DIY Network

Install Shoe Molding

Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest install shoe molding around the perimeter of a room. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.

Tools:

tape measure
handsaw
coping saw
miter box
5-in-1 painter's tool
power drill
hammer
nails
nail set
sandpaper
shoe molding
safety glasses
kneepads

Steps:

1. Put on kneepads and measure and cut shoe molding to fit the room. Use a miter box to get perfect 45-degree angles for the corners.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

2. Scrape away any residual caulk or adhesive along the wall using the painter's tool. Use a scrap piece of molding to protect the floor (figure A). Smooth the surface out with medium-grit sandpaper.

3. Fit the first piece of molding in place and secure with nails. Pre-drill pilot holes and angle them into the floor. Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

4. Drive nails into the floor through pilot holes (figure B). Use a nail set to countersink nails and hide the heads. Angle nails into the floor about every foot, and between each nail going into the floor drill another pilot hole and drive a nail into the baseboard.

5. Continue measuring and cutting and attaching shoe molding pieces. If necessary to cut flat ends on one section of molding, blend in attaching pieces but cutting coping joints on the ends. Cut the ends at 45-degree angles, then use a coping saw to cut away the end leaving a thin extension of wood (figure C).

6. Sand down the edges of the coping joints with sandpaper.

RESOURCES :
For More Ideas ...
For more ideas and how-to projects, peruse the topics under REMODELING on the list to your left.

Also be sure to check out HGTV's Complete Fix-It manual, with step-by-step instructions for more than 200 home repairs, fix-ups and projects with detailed, full-color illustrations and pictures. Go to Table of Contents or visit the HGTV store to order the book.