ᐅ IKEA Metod: How do I install baseboards/skirting boards cleanly and durably?

Hello everyone, I have a question about IKEA Metod – specifically regarding the installation of the kickboards. I understand that the kickboards are very important for the overall look of the kitchen, especially to ensure they fit neatly and remain secure over time. I’m having trouble fitting the kickboards so that there are no gaps or uneven joints and so that they stay firmly in place. This is particularly challenging when dealing with small unevenness in the floor and corners. I’m wondering what the best approach is. Are there any special installation methods, tools, or techniques that have worked well for you? I want to avoid the kickboards becoming loose or wobbly later on. Thanks in advance for your advice!

For clean transitions and long-lasting stability, you should carefully measure the floor and level out any unevenness using leveling compound. The trim pieces are best secured to the Metod base cabinets using fastening clips, which ensures stability.

I can understand the initial situation; baseboards are really tricky, especially when dealing with an uneven floor. My advice is to first check the floor with a straightedge and mark any irregularities in detail. For installation, I usually follow these steps:
- Cut the baseboards, making sure to work with precise measurements and create matching miter cuts for corner joints.
- Adjust any unevenness in the floor where the baseboards will be installed using wooden or plastic shims to create a flat surface for the baseboard to rest on.
- Always firmly attach the mounting clips to the cabinet fronts, spacing them no more than 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to prevent the baseboard from sagging.
- Then press the baseboards gently into place and check the corners to ensure they close neatly.
Can you describe the exact condition of your floor? Is it very uneven?

valerie-tr schrieb:
Can you describe your floor situation in more detail? Are the floors very uneven?

Thanks for breaking it down into concrete steps. Unfortunately, I do have some unevenness, not dramatic but noticeable. I hadn’t thought of using shims until now. How do you deal with the shims visually? Do I need to cover them somehow, or are they completely hidden behind the baseboard?

The topic of wedges is crucial when you don’t have completely level floors. It’s important that the wedges are stable – I usually use small wooden wedges from a hardware store, cut them to size, and glue them to the baseboard with construction adhesive.
The wedges remain completely invisible since they sit between the floor and the baseboard. A level supporting surface for the baseboard is important to prevent any wobbling or gaps.
If the wedges are very thick, you can adjust their color to ensure they don’t show through, but this is usually not necessary.
What tools do you use to cut the baseboards? A miter cut is very helpful here.

Laukau5 schrieb:
What tool do you use to cut the moldings? A miter cut is very helpful here.

So far, I have only used a jigsaw. The results were usually acceptable but rarely very precise. Should I get a miter box to achieve more accurate cuts? Or do you have other practical tips for clean corners?