What do you use quarter round for?

Author: Miss Kianna Homenick  |  Last update: Thursday, March 6, 2025

Quarter rounds are a type of trim typically used to conceal the gap and soften the transition between the baseboards and flooring. You might be thinking to yourself, "That sounds a lot like shoe moulding." If so, you're correct. Quarter round essentially serves the same purpose as shoe moulding.

What is the point of a quarter round?

On the other hand, quarter round features a curved shape creating a perfect arc. It is thicker in size and can cover large gaps between the floor and baseboard. Quarter round ensures that gaps are covered effectively, leaving no space for dust to collect.

Where do you use quarter round?

Quarter Round Basics

It's best used in spaces where a pronounced curve can provide a visually pleasing contrast or complement to the existing baseboard and flooring. It's a bit like the round dowel of the trim world—simple, effective, and versatile.

Can I just use quarter round instead of baseboard?

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.

What is a quarter round tile used for?

Quarter round tiles are a great functional option to provide a protective outside corner, but they can also be used as a decorative piece between other tiles, similar to the popular pencil tile!

How to Install Quarter Round (with a finished end cap) for Beginners!

Should I use quarter round or shoe molding?

Quarter round primarily addresses the functional need for smooth transitions between different surfaces, such as floors and walls. Shoe moulding, on the other hand, delivers beyond functionality; it comes in a variety of profiles, thereby providing design enhancement.

What kind of trim to use around a shower?

You should trim the shower using composite molding instead. PVC molding, in this case, does well in the shower area. All you need to do is cut the material and install it like wooden molding.

Should I caulk between baseboard and quarter round?

To Install Quarter Round Use Nails Not Caulk.

What holds a floating floor in place?

How does a floating floor stay in place? Floating floors connect at the seams using a tongue and groove or interlocking system. Once installed, the weight of the floating floor keeps the floor in place for years.

Is it OK not to have baseboards?

Opting to not have any baseboards will keep your design simple and modern. The only downside is a loss of protection for your walls from brooms and vacuums. That said if you don't expect too much horseplay around your house, being able to have a bookshelf flush against your wall is a real upside.

What type of baseboards are in style?

Rounded or Stepped Baseboards

Rounded and stepped baseboards provide a modern, simple look without too many details. A three-inch rounded or stepped baseboard is a popular type of baseboard molding, as it gives a soft, decorative look without being too ornate.

Is quarter round easy to install?

Shoe molding and quarter-round molding are inexpensive, easy-to-install solutions that replace an ugly strip of caulk sometimes used to fill the gap. Installation is made easier by using an electric brad nailer.

What is the best tool to cut quarter round with?

CRAFTSMAN MITER SNIPS (CMHT73757)

What is the purpose of quarters?

A quarter is a three-month period on a company's financial calendar that acts as a basis for periodic financial reports and the paying of dividends. A quarter refers to one-fourth of a year and is typically expressed as Q1 for the first quarter, etc., and can be expressed with the year, such as Q1 2022 (or Q1'22).

Should shoe molding match the floor or baseboard?

Should the Base Shoe Match the Trim Color or the Floor Color? This is really a matter of preference. Traditionally speaking, the base shoe color should match the trim color, however, the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner.

Is it better to float floors or glue down?

If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don't have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.

When should you not use a floating floor?

Floating floors are also more sensitive to humidity and moisture. If they are exposed in excess to moisture a floating floor can warp, Pitt, or even start growing mold. Floating floors should NOT be installed in commercial projects.

How do I keep my floating floor from moving?

Inadequate support: Floating floors need proper support around the perimeter to prevent excessive movement and bouncing. If the floor is not properly supported by a suitable transition strip or expansion gap, it can cause the floor to bounce or flex too much.

Should I leave a gap between baseboard and floor?

Ideally, you want to address a gap between your baseboard and flooring before your flooring is installed.

What can I use instead of quarter round?

Shoe moulding is similar to quarter round with the same 90-degree angle on the back. Instead of being a perfect quarter radius, it has a squatter profile. The main use of shoe moulding is to run along the intersection of the baseboard and floor.

Do you caulk or paint first?

The answer may surprise you, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In general, caulk should be applied before painting if the caulk line will be visible once the paint job is complete.

What is molding halfway up a wall called?

What is Wainscoting? Wainscoting is a decorative interior wall paneling technique that involves applying wooden or other types of panels to the lower portion of a wall, typically extending from the floor to about chair rail height or halfway up the wall.

What can I use instead of baseboards?

Many great alternatives to baseboards may be more affordable, versatile, and easier to install and maintain.
  • Rubber Base Molding. When it comes to baseboard alternatives, rubber base molding has a lot to offer. ...
  • Reglet Trim. ...
  • Vinyl Wall Base. ...
  • Porcelain Tile. ...
  • Wood Quarter Round.

How to fill a gap between shower surround and drywall?

Filling the gap means cutting the sheetrock so that it runs up to the edge of the enclosure's mounting flange, pre-filling the recess with hot mud (setting compound), then taping and finishing with standard drywall compound to cover the joint.

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