Installation Guide

Start with two pieces of baseboard that have 90-degree cuts at opposite ends. To create the
scarf joint in the middle, place the first board in place and mark a 45-degree cut at a stud
location. Using the miter saw, cut this end of the first board at a 45-degree angle and sand it
smooth. Don't over sand. Hammer it in place with a few finishing nails, keeping the heads
exposed. Measure the other board, being very careful to draw exactly the 45-degree cut from
the board already in place. Cut the end of the second board at the proscribed 45-degree cut
and fit the two pieces together. If there's a slight bow, re-cut the end of the 90-degree cut.
If the two baseboards fit snugly together, run a bead of wood glue on the angled joint and push
them together. Clean off any excess glue. To secure the scarf joint, drive one nail toward the
top of the base on a raised portion of the profile -- this will make it easier to fill later. Then drive
the second nail toward the bottom and angle it down into the floor. Finish sinking the other
exposed nails with a nail set.
Cut an Inside Corner Joint
A coped joint is used where the baseboards meet an inside corner joint. To make a coped
joint, butt one piece of baseboard flush against the wall at a 90-degree angle (as in the
previous step). Next, lay the other baseboard molding (that will join the one already in place)
face-down on the floor. Hold a scrap piece of baseboard molding perpendicular to the face-
down board and trace the profile of the baseboard with a pencil. This will give you a reference
point to make it easier to complete the coped joint.
Cut along the profile to make a back bevel cut (at least at a 90-degree angle) just short of the
profile -- about 1/16". Finish taking off the remaining back bevel with your half-round and three-
square files until the piece sits flush against your first piece with no gap.
Cut Miter Joints for Outside Corners
Continue to measure, cut and install the baseboard molding around the room. When you get to
an outside corner, set the first piece so that it extends past the outside corner; mark it where it
will meet the other piece of the outside corner by setting your try square or combination square
against the surface of the wall it meets. Using a miter box or a power miter saw, cut the
baseboard at a 45-degree angle. Before nailing it in place, mark the second piece the same
way, and test for fitting. Use 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" brads to close the corner.
When you encounter the doorway, measure the distance between the door casing and the
wall. This piece will butt against the door casing with a 90-degree angle cut.
Fill in the Gaps
Use wood filler to fill in holes and gaps in baseboards. Let the wood filler dry completely, then
lightly sand off excess. Use caulk along the top of baseboards to fill the crack between the
baseboard and the wall.