How to install baseboard for beginners

Baseboard seems more intimidating than it is. I'll go over a bunch of detail about the boards, types, sizes, as well as where and how to start. Then install it and finish it out for a great result. Tons of info, so let's get started.
Help support the channel and the things I can show by using the links below, it costs nothing to use them, but helps me out so I can help you!
Get Starbond CA glues (bit.ly/3t18eud)
Use Code CANADIYAN at checkout to save 30% off on your purchase!
- Tools/Materials Used (affiliate)
For Canadian buyers:
Spackle - amzn.to/3siZC4E
Stud finder - amzn.to/3mjpWaP
No drip caulk gun - amzn.to/3e6uWeA
For USA buyers:
Spackle - amzn.to/3GTg6El
Stud finder - amzn.to/3Fc3702
No drip caulk gun - amzn.to/3scbTaW
**************************************
Jesse Does DIY links:
🛠Email: [e-mail]
🛠Project Plans: jessedoesdiy.etsy.com
🛠Instagram: canadiyan_j...
🛠Instructables: www.instructables.com/member/...
Other Channel with Slade:
/ @jessefleming9763

[@larryanderson8437]

As a retired cabinetmaker, if you use mdf core baseboard, you must seal every end that you cut, or it becomes a sponge for water.

[@awildelife]

Good to know!

[@tobymofield6597]

as in calk or will wood glue do?

[@RideorDieRob]

About to replace mine around my bathtubs at home, kids splash every time, and they must be MDF because they’ve started to sponge out. Will be replacing with something else.

[@fuzzyapplebong328]

I like the plastic one for that reason, You don’t even have to paint it it looks like it’s already painted

[@sarahthomas2303]

Seal with what?

[@ixchac]

Excellent tips! You actually teach what others just show and don't teach, for example, that you are spraying activator. Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@nicolledegagne2836]

Thank you so much for making a home reno project like this something that a beginner can accomplish!! I'm ripping out carpet and will have to replace baseboard and I feel COMPLETELY capable of doing it after this vid! So many thanks to you for this!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help! I'm glad you found it useful. Sounds like you have a job ahead of you. Good luck on all of it!

[@danielcleary1072]

Amazing video! I have wanted to do the baseboards in my house, but I haven’t because I wasn’t sure about some of the details. Now I think I can do it! Thanks so much!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help clear some things up for ya. Good luck on yours! Let me know how it goes

[@nickdanielson7635]

Just redid all of the baseboards in my home last week. I am semi handy, but baseboards was something I had never done out of fear of them becoming an eyesore due to quality of work. I tackled it last week with the help of your video and they came out flawless. Can't thank you enough.

[@JessedoesDIY]

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear it, it's so satisfying to do a job you dreaded before. Thanks for sharing!

[@fernandovelasquez7883]

Great video and you really cover details down to a pin point! Great job and keep these videos coming! God bless you for providing this wonderful service to the general public!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad I could help! Will do, I appreciate it!

[@ctinieblas1228]

Just like some comments I read, I feel you explained everything needed to install them. I'm about to get this thing done and its gonna look great. TY

[@JessedoesDIY]

No problem, I'm glad I could help out. Good luck on yours!

[@karend.9218]

Kudos: you really covered all the important elements for a great result. People should be proud of the the job they do.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, appreciate it! I agree

[@desmondrodrigues3632]

Great detail and easy to understand with professional results. I have done baseboards, but now I know know to do baseboards

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome, glad I could help. Thanks

[@msdesigner1972]

Excellent tips. Thanks! I made a rookie mistake by buying a casing narrower than the baseboard. I couldn't figure out how to transition the joint. The angled end is perfect!!!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@Venaloid]

This was incredibly helpful yet quickly explained. Awesome video.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@adambuzzeo]

best explanation i've ever seen for baseboards. Way to cover everything. The 44 and 46 degree angle advise is primo.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad I could help! I appreciate it

[@cindydunning2183]

So many great ideas! I love how you explain the use of the pinkie vs the pointer. Also the pressure for the pinkie, it's super helpful!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, I'm glad I could help! I tried to explain all the questions and the why's I had from when I was learning, I assumed they'd be common questions lol

[@franksilva3302]

I never really comment on videos but i have to on this one. Great job on explaining everything step by step! From the most common baseboard to use to the most common size people use, to what size nails and why. Great job bro

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thank you! That was my goal, to clear up as much confusion as I could in known problem areas, so I'm glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@brendakeiner5791]

Loved the dog exit! He must already know how to install baseboard!😂

[@JessedoesDIY]

I'm sure he knows how to lots considering all the supervision I get lol

[@dananurse3211]

You make this seem really easy to do. I am excited to try these steps this week.

