I always caulk the upper side where there shoe meets the base but not the floor side. Just push down on the shoe as you move from side to side. as long as there isn't a major variation i the hight of the floor shoe will bend up and down to rest tightly with the contour.
To Install Quarter Round Use Nails Not Caulk
Installing quarter round on baseboards with caulk is not a good idea because it can be difficult to remove should you need to repair the floor in the future.
Caulking is required if there is a gap of at least one-eighth of an inch between the flooring and the baseboard. This helps to protect them from moisture and dust. Caulk should ideally be applied to solid surfaces such as stone, wood, and other similar materials for the best results.
I would caulk the gap and be done. Caulk is fast, and whatever is currently holding down the quarter round could be messy to remove. If it's currently glued you may be left with lumps adhered to the tile, which you would then have to remove before caulking the line where tile meets tub.
You can't rely solely on caulk when dealing with gaps more than a ¼ inch wide and deep. It would help to fill the gap with something else before caulking over it.
Generally, silicone is most effective for small to medium-sized gaps, typically ranging from ⅛ inches to ½ inches. Attempting to seal large gaps with a single application may result in collapse or shrinkage.
Wood to metal joints: Any type of wood to metal joint shouldn't be caulked because it will increase the risk of water damage.
It's typically ¾” inches by ¾” inches and is used to cover the expansion gap between the floor and a wall, baseboard, or toe kick. The installation of a quarter round molding is quite simple; just nail it into the baseboard or the wall using a finish nails.
Use Caulk to Fill the Gap
If you're looking for a quick fix and looks aren't the most important factor, caulk is a great option. You will want to line the floor with blue painter's tape to minimize cleanup.
Baseboard Caulk Selection
We recommend using a latex-acrylic caulk with added silicone. Latex-Acrylic-Silicone caulk products are available in different colours to better match flooring or baseboard paint colour. They adhere well to wood, MDF, and composite baseboards and have enough flexibility to minimize cracking.
Quarter round and shoe moulding differ mainly in shape and application. Quarter round has a perfect quarter-circle profile, ideal for covering larger gaps between the floor and baseboard, offering a traditional look. Shoe moulding has a flatter side, providing a tighter, more subtle finish, suitable for modern designs.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
Quarter-round trim is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of rooms, whether you're installing it in a kitchen, hallway, or living room. It can also be used independently of the baseboard, making it a flexible option in the baseboard vs shoe molding vs quarter-round comparison.
To allow the caulking to flow out when you use the caulk tube, you must puncture the inside seal.
For all vinyl edges exposed to the toilet flange or shower edge, you must properly seal them using silicone caulk. This will help avoid water from building up underneath the floor and potentially leading to not only mold issues but also weakened flooring from water saturation.
Caulk is the best thing to use with ¼” gaps. If you use them between tiles and baseboard, do not use sanded grout. Sanded grout doesn't have enough elasticity and can crack easily.
However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim. No matter whether baseboards or flooring is installed first, it's essential that a gap of at least 1 inch is left between the baseboard and the floor.
Don't want to deal with removing baseboards? You can leave them in place, but you will need to leave a ¼” gap between the baseboard and flooring, to account for expansion over time. You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap.
Quarter round moulding, typically measuring 3/4" x 3/4" with a 3/4" radius profile, is crafted to resemble a quarter circle. This classic design adds a subtle yet sophisticated touch to any room, making it a versatile choice for renovation projects and simple space updates.
Surfaces that require paint may not interact well with silicone, leading to adhesion issues. Structural joints that require significant load-bearing capacity are also better served by alternative sealants, as silicone may not provide the necessary support.
You should seal this gap with caulk before painting the baseboards to create a clean, professional-looking finish. If you have shoe molding on your baseboards, you can also seal the joint where the molding meets the baseboard to create a smooth look over the entire feature.
Uses for Caulk
Sealing around plumbing fixtures to prevent leaks, water damage, or mold growth. Sealing around exterior trim to prevent water from entering the home. Sealing cracks or damage on gutters, trim, or siding.