Basic installation of base molding

• 1). Measure the room. Start at the door and measure to the nearest corner. Continue around the room, measuring from corner to corner. Write down the measurements of each wall.
  
  
• 2). Purchase 10 percent more molding than you need for each wall. This will give you some space for cutting errors or problems. If the trim is a special-order product, consider ordering a few extra pieces. Use these pieces later to make picture frames or other projects if they are not needed.
  
  
• 3). Paint or stain each piece of trim before you begin the installation process.
  
  
• 4). Allow molding to dry according to paint or stain manufacturer recommendation.
  
  
• 5). Measure molding for each section of wall. Remember the saying, "measure twice and cut once." Mark the measurement on the back side of the molding.
  
  
• 6). Using the miter saw, cut the molding. Place it in the miter box with the front of the molding facing you. Remember when making mitered corners that on inside corners, the molding will be longer against the wall than in the front. For outside corners, the molding is longer in the front than in the back.
  
  
• 7). Predrill the nail holes in your base molding. This will prevent any cracking or splitting. Measure the distance between studs on the wall and drill your holes at the same intervals.
  
  
• 8). Nail the first piece of molding into place using #6 finish nails. Use a nail set to recess each nail as you go.
  
  
• 9). Continue around the room, moving along each piece of molding in the direction you are going around the room. For example, if you are moving clockwise around the room, start at the left end of the molding and work your way right.
  
  
• 10
  
  Press putty into each nail hole and any gaps at the corner using your fingers. Allow to dry.
  
  
• 11
  
  Gently sand each putty point and touch up the paint or stain.
  
  

Joining Two Pieces of Molding on a Wall

• 1). Create a spliced molding by setting the first section of molding in place and marking the center point of the stud nearest to the end of the molding. Subtract half the thickness of the molding and mark the board on the back.
  
  
• 2). Measure the second piece of molding in the same manner.
  
  
• 3). Cut the two boards with opposing mitered corners. The first piece should be cut so that the miter goes from the mark out, so that the longest edge is along the front. The second piece will be the opposite. The miter will go from the mark back, so that the longest edge is along the back.
  
  
• 4). Nail the first piece in place, leaving out the nail in the mitered spot at the last stud.
  
  
• 5). Set the second piece in place, using wood glue on the joint. Nail through both pieces of molding to the stud, continuing to the corner.