[@JessedoesDIY]

It isn't overly complicated, just a few things to remember is all. Most people always make the same few mistakes so I showed them here to hopefully prevent most of them. Good luck on yours!

[@michaelmasse4880]

Nice job explaining for us first-timers. You’ve helped me with my decision regarding profile or no profile.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help. Good luck on yours

[@coosbay25]

I'm a professor, and this guy is an excellent teacher! I've learned a lot from this channel.

[@urbansaucetv3261]

I'm a black jack dealer at the hard rock and this guy is an excellent teacher I learned a lot from him as well what are the odds 😂😂😂

[@cablaze1]

I concur, I got a lot out of this video.👍

[@harishveeramani2907]

Fantastic work, Jesse. Really enjoyed watching all the tips and tricks. A similar future video on installing window trims will be super helpful. :) Happy Holidays. Cheers!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thank you very much. I already have a video on installing window and door trim with flat stock trim a few months ago, but not the moulded and detailed trim. Thanks for reaching out! Happy holidays!

[@ALJessica]

@@JessedoesDIYhave you deleted that video? Because I can’t Seem to find it.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Nope, it's still there. Couple years old now so the audio and video isn't my best. It's just called Installing Window and Door Trim, the thumbnail says Simple and Modern. It was released just before the shed videos, so if you find them in the list, it'll be right below.

[@ALJessica]

@@JessedoesDIY found it❤️ thanks! We are renovating our entire First floor - so baseboards and so on is on the table

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome! Good luck on your renovations!

[@goingvenus5603]

I've never done baseboards before and probably will never do them again, but this one time, I'd like to do them correctly. Now I know how! Thank you!

[@zbj5647]

Thank you for the detailed information and demonstration. With no carpentry background it helped me learned the basics.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome! Glad I could help! Good luck on yours

[@xhrecording1]

I appreciate the video and the great instructions with tips and tricks. Had been looking for a video that showed not just laying baseboards, but laying baseboards on top of carpets.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help!

[@ScottNealMN04]

Wonderful video. You covered everything and because of that, my first molding project was a success! Thanks you Jesse.

[@fitoreshrock5078]

What an excellent explanation. I planned to put the basebord myself (first time) and you actually helped a lot on advices and tips. I just realized it will be lots of work also!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, I'm glad I could help! Yeah it's a bunch of work, but so satisfying when you're done. Good luck on yours!

[@nathanielking4464]

You make it look so easy especially the caulking thanks for the video

[@JessedoesDIY]

Flat stock baseboard isn't too bad once you know the tricks. Thanks for watching

[@entropyfu]

Just watched this and the corners video! I'm ready to tackle this. Great tips!

[@jmillerdesign]

I've been putting off trimming out the baseboard of our basement which we finished earlier this year. This video REALLY helps give me some tips and confidence to get the job done once and for all.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome, I'm glad I could help ya! It's actually a pretty easy job once you know what to do, just takes time is all. Good luck on yours!

[@thomasgardner8703]

Great video. He does an EXCELLENT job of explaining and demonstrating.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@michaelkapel1492]

This is my favourite Baseboards Video. So helpful, thank you!!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime! Glad I could help

[@quitefar03]

excellent video. thank you. one of the tip I learnt is to apply the extra caulk which you take off on to the nail holes. saves an extra step

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, happy to help. I've never ben a big fan of the caulk in the nail holes. I do it from time to time in areas it won't be seen, but I find it shrinks too much and leaves a small divot

[@vidalexperience]

you just got me fired up to finish my floors - thanks man!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime! Happy to help. Good luck on yours, keep me posted!

