How to Install Baseboard Trim - Cope and Scribe - Old House Bedroom Remodel Problems

In this video, I show you how I install the baseboard trim in my bedroom remodel. My house is older so the floors aren't 100% level so I end up with a gap between the baseboard and flooring. I also talk about how I don't like ripping stuff at a 45° angle on my table saw so I show you how to use a circular saw for this type of project.
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Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Buy a coping saw here - amzn.to/3j4vLKV (Amazon affiliate link) Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer Thanks for watching! 😃

[@SeeEdRun]

I think you picked the best possible way to make some awkward stuff look not awkward. Great content as usual!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@bakednoodle2732]

Don't ever use a table saw free hand, but if you do, wear safety glasses🤣 I hope Mrs. Fixer and the twins are doing well.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂 We are all doing great! Thank you and thank you for checking out the video!

[@bakednoodle2732]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Great to hear.

[@hawthornhobbit]

I love how each wall is different. Like the three bears. Bow down. Bow up. And perfect. I love your honesty. Thank you for sharing yourself.

[@RCLapCar]

Another option for the floor being unlevel creating the gaps is to install the baseboard as is leaving whatever gaps are there. Then to add a shoe molding at the bottom. The shoe molding is much smaller than the baseboard so it flexes easier to cover the gaps. This is especially useful when the baseboard is taller (like the 6" stuff) or the floor is very wavy. I just use short brads so the shoe molding is only nailed to the baseboard and not beyond that. The cheap traditional way was to use quarter round but they now have shoe molding that matches the style of the baseboards themselves and better fit with the look.

[@js8039]

For fiddliy things like those small copes etc. I have began to use hot glue. Put your adhesive on and then a couple of strategic dollops of hot glue, smash it home.

[@Mr.PoopyDoobertPants]

As usual, the end result looks fantastic! Also, show of hands if you’ve ever had people down on their hands and knees inspecting minuscule flaws in your baseboards…? 🤔 😂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@candicespencer2021]

Now that the room is done bring on the twin baby beds!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yup! Got one assembled already!

[@AmyGilesWarren]

Very clever closet remedy.

[@jimaronson2323]

I think the "hack" you did in the closet was very good. I was curious as to how you were going to address that. I wanted to know because you run into those situations often. As usual, very good video and great content. Always enjoy hearing Fixer Jr. in the background.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jim! Yeah you will probably be hearing a lot of little voices in the background TBH. I know a lot of people cut that stuff out (and I will when I can) but in the real world you will always have kids, spouses, dogs, cats around. I really appreciate you checking out the video!

[@lynnew5619]

Good solution for that closet trim. And you gain a little shelf. I actually prefer the 45 degree method, but coping works fine too. 👏👏

[@nepa_cat_wrangler]

Sounds like Fixer Jr. was also hard at work! Another great video. Thanks.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

He sure was! Always is. haha. Thanks for watching!

[@leilanijanski8664]

Thanks for the tutoring on the coping. Made it so much easier for myself to understand. Great job!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@chelseasummers2365]

You did an awesome job. You always do an awesome job. It’s so refreshing to see a man who knows how to do things around the house.

[@terryhanna777]

I love that you include your thought process and possible alternatives! "I could do this, or I could do that, but I'm going to do this other thing." That gives us more ideas of possible solutions in different situations! THANK YOU!!!

[@pigfarmer7738]

Like it. I’m up to bat next at my home. 1970 and not exactly level or plumb. Thumbs up!

[@lemagreengreen]

You make great videos that are firmly in the real world, you see so many perfect examples on KZbin if you know what I mean but yours are the reality for most of us.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That means a lot. That is exactly what I am trying to do with these videos. 😃 Thanks so much for the comment! And for watching of course!

[@johnrazor8720]

How to handle baseboard in an old house - great stuff. Guess those ideas would work on a bad basement concrete floor job as well.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes they would! This is actually a pretty good title for this video... maybe I should change it. 🤔 Anyway, thanks for watching, John!

