What is Shoe Moulding?
Shoe moulding, also known as base shoe, is a type of trim used to cover the gap between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor. This moulding is suitable for spaces where the walls and floors are not level or straight. Shoe moulding is a preferable choice for modern design homes as it provides a sleek and refined look.
Shoe moulding has a smaller profile than quarter round, usually measuring about ¾ inch in height and ½ inch in depth. This lends to a less obtrusive contour on your floors. The thinner shape also makes it flexible and simpler to bend around uneven edges, and easier to trim and install. One drawback is that if there is a larger gap between floor and baseboard, shoe moulding may not adequately cover the space.
What is Quarter Round
Imagine a clockface showing 3 o’clock. That shape, that quarter of a circle, is where quarter round moulding gets its name. It is paired with baseboards to cover up gaps and imperfections between the base and the floor. And thanks to its broader shape, it can cover more of a gap area than shoe moulding.
Quarter round has a timeless appeal, used for traditional looks in homes with colonial or craftsman styles. The thicker ¾ inch by ¾ inch profile does make it less flexible than shoe moulding and thus less flexible around curves. This type of moulding style can also be used around cabinets in the kitchen, on countertops and any other areas that require a curved profile finish.
Shoe Moulding vs. Quarter Round
Let’s look at the key features and differences between shoe moulding and quarter round. This information will help you understand which trim will be best for your space.
Size and Shape
Shoe moulding is typically smaller and thinner in size, with a more understated profile. The arc is usually about 1/8 of an inch, and measures about ¾ inch in height and ½ inch in depth.
By comparison, quarter round features a curved shape creating a perfect arc. It is thicker in size, usually ¾ inch by ¾ inch and can cover larger gaps between the floor and baseboard.
Materials
Both shoe moulding and quarter round are available in a variety of materials such as wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), polystyrene and PVC.
- Wood will give a classic, traditional look, especially with quarter round. Wood can be painted or stained to match or contrast flooring.
- MDF can give the look of wood minus the installation inconvenience. MDF is typically primed and ready for painting or comes pre-painted.
- Polystyrene is quick and easy to install, just trim to fit and nail in place. It is a better choice for rooms with higher moisture levels than wood or MDF.
- PVC features a consistent appearance with no knots or imperfections, It is low maintenance and easy to install.
Installation
Installing shoe moulding and quarter round is also remarkably similar. All of the different materials can be cut with the same saw blade and installed using a pneumatic nailer or hammer and brad or finish nails. Corner and splice cuts can be made with a miter saw and put together with glue or cement.
Measure the length of the walls where you will be installing your moulding. Cut and trim the moulding to the measured lengths and lay them out in position. Using your nailer or hammer and nails, nail the moulding into place, spacing your nails about every 12 inches. Use caulk to fill in any gaps. For more information, read our article How to Install Base Shoe Moulding.
Appearance
Shoe moulding adds a modern decorative touch to the room. It can be painted to blend with your baseboard or stained to match your flooring. Its sleek, narrow look can stand out to create contrast. It can also be installed around doorways and staircases to give them a unique look.
Quarter round is preferred in traditional and classic homes to accent the floors with a thicker, more prominent look. It is less flexible due to its thicker curve and more rigid materials. Quarter round is also better for moisture prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It also works well on around countertops and cabinetry.
Pricing
Pricing for shoe moulding and quarter round can vary depending on the materials. Shoe moulding can be a bit more expensive of the two depending on what material you choose. It also comes in more decorative styles and in different finishes such as painted or stained surfaces.
On the other hand, quarter round is comparatively less expensive because it is made of affordable materials like MDF (medium density fiberboard) and wood. Although thicker, it does not have the fashion of shoe moulding.
Shoe moulding and quarter round are both versatile trim options with distinct characteristics. Shoe moulding offers a more decorative touch with its flexible profile, while quarter round provides a classic and budget-friendly solution. By understanding the key differences between shoe moulding vs quarter round, you can select the ideal trim to complement your home’s interior design.