[@happycamper137]

I'm getting ready to tackle my remodeled house. I feel better about doing it. Thanks for simple and straight forward tutorial.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, glad I could help. Good luck on yours!

[@uredaycare4840]

I am excited about the baseboard that I put in by watching this tutorial. Even though nail guns is expensive I use a hammer and nails by hand. The corners didn't come out quite like his but caulk will take care of that. I have small gaps between the wall and baseboard connecting but caulk will help.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome! I'm glad you gave it a go and learned along the way

[@frankbrenner4852]

Thanks bro. Great tips and information. For an amateur DIY dude this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

No prob man, glad you found it useful. Good luck on yours!

[@LIFELOVER715]

I appreciate your thorough instructions and practical applications of knowledge.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, happy to help

[@nickgaldieri7047]

well done. very informative and you were quick, on point, and wasted no time with the usual bs that most folks do. and your dog is beautiful.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. And Slade says he knows he is, but thanks 😊

[@Music_Trivia]

Finally an explanation on why you want to glue them..thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime!

[@missyh4816]

By far one of the best videos for a beginner like me

[@JessedoesDIY]

Glad I could help!

[@ryanhamilton9709]

Excellent simple and u actually showed what u were telling us u were going to do! I really wish more diy videos were more like yours!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Well I'm a visual learner myself so I just try to show what I'd want to see, but I'm glad it helped and you liked it!

[@jaredmartin7894]

This video is amazing. So clear and concise. Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it

[@scottchamberlain5990]

Awesome video! I feel ready to change out the baseboards in my entire house now. Thanks!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! That's awesome, good luck on yours!

[@jgalt1981]

Outstanding video. Clear and concise. Great job. I'll be using these tips to install mine this weekend.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you found it useful! Good luck on yours

[@romanykemp9042]

Good job Jesse - very helpful video. Thanks for pulling it together.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@carlosbeltran8948]

Thank you for making it look simple and more important how in detail you are

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, I'm glad I could help!

[@DJKeithAlan]

Great video and thank you. I'm not very handy at all but you're video covers everything. We are getting our garage floor epoxied and flaked today (Thursday). It looks great except where the sheet-rock meets the cement, it just looks unfinished. I'm going to tackle this project on Saturday before we move everything back. I'll be taking before and after photos!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! For a garage, I'd get the PVC trim, its more expensive but because its PVC it wont get damaged from water or anything on the floor. I'm glad I could clear some stuff up for you as well. Good luck on yours!

[@farellanes01]

Great video, simple but at the same time all necessary details. Thank you.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, glad I could help!

[@johnmore3823]

This was an absolutely awesome video. So so so good and I’m glad I was able to benefit from it.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks very much! I'm glad I was able to help you out

[@mookyyzed2216]

When we 1st bought our house 15 years ago, I did my best with a bathroom redo (wainscoting, baseboards). Needless to say, it did not stand the test of time. Thank you for this video, because i didn't use any of your tips the 1st time. Using these tips will surely give a far better result.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Hey, I did the same thing when I bought my house. Then I learned and figure that I didn't even know what I didn't know lol Now I'm redoing it all. I'm happy I could help and good luck on yours!

[@jondeeca]

Clear, concise, easy to understand. Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime! Happy to help

[@vettepwr23]

Nice job. Good video. When installing pre-painted baseboard onto previously painted walls, I still come back and paint both the edge of the baseboard and wall with their respective colors. I'm such a perfectionist that I can see the slightest smear of caulk on wither surface regardless of the colors.

[@JessedoesDIY]

It's never a bad idea if you have the steady hand and patience for it lol Thanks

[@charhans262]

Thank you for taking in consideration our locations in providing separate links.

[@JessedoesDIY]

No prob

[@randy4805]

Great advice and info, especially on the corners! Thanks!!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime!

[@johnhocking1364]

Great job!! By far the best explanation!! Thank you so much 👍🏼

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks so much, happy to help!

[@patrickwest6876]

Great stuff Jesse! I was going to wing it like I usually do (I've never done baseboards) and I know you saved me a lot of mess ups, lol! Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad I could help you out! Good luck on yours

[@patrickwest6876]

@@JessedoesDIY It worked out great as I did it today! Thank you again!

