If you’re looking to give your home’s interior a finished, polished look, installing quarter round is an easy and inexpensive way to do so. Quarter round is a thin, wooden molding that is installed at the base of your walls where they meet the floor. It covers the gap between your baseboard and the floor, creating a seamless, professional finish.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install quarter round in your home. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the materials you’ll need to the finishing touches that will make your quarter round look great.
Materials Needed
Before you start the installation process, you’ll need to gather the materials required for the job. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Quarter round molding: You can find this at any home improvement store. Make sure you measure the length of the wall before you head to the store so you know how much molding you’ll need.
- Adhesive: You’ll need a strong adhesive to attach the quarter round to the wall. You can use construction adhesive or a silicone-based adhesive.
- Nails: You’ll need finishing nails to secure the quarter round in place.
- Wood filler: You’ll need wood filler to fill any nail holes and gaps in the quarter round after installation.
- Sandpaper: You’ll need sandpaper to smooth out the wood filler and prepare the quarter round for painting or staining.
- Paint or stain: You’ll need paint or stain to finish the quarter round and match it to your existing baseboard.
In addition to these materials, you’ll also need a few tools to complete the job. These include a saw, a nail gun or hammer, a putty knife, and a paintbrush. Once you have everything you need, you can move on to preparing the area.
Preparing the Area
Before you begin installing the quarter round, you’ll need to prepare the area. Start by cleaning the surface where the quarter round will be installed. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the area. This will ensure that the adhesive sticks properly and that the quarter round sits flush against the wall.
Next, measure the length of the wall where you’ll be installing the quarter round. Use a saw to cut the quarter round to the appropriate length. Make sure to cut the quarter round at a 45-degree angle so it fits together seamlessly at the corners. Once you’ve cut the quarter round to size, you can move on to the next step.
Installing the Quarter Round
Now that you’ve prepared the area, it’s time to install the quarter round. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful installation:
Step 1: Applying Adhesive
Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the quarter round. Make sure you apply enough adhesive to ensure a strong bond between the quarter round and the wall, but be careful not to apply too much, as it can cause the quarter round to warp or create gaps.
Step 2: Pressing the Quarter Round Firmly into Place
Once you’ve applied the adhesive, hold the quarter round in place against the wall. Press it firmly into place, making sure it sits flush against both the wall and the floor. Use a putty knife or your fingers to smooth out any bumps or bubbles in the adhesive.
Step 3: Nailing the Quarter Round to Secure it in Place
After the adhesive has set, use a nail gun or hammer to secure the quarter round in place. Make sure you nail it in at an angle, so the nails go through the quarter round and into the wall. This will ensure a strong hold and prevent the quarter round from coming loose over time.
Repeat these steps for each section of quarter round you install. Once you’ve installed all the quarter round, you can move on to the finishing touches.
Finishing Touches
To complete the installation of your quarter round, you’ll need to finish it off with some final touches. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Filling Nail Holes with Wood Filler
Use wood filler to fill any nail holes or gaps in the quarter round. Apply the wood filler with a putty knife, making sure to fill in all the gaps and holes. Allow the wood filler to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Sanding and Painting/Staining the Quarter Round to Match the Baseboard
Use sandpaper to smooth out the wood filler and prepare the quarter round for painting or staining. Once the quarter round is smooth and even, you can paint or stain it to match your existing baseboard. Use a small paintbrush to apply the paint or stain, making sure to cover the quarter round evenly.
And there you have it! By following these steps, you can install quarter round in your home and give your interior a professional, polished look.
Finishing Touches
After you’ve installed the quarter round, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make it look great. Start by filling in any nail holes or gaps in the quarter round with wood filler. Use a putty knife to apply the wood filler, making sure to smooth it out and fill in any gaps. Once the wood filler is dry, use sandpaper to smooth it out and prepare the quarter round for painting or staining.
Next, you’ll need to paint or stain the quarter round to match your existing baseboard. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint or stain, making sure to cover the entire surface of the quarter round. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before moving any furniture back into the room.
Conclusion
Installing quarter round is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home’s interior a finished, polished look. By following our step-by-step guide, you can install quarter round in your home with ease. Remember to take your time and follow each step carefully to ensure that your quarter round looks great and lasts for years to come.
In summary, to install quarter round, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials, prepare the area, install the quarter round using adhesive and nails, and finish the quarter round with wood filler and paint or stain. By taking the time to do each step carefully and thoroughly, you can create a professional-looking finish that will enhance the look of your home.