When you perform a DIY baseboard installation, you could encounter some problems. They are listed below with corresponding solutions to help you get professional results even when you install on bad walls. These are simple tricks for DIY enthusiasts, but be prepared to experience problems, and don’t get frustrated at once. However, if you’re busy and you think this is not your line, call an expert plumber that offers flat rate on materials and labor to do the job.
How to solve problems in baseboard installation:
Problem 1: When laying the baseboard against a wall, there may be gaps between the drywall and the top of the trim.
Solution: Cut the trim to appropriate length, then, while holding it against the wall, look for the gaps. Get a scrap of baseboard, and cut pieces of braces measuring 4 in. to 6 in. lengths. After setting 45-degree angles on both ends, apply construction adhesive on top and bottom, and let the adhesive stick overnight.
Problem 2: It’s possible for baseboards to tilt toward the wall below, especially narrow ones.
Solution: In this baseboard installation, you can fix a severe tilt by raising the baseboard above the gap on the drywall. Cut a few spacers, and lay them on the floor with a few feet in between. Then, cut the base to a size that fits, lay it down on the spacers, and attach it into place with a nail.
Problem 3: When you put trim inside the corners, it usually doesn’t fit evenly even if you have made a perfect cut.
Solution: Before nailing any base to the wall, perform a test first so that you can just remove it if you made a bad corner joint.
Problem4: Making out-of-square outside corners – Don’t bother to measure the angle using an angle finder because it’s easier for you to look for the miter angle through testing with scraps.
Solution: Cut 45-degree miters at the ends of base scraps with 10 in. long, and put them together in one corner to check if it’s fitted. Find the right angle by cutting both pieces with slightly bigger or smaller angles than 45 degrees as required.
These are only some of the problems that you could encounter when doing baseboard installation. If you’re just a beginner on this, you’ll find it a bit difficult, but just the same, keep on trying.