[@JessedoesDIY]

That's awesome, glad to hear it!

[@dianafrances6880]

This was amazing, easy to follow, everything explained well.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@tsetendorjee9040]

This is a very good show for how to install baseboard for beginners.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks

[@deeavila3153]

WOW! Perfect explanation of how to install baseboards...I am ready now after watching this video,,, Thank you 😄👌👍

[@JessedoesDIY]

That's awesome! Happy to help and good luck on yours!

[@GoldVP...]

I'm so glad you talked about pinning into the studs. Wanna know how many brads I've pulled out of water lines? ITS A INSTANT PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE!!! lol Seriously always brad nail about 1inch above the floor level, if you don't use studs, which I recommend always using studs....be a professional, and always cover your nails, by inserting the brad, another 1/16th inch or 1/8th and use drywall mud, not caulking!! Caulking is for corners, not nails!! A quick sand, and paint, and you'll never see them. I guarantee you, if you use caulk, I will show every spot you've done, with my led light!!

[@ladyploveroflife5014]

Thank you for this video. It was so helpful and clear to understand.

[@JessedoesDIY]

No problem, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@DavidPaland-mz1el]

Thank you, best and clearest video I have seen, with so many details.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, glad I could help!

[@robertlutz2244]

78 year old guy installing baseboard for the very first time...EXCELLENT VIDEO! Thanks fer posting!

[@JessedoesDIY]

That's awesome! I'm glad I could help!

[@beardedelephant3023]

Exactly what I needed to see as I am completely new to tools and this type of diy. Tired of paying people to do work around my house and the price gouging. Appreciate this video bro

[@JessedoesDIY]

Yeah it can be pricey. And the money you save can buy your tools with cash leftover. Happy I could help, thanks for watching!

[@beardedelephant3023]

@@JessedoesDIY Indeed. I just hit The stores today right after watching you video for all my power tools, materials and supplies. I was playing around 😂😂😂

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome! Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[@beardedelephant3023]

@@JessedoesDIY absolutely and thanks

[@rexannalong8754]

Thank you for taking time to make this video.great info

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, glad I could help

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

Thanks for the help and more confidence in these projects

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, glad I could help!

[@brentjacobs7083]

This video helped a lot. Thanks

[@lefantomeband]

dude great video. super helpful. best video ive watched on this. thanks!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@MyNameisntEarl]

Doing my first trim job this week solo. Have assisted with it before, always had trouble cutting so I just did install while someone else cut. but this will be my first time on my own..the 44° & 46° tip is great advice. The house is.. far from being in great condition so wish me luck.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Well you're already half way there then. Good to hear and good luck, I'm glad I could help!

[@anthonyedwards7914]

Super informative, easy for beginners, great job

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad I could help

[@Jess-mr7cs]

I'm redoing a mobile home I'm moving into soon and this is so helpful for me !

[@JessedoesDIY]

Nice! Well I'm glad I could help out! Good luck on your project

[@garydonahue4804]

You had info that most videos didn't include like the length of the brads, your suggestion that flat trim was a good and easier option, and that MDF would work with a brad nailer since one source I saw claimed it wouldn't work well with MDF. I did read in the comments about sealing the ends, so I will definitely do that. Glad to see you are using the Ryobi since I just bought the P321 today. Feeling more confident about starting my project. Thanks for a very informative and easy to understand video!

[@JessedoesDIY]

I'm glad I could help! I tried to answer any questions that I knew I used to have before I went to school. Most people just have a general hate on for MDF and will say anything bd about it anytime it's used for anything, but mostly because they've probably used it wrong in the past. Good luck on your project!

[@mickeykincaid9702]

wow, just wow, you touched on every aspect !! Thanks!

[@JessedoesDIY]

I tried to. Hope it helped

[@robscaife589]

This a great video, with some great tips. Never thought to put the silicone -under- the baseboard, gives the benefit without seeing it. I've cut, primed and pre-painted my pine baseboards for my three piece family bathroom and this will help me install it properly. One thing, however, referencing [0:58], I would never put MDF in a high humidity or spill prone environment like a shower/bathroom or a laundry room. If seen MDF in such areas swell up and that's fugly.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad you liked it! Yeah there can be some big problems with it in bathrooms or laundry rooms, but I've never had an issue when you paint all sides, edges and back. It's basically fully sealed at that point and if you have enough water to get through it at that point I think you have bigger concerns lol. Good luck on yours!

