Building your own home is not an easy job. There are nearly endless tasks that must be done before the home is complete. Some DIY homeowners believe that the tasks involved in building your own home are never completed. Eventually you get to the finishing touches such as installing the trim and baseboards. The entire look of the house changes as you complete these finishing tasks.

Baseboard trim is a board covering used to cover the joint between the floor and the walls. There are a lot of different names for baseboards. It is often called mopboard, skirting board or base molding. Whatever the name, the baseboard gives the house a finished look in the same way as door and window trim.

The purpose of the baseboard is to keep the wall protected from abrasion, kicks, and furniture scratches. A baseboard not only covers the uneven edge of the flooring next to wall but also serves as decorative molding. Baseboard is usually made of wood and is very easy to install. The baseboard is nailed in place using a finish nail gun. They also can even be glued to the wall.

When buying baseboards there are three basic types of baseboards and each type is used in a different situation. The first type of baseboard is pine or oak which comes in one-piece solid lengths. The second type is the finger jointed wood. It is approximately 30% cheaper than solid oak and pines. The third type is the MDF fiber board baseboard.

The first type is the most attractive. It is meant for staining or clear coat paint finishes. But this solid wood one-piece baseboard is expensive. The second type is basically made up by finely putting together pieces and scraps of wood and the end product is a solid baseboard piece although on close inspection the finger joints are visible. It is inexpensive and can be painted although it is not as attractive as the solid baseboard. The third type is a medium density fiberboard. It’s very inexpensive. This type is made from sawdust and other wood by-products. It takes paint very well but it does not hold up well to harsh conditions.

I recommend using the solid type or the finger joint type baseboard. It looks the best and holds up well under all conditions. Basic baseboard is four inches (3 ½ inches finished) and is quite easy to work with. For a more elegant baseboard the six inch is a better choice. It is basically a plain board with a trim piece attached to the top.

How to Use Wall Anchors

Installing Interior Door Molding

Installing Window Molding Trim

Inexpensive Drapes and Curtains

Interior Window Shutters