ᐅ Is it feasible for a layperson to install baseboards themselves?
Created on: 26 Aug 2020 21:36
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kati1337
Hello,
we have hired a painter for the entire house, including wallpapering and painting. I have now asked what he would charge for the baseboards but haven’t received a price yet.
Is it something a layperson could realistically do themselves? A miter box and a Japanese saw can be bought for about €70 (around $75). On Amazon, there are complete kits with baseboards and corner blocks available for just under €200 (about $215), although I haven’t calculated if the length would be enough. However, a friend mentioned that installing baseboards is much more difficult than it seems at first glance. Especially cutting for the corners would be a really tough job.
Do you have any experience with this? I’m not extremely perfectionistic, but it should look neat. Would you recommend letting a professional handle it, or is it something one can try doing oneself?
we have hired a painter for the entire house, including wallpapering and painting. I have now asked what he would charge for the baseboards but haven’t received a price yet.
Is it something a layperson could realistically do themselves? A miter box and a Japanese saw can be bought for about €70 (around $75). On Amazon, there are complete kits with baseboards and corner blocks available for just under €200 (about $215), although I haven’t calculated if the length would be enough. However, a friend mentioned that installing baseboards is much more difficult than it seems at first glance. Especially cutting for the corners would be a really tough job.
Do you have any experience with this? I’m not extremely perfectionistic, but it should look neat. Would you recommend letting a professional handle it, or is it something one can try doing oneself?
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HilfeHilfe24 Jan 2021 06:15I think it's great that you're taking on the challenge!
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hampshire24 Jan 2021 09:32Thank you for sharing. The silicone tip is priceless; you’ll be surprised how quickly self-criticism turns into satisfaction.
kati1337 schrieb:The mysteries of geometry :p
If the workpiece is resting at an angle in the miter box like in the photo, the miter angle will be strange as well.
kati1337 schrieb:Clamp the workpiece and the jig, see below.
Now I’m not sure—is there a trick to reliably secure it so the piece stands straight and the cut comes out perfectly straight?
kati1337 schrieb:Cut two scrap pieces into blunt wedges. This way, the piece clamps in place easily and precisely. Secure the saw guide to a heavy object if it wobbles on the surface—otherwise, your saw will wobble along with it.
Thanks, that’s a good idea. I used a small scrap piece of trim, but it’s a little too thick. I’m looking for something thinner and will wrap a cloth around it.
hampshire schrieb:
Thank you for sharing. The silicone advice is invaluable; you’ll be surprised how quickly self-criticism turns into satisfaction.
The mysteries of geometry :p
Secure the workpiece and the jig as described below.
Cut 2 leftover pieces into blunt wedges. This way, they hold easily and precisely. Fix the saw guide to a heavy object if it wobbles on the surface, otherwise your saw will wobble as well. Geometry was (obviously) never my strong suit. :P
Thanks for the tip about the wedge. I should have thought of that. Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.
bauenmk202024 Jan 2021 20:28Ha! I finally finished the hallway on the top floor yesterday! We used plastic connectors for the corners. I clipped the moldings in place (after fixing the clips to the wall with anchors).
With a baseboard, it just looks much nicer 😎
With a baseboard, it just looks much nicer 😎
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pagoni202024 Jan 2021 21:01I would still recommend a miter saw. It makes things easier and allows for precise adjustments. Besides, a home builder will always need one at some point.