Quarter round molding. The simple trim that covers gaps everywhere.
What It Does
Covers expansion gap between flooring and baseboard. Hides imperfect cuts. Finishes the look.
Alternative to shoe molding. Quarter round is, well, quarter of a circle. Shoe is flatter.
Installation
Nail gun makes this fast. 18-gauge brads. Nail into baseboard, not floor. Floor needs to move.
No nail gun? Small finish nails work. Pre-drill to avoid splits. Countersink and fill.
Inside Corners
Cope one piece to fit the other. Cut 45-degree back-bevel, then follow profile with coping saw.
Or miter and hope for the best. Works if walls are square. They rarely are.
Outside Corners
Miter cuts, both pieces at 45. Glue and nail. Touch up gaps with caulk if needed.
Material Options
MDF paints nice, doesn’t handle moisture. Real wood for wet areas. Vinyl for basements.
Pre-primed saves time. One coat of finish paint instead of multiple coats of primer.
Skip It?
Modern look often omits quarter round. Flush baseboards require tighter installation. More skill needed.
Some flooring types have smaller expansion gaps. Engineered wood and LVP might not need it.
The Easy Path
Just use it. Covers sins. Faster than perfection. Paint it white, nobody notices.