[@Listen2MeMF]

Im a first timer building a barn house. My trim arrived today. Been 2 years as a slow build. I cant wait to start tomorrow morning.

[@JessedoesDIY]

First timer or not, you're still doing it and learning and that's awesome! I hope it went well and I'm glad I could help!

[@Listen2MeMF]

@@JessedoesDIY thanks for responding. I needed that motivation. I will be done tomorrow and can't wait.

[@yourfriend628]

Great video to learn, you are into details and I love that.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome, thanks!

[@RedPillRealist]

I wish the noodle head self proclaimed handy man who did the house that I bought watched your video before doing this. Just redid the trims in my house based on your video and it looks perfect. Thank you.

[@JessedoesDIY]

I wish the person that did my house did too lol. Well I'm glad I could help out!

[@michaelb.hortonrealtorgrim5922]

A perfect video with great info. "Thank You!"

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help!

[@josephbot6]

Great video, very informative and excellent presentation. Thanks!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks so much, glad I could help!

[@mrlb198847]

Really great teacher, thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Appreciate it!

[@brendapierce4502]

Great video...i am ready to start new baseboards and casing...wish me luck!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@kennethmoran4600]

Thanks for the help. Really well done video.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help

[@robertberry1418]

This is EXCELLENT! Well Done!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks so much!

[@marionfrank]

Great video! Exactly what I needed to know.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@rockon5320]

Great video! You have a very relaxed style and good simple explanations. FYI: There is a California paint manufacturers, who shall remain nameless, that makes chalking in 4 different off- white colors. They do this by adding paint to the chalking. This way it never discolors over time as it is sealed with the paint. Swiss Coffee White is my favorite. Great to touch-up scribe molding on cabinetry to the wall without re-painting. I've done complete house interiors leaving the trim to wall chalking till after everything is painted. Then simply chalk your casings and baseboard to the walls and you get a perfect straight line every time. Just saying!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks! Interesting method, thanks for sharing.

[@rockon5320]

@@JessedoesDIY This method has saved me a lot of time especially on touch up to cabinets, base and crown. Kelly Moore here in California is the paint manufacturer I referenced. Love your videos!

[@robertopaulpickett4030]

Alright, I'm pretty useless with tools but you've given me the confidence to give it a shot. Worse comes to worse, I'll slide a couch or table in front of it until I can fix it. Thanks for your video.

[@JessedoesDIY]

It's always worth a shot! I'm glad I could help out. Good luck on yours!

[@thehound1359]

I’m thankful for butt joints. Currently replacing all the baseboards in my house. Really saves time

[@JessedoesDIY]

Absolutely, butt joints simplify so much. Good luck on the rest of them!

[@MrKecster]

thank you for the education, i will now try the job myself

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome, thanks! Good luck

[@eksine]

very clear and easy to understand, thanks

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help!

[@yahmanml]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. 👊🏾

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime! Thanks for watching

[@lisas_321]

I love ur video! Thank you for the information. 😊

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, happy to help!

[@haroldclark4485]

The 44/46 trick works! thanks

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime! Happy to help

[@amazingcode2032]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks!

[@WoolyJenny]

This was really helpful, thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime. Happy to help!

[@Buhshaun]

The base board king!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks!

[@CarolinaZaya.]

Great video! Honestly, the best!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks!

[@johnlennon1049]

Wow…great information…. Explained very well.

[@JessedoesDIY]

Thanks, happy to help

[@RedPanda79]

This answered 3 of my questions quickly

[@JessedoesDIY]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@judikurre7711]

Thank you! Great explanation.

[@JessedoesDIY]

No prob, happy to help!

[@JGerm]

Great video. Hello from Texas!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Hey thanks! And hello!

[@abby-fichtner]

So helpful, thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help!

[@terrypearson7430]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime!

[@Navillus2273]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@JessedoesDIY]

Anytime, happy to help!