like how it looks after it gets finished. There might be a gap in the boards. To solve this issue, the baseboards get finished off with a piece of molding called the quarter round. This can help the user cover the gap between the floor and the baseboards. So here are the steps on how to cut quarter round molding.
Contents
How To Cut Quarter Round Using Different Methods
Method 1: Trimming
The quarter round gets bought in the market, and the user has to trim it with the miter box. The miter box comes with two different components. They come with a hand saw and a box. The hand saw has a blade that has enough teeth to make some proper crosscuts. The box helps the user with accuracy. The box has slots on both sides, which allows the user to make precise angled cuts. So let us see how to cut the quarter round using the miter box.
Step 1: Shop The Pieces
The quarter round is available in many home improvement stores and even online. They are available in two different models. They come as 240 cm pieces or 490 cm pieces. Before getting the quarter round, measure the width of the wall. Select the quarter round, which matches close to the width of the wall. If the width is not known and you’ve already reached the store, get the 240 cm model. They are easier to work with for most rooms. The 240 cm pieces are also called 8 feet, and the other one is called 16 feet.
Step 2: Measure And Mark Points
The next job is marking the locations for our cuts. Place the quarter round against the wall on the floor. Have chalk or pencil to mark the locations of the cuts. Make sure the marks are visible so that there are no chances of mistakes while cutting. These are the points that we need to trim to get the correct quarter round.
Step 3:The Right Angle For The Cut
The quarter round, which is getting fixed, will end up at a corner or a joint. So they are always cut at some angle, which is 45 degrees mostly. So let us see how to cut at different angles for different outputs.
If we need a flat line against the wall, it is better to cut two joint pieces at 45 degrees. Both the pieces should align to either the right or the left. These fit together and form a flat line against the wall.
If the quarter rounds are going to end at an obstruction, it will become a straightforward process. We need to cut a 45 degree and attach the quarter round return.
The corners will be at right angles. So the pieces have to get cut at 45 degrees but in opposite directions. Only if they are opposite to each other, they can fit at the corners. You can use this method to cut vinyl sidings, laminated countertops, and Corian countertops.
Method 2: Using A Miter Saw
A miter saw is a versatile tool, and it can make some excellent angled cuts. They are convenient and easy to use too. So let us see the steps needed to cut a quarter round using a miter saw.
Step 1: Measurements
Get the quarter round molding online or at the nearest home improvement stores. Do the measurements with the tape and mark the locations in the quarter round molding. Use chalk or pencil and make sure the marks are visible for better accuracy.
Step 2: Find What Type Of Cut
The cut can be either an inside corner or an outside corner. This is important to note for setting the miter saw for our cut. So an inside corner is a corner where it turns to form the room enclosure. An outside corner is a corner where the corner turns around the wall into another area at home.
Step 3: Positioning The Molding
The cutting area of the saw should have a marked area of the molding. Make sure the remaining part of the molding in the left. The round part should be facing away or outward so that it doesn’t disturb the cut. The flat side should face the bottom so that it is stable while working. Use a stand as it will help.
Step 4: Setting The Right Angle
Set the saw to the right angle for the cut. For example, an outside corner cut and adjust the saw blade to the right 45 degrees. Adjust the blade right so that it meets the quarter round at cutting locations.
Step 5: Start The Cut
Secure the molding tight so that they are tight in place while cutting. Tighten the bracket for better results. Start the saw and wait for it to reach its full speed. Start the cut and have a firm grip until the cut is over. After it’s over, we have to wait for the blade to stop and then raise the saw. If needed the change the blade.
These are two simple ways to get a quarter round with a miter saw. Sometimes the trim in the quarter round can get exposed. This is where a return gets used. It is a small piece that finishes off the exposed end. The user creates an end cap and fixes it with the molding at the end to give a neat finish.
Things Needed
There are a lot of things needed to finish cutting your quarter round moldings. So let us see all things required to complete our job.
- Quarter rounds- They are available in the home improvement stores or online markets. They come as two different two types- the 8-foot ones and the 16-foot ones. The 8 foot is ideal for most of the rooms.
- Miter box-The miter box is available in many stores. They come with a box and a handsaw. The handsaw is very sharp so make sure to handle it with extra care.
- Miter saw- If you prefer the method to use the miter saw for the cut, get a good miter saw. They can make the job finish in minutes and is a convenient tool. A good miter saw is very versatile and can make some excellent angled cuts.
- Measuring tape- This is important for measuring the floor and baseboards.
- Pencil or chalk– A properly visible mark is vital for cutting with accuracy. Having one of these will be handy for the user in marking.
- Gloves- The handsaw has some sharp blades which can cause injuries. Wearing gloves is very important as it can prevent injuries.
- Eye protection- Protecting the eye will be necessary as the saw generate some dust. They can affect the eyes and cause minor or major problems.
FAQs
1. Are shoe molding the same as the quarter round molding?
Many people assume the shoe molding the same as the quarter round molding. But they have a few differences between them. The height of the shoe molding is greater than the length. They have a more finished look and has more flooring room. They are not perfect quarter radius like the quarter round molding. But they have the same 90 degrees on the backside.
2. What is caulking?
Caulking is the process where caulk gets used to seal joints. The caulk is very flexible and can seal all the air leaks. Caulk is more rigid after drying than many other sealants. There is even special weatherproof and waterproof caulk available in the market. They dry quicker too.
3. Is quarter round molding tough to install?
The quarter round is very flexible and easy to bend. They can bend according to the user’s convenience. They take about an hour to install, and the user doesn’t need much experience to finish the job. Both the inside and outside miters get joined to the pieces at the corner.
Conclusion
The quarter round molding is very important to seal the gaps between the boards and the floor. They can get cut by the miter box method or by a miter saw too. They are not a very complicated process to finish, and installation is also easy. Accuracy is also essential for cutting the quarter round, so make sure to focus on the cut. A small mistake can spoil the quarter round and not give the desired result. We hope you’ve now found the way to cut the quarter round without any complexities.
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