How to Install Base Shoe

How to install base shoe:

Everyone seems to be in accordance that now is the time for home renovation projects. A project that we have seen a lot of recently is installing new floors. When installing flooring with baseboards already installed your floors may not line up perfectly. This is where base shoe comes in.  The application purpose of base shoe is to be placed along the intersection of the baseboard and floor. This is to hide unlevel floors or seems with laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring. Installing base shoe is a super easy project that can make a world of difference.

Other applications include picture mould, chair rail, corner mould and many more.

Tools needed

photo of tape measure
  • nail gun
  • finishing nails
  • tape measure
  • wood
  • stain or finish
  • stud finder
  • miter saw  / miter box and saw or / moulding clippers
  • caulking
  • wood putty
  • coping saw
  • tape
  • pencil

Step 1:  Pick your profile 

First, determine how many square feet of moulding you will need for the project. It’s always good to over calculate by 10-15% for waste. Once you determine the amount of base shoe required for this project then you can pick out which profile you would like to use.

Quick Tip: We recommend painting or staining your moulding before installing it.  This will be easier than having to mask it off and do it once installed.

Step 2: Determine your cuts

There are many different tools you can use to miter your moulding. (Ex. miter saw, miter snips, or a miter box and hand saw.) Any tool will work for this project. You can use an angle calculator to calculate your angles.

Quick Tips:

  • When mitering it’s usually not a true 45 degree angle.
  • When cutting start with your outside edge. Your inside edge will be a focal point so you will want this edge to be mitered perfectly.
  • Coping your moulding – cut into the back of your moulding, following the outside face. Carefully cut away the back of your moulding to fit into the corner. Keep your coping saw at an angle; you can also sand the area that was cut out to get a precise fit.

Step 3: Install with nail gun

When installing the base shoe you should nail it into the wall or moulding to keep it secure. It helps if the floor is a floating floor for expansion and contraction purposes.

Quick Tips:

  • Determine where your studs are if possible to nail into to ensure extra security.
  • Use a block of wood or a hard flat surface and apply pressure to the base shoe to ensure it stays in place and will be flush with the wall and floor.

Step 4: FINISHING

Once installed, fill all the nail holes with putty and caulk the top seam. Once the putty is dry, sand all of the imperfections to create a smooth finish.

Article from the Woodgrain Website. Tune into their YouTube channel for how to videos!