Use a carpenter’s level to measure the baseboards on uneven floors. You want the level to be straight. Cut at 45-degrees for bends, and 90-degrees for ends. Use the miter box or a circular saw.
What does it mean to scribe a baseboard?
The better solution is to cut the bottom edges of the baseboards so that they follow the contours of the floor, a process called scribing. Some carpenters scribe with a compass, but my father just used a pencil and a scrap of wood. That’s the way I often do it, too.
Should I caulk the bottom of baseboards?
Caulk at the bottom of the baseboard reduces the risk of this happening. Gaps and cracks around baseboards give insects an easy way into your walls where they can build nests and eat away at the structure of your home unseen. Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out.
How are baseboards scored?
Score the full length of a piece of baseboard where it meets the wall using a utility knife to cut the caulk and paint that may have adhered. By scoring the full length where the two surfaces come together, you’ll avoid tearing paint and paper from the drywall, leaving a marred surface.
Should baseboards touch the floor?
Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you’ve already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you’ll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.
Should baseboard be level or follow the floor?
If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.
What is a scribe tool?
A scriber is a hand tool used in metal work to mark lines on workpieces, prior to machining. The process of using a scriber is called scribing and is just part of the process of marking out.
