How to Install Base Shoe M​​oulding

Now that you have estimated the required length, select a base shoe moulding that suits your interiors. There is a wide range of shoe mouldings available in the market.

You can opt for pre-painted base shoe mouldings to save time. To get a cohesive look, select the one that matches your baseboard color.

If you have purchased unfinished base shoe moulding, now is the best time to paint or stain it. Apply at least one coat of your desired finish. Leave it to air dry on your workbench or outdoors if it's sunny.

While cutting the base moulding, you must be mindful of the angle at which you cut it. Since most rooms are rectangular, it is most common to cut base mouldings at 45-degree and 90-degree angles.

Measure the length of the wall and mark it on the base moulding with a pencil. Take your miter saw and set the angles as follows:

Inside Corners
An inside corner refers to the corner formed inside when the two walls meet. It forms an angle of 90 degrees inside the room. If you want to install base shoe mouldings at the inside corners, cut them in the following manner: 

• Set your miter saw at an angle of 45 degrees.  
• Use a pencil to mark a line angled at 45 degrees on the corners of both mouldings. Ensure that both markings are such that the longer edge goes towards the inside. 
• Follow the pencil marking and cut the corner of the first base shoe moulding at 45 degrees angle facing inward. 
• Turn the miter saw angle to the 45-degree angle opposite the first one. 
• Similarly, take the second moulding and cut its corner at 45 degrees angle facing inward.

The term outside corners refers to the outward 90-degree angle formed where two walls meet. You usually find them on columns or outer edges of a room. Follow these steps to cut mouldings for outside corners: 

• Set your miter saw at an angle of 45 degrees.  
• Draw a line angled at 45 degrees on the corners of both mouldings using a pencil. Ensure that both markings are such that the longer edge goes towards the outside. 
• Follow the pencil marking and cut the corner of the first base shoe moulding at 45 degrees angle facing outward. 
• Turn the miter saw angle to the 45-degree angle opposite the first one. 
• Similarly, take the second moulding and cut its corner at 45 degrees angle facing outward.

Now, place the mouldings along the respective walls. Lay out all the pieces to ensure that you have cut them correctly. Once confirmed, start nailing the mouldings to the baseboard. You can also use nailers to speed up the work.

The exposed edge of the base shoe mouldings on the wall edge displays the inner wood material. This looks unsightly and should be painted to match with its surroundings.

Cover the floor below this moulding edge with paper or cloth. Stain or paint the edge with your desired finish. Remove the paper or cloth once the finish has dried completely.

You might notice some small gaps at irregular corners. Fill them up neatly with good-quality caulking.

Once the caulk has dried, inspect your work for any gaps or missed spots. You can cover these with the help of caulk or wood fillers. If you prefer a polished finish, apply a second coat of paint or stain on the mouldings. Clean the floor and remove any wood shavings, dust or debris.

The base shoe moulding is now installed. Take a step back and admire the new and finished appearance of your home.