Base Moulding

Your baseboard moulding, or the moulding that goes along the bottom of the wall right next to the floor, can subtly change the look and feel of a room or an entire house. Baseboard moulding comes in a wide array of profiles, or shapes, and many manufacturers make dozens of different options. Typically, these profiles don't have set names but instead go by the dimensions of the product.

The following options are the most popular with homeowners and builders: Three-Inch Rounded or Stepped Baseboard, Flat Baseboard Molding, Sculpted Mid-Height Baseboard Trim, and Sculpted Taller Baseboard Molding. Please consult us for other varieties of base moulding available.

 

Three-Inch Rounded or Stepped Baseboard

Rounded or stepped trim is probably the most common type of baseboard you'll encounter. This is the type of trim used in a lot of newer construction. Basically, it's a piece that's about 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch wide and three to three and a half inches tall. The top of the trim has a gently rounded shape or subtly stepped shape, allowing it to taper into the wall. This trim style is best for a more modern home. Because of its relatively short profile and simple shape, it would be out of place in many older houses. However, the simplicity makes it a great choice if you want the trim to recede into the background. This can be especially nice if you have elaborate crown molding or another feature you'd like to stand out.

Flat Baseboard Molding

Flat base molding is completely flat on the front. This type comes in different heights, usually ranging from three and half inches to four and a half inches. The back of the trim is grooved to allow for flexing and to help in the installation. Most examples of this style of trim are about 5/8 inch thick; however, the thickness may vary depending on your application. Use this simple trim as it is or add a layer of a more decorative molding or quarter-round to give the baseboard a more elaborate look. You can use it in almost any style of home, with or without crown molding or elaborate window and door casings. If you layer another trim on top of it, you can make it work well with other architectural styles.

Sculpted Mid-Height Baseboard Trim

This type of trim typically ranges from about four to five and a half inches in height and is usually about 5/8 inch thick. The top portion of the trim is decoratively shaped, often involving scallops or steps that taper toward the wall. It is available in a wide variation in the sculpting and height. Sculpted mid-height base molding is best in houses that have a slightly more formal appearance than the typical builder home. This type of trim is a great way to add personality to any room. It pairs well with any type of crown molding, but it's especially nice as the focal trim when painted or stained a contrasting color to the wall or floor.

Sculpted Taller Baseboard Molding

This type of molding can range from about five and a half to seven inches or taller. Often, the top edge of the trim is sculpted with scalloped or stepped details to provide visual interest and help it taper into the wall. The width can range from the standard 5/8 inch to as wide as an inch. Often, taller trim is a great choice for homes that are large in scale or homes with high ceilings or large rooms. This type of trim makes a style statement; you should avoid pairing it with elaborate crown moldings and other trim pieces if your house is on the simpler side.