[@haydenolson2398]

Why would you baseboard trim a concrete floor basement?

[@haydenolson2398]

Baseboard on any unfinished floor (awaiting carpet usually) is unsettling for me. Leave 1/2 on corners and push down in the middle if it’s floating too much on your spacer blocks. But not too much.

[@IDK.312]

I don’t even own a house but I love all your videos… and at this point it seems easier renting a house forever that way if something breaks someone else deals with it 😅

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

A+ work! Could you add a shelf or two to the awkward bulkhead at the back of the closet?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes I can... In fact I already did. Stay tuned! And thank you for watching, Pat!

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Wow! Can't wait!

[@johnbecker8768]

Looks good Fixer :)

[@wnturck]

Great job! Elegant solution in the closet.

[@jamiepan7650]

You did a really great job!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jamie!

[@t3ck3r]

The first video I watched was about you building the center wall in that closet, and they have been great and very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks so much for following along!

[@dshey6802]

Mr. Babble, you make it so much fun to watch DIY projects. You actually communicate beautifully, from what I see of your finished product.

[@iiiii4560]

You can also use quarter round to fill gaps, Over top of the trim.

[@jarjar0653]

Oh my what a difference in that room! Awesome work! ❤

[@michaelplays2449]

Nice Job !! Great Video !!!

[@francesbundy6472]

You’re a great teacher! Thanks!

[@DebShemwell-pt7mh]

I’m getting ready to tackle same with an old house. It’s a first for me which is intimidating but also is using a brad/nail gun. Using my ESP with dad’s help, my girl power, and maybe some tears of frustration I will conquer the two rooms of door, window, and baseboard trim. Prior “so-called” handyman totally messed up to the point we didn’t want him back especially since his upstairs plumbing job led to the ceiling kitchen below collapsed from leaks he said were not there. Love your videos which help immensely.

[@twowheelvalle]

Now, I have seen all of your videos. I can't wait till new videos are coming. You are such a cool person. Keep up this good work. Greetings from Germany 🙋🏻‍♂️🇩🇪

[@coralambert4571]

This is a great video! Only comment I have is I had the same type of slope in a closet and my kids decided it was a great slide and ruined the drywall. Not sure yours has the same space.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Nicely Done! I like how you solved the closet issue, it looks good. I also really like the paint color, good neutral color for a nursery. And.....putting your sticker to be discovered in later years, nice!

[@Redrally]

Mini Fixer was getting excited as you fixed up the closet 🥰

[@jennysmith-dack1963]

Perfection at its best👌

[@CH405.]

I love the videos. Just want to point out the irony of you saying “I don’t trust myself enough not to cut myself” when talking about doing the 45 after you free handed the other piece😂😂 keep up the good work!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂 Thanks for watching!

[@sylkiastewart6098]

Even new homes have issues with uneven floors and settling. Eventually, your floors will gap or bounce due to expansion and contraction with your baseboards being so tight. Most people don't like using quarter-round or shoe mold but that is what they are made for. Caulk might work for a while. Hopefully, you won't have any problems in the near future. Floors and trim look good!

[@IndieLaVie]

If that’s a hack job I want it. You’re a great teacher.

[@gregmize01]

IT'S NEVER A BAD IDEA, IF IT WORKS!

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Looks great!

[@stefaniap.7458]

Super smart tips!

[@fintan3563]

There is more room in the closet than I thought there would be. Great solution to that dead space too!

[@flatfoot62]

Nothing hack about anything you did. Great work and I love your channel. Thanks

[@jeffalan6339]

As a finish carpenter I have seen some winners. One couple had a dining room addition built. It was a disaster, walls not plumb, floor that sloped . The first finish carpenter was fired left 3/4 gap off the finish floor, sank his nails with nail set. Thee longest span had huge gaps between the base and wall. Told them take 6 weeks, for base and cove mold for crown. I simple stepped against the base fits tight all the way around. I was done in 5.5 days. Included customer window treatment, base door casing one door had to trim to fit with taper. What finish is all about finishing the project.

[@Janiceaka-jlo0620]

Looks great 😊thanks for sharing

[@bonniehollingsworth1996]

Great help.

[@mkemp5983]

great solution

[@clovisfuture42]

Great job 👏🏼 🎉

[@JPCMETALHOG]

Excellent job on the closet.

[@jimwhite5964]

Thanks, Fixer for another great video…IMO the trim piece at the bottom of the closet was a brilliant idea! Really enjoy your channel!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jim!

[@jsaysyay]

honestly i really like the solution for the closet, because i would absolutely be worried i'd drop something of value into it at some point. also i'm somehow always surprised by just how unlevel your floors are, i've never even given a thought to that happening in an older house

[@dennisrobbins458]

Nice job, good tips.

[@vogelj2009]

Very well done and I learn’t a lot.

[@jitskid831]

Great video lots of great information good work👍🏼

[@Whistlewalk]

Thank you!

[@bobjensen8040]

Great tips! I do as you offer, push the baseboard to the floor. Normally the pressure I apply is not going to keep the floor from expanding or shifting. But if there is concern about the floor not being able to move, use a piece of strong paper or plastic or thin metal, not too thick, between baseboard and floor while nailing and remove the paper/plastic after. Small gap, no hold, looks right. However, if you use the paper method, do it all along the whole length of the baseboard piece for even fit.

[@jennifermartinus4929]

Great work, Mr. Fixer. 🤩

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jennifer!

[@sweetypie3926]

Nice method creating a perfect 2x45 degree joints. Thank you for showing this!

[@WebOfTwilight]

I thought this video was quite informative. Thanks! It’s good to see that the good, the bad, and the ugly happens to everyone but my Dad and I. We live in a double wide with questionable building so we’re always running into oddball issues.

[@henrysboy2]

Great video. Thx.

[@gerardl2395]

Great video

[@stephanelachance9131]

Hello The Fixer. Thanks for all the tips and tricks. We like watching your videos. I'm a DIY too but still catching some new tricks watching KZbin. Congrats with the family expansion !! cheers

[@johnmihalec1467]

Good job

[@georgetarabini6552]

That closet looks fine, good job

[@tzavitz]

great video as usual. I liked how you showed how to scribe. That was helpful!

[@m.pav.8397]

I wish I was as handy as you. Looks great

[@jwbr2]

Nice job in the closet!

[@genahowe4206]

I've been watching and subscribed for awhile. I never had any idea you could remedy so many of these issues. We moved into a 1920 cottage 3 years ago and any previous little updates weren't done well at all. They just created more things to fix. So glad I found your channel!

[@thedangler1371]

Your videos are very helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@jodifinnegan4453]

The closet fix is brilliant! The room looks amazing! 👍🏼

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jodi!

[@ldqa2737]

You solved the closet angle nicely!! I was wondering about that.

[@lpconserv6074]

Love your practical approach!! About the circular saw use... Use the tool that is best suited to your experience level. Looks like a great tip with the method to hold those little 1 1/2" long pieces at the ends of the wall heater... I am absolutely going to put that info to good use.

[@judymielcarek6011]

Awesome work. You make everything look so easy. I like what you did in the closet. 😊

[@lyall01]

I can't wait yill you get your next house as your videos are very good.

[@karencox3235]

I love watching your videos. Thank you for your "babbling" and honesty. I thought your fixes were each the best approach and the closet fix looked great to me. I hope that first wall baseboard that pinched the flooring a little bit doesn't come back to bite you later, but I probably would have done the same thing. My best to you, your wife, son and twins!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😀Thanks, Karen!

[@uuugyes]

Great to see such practical, workable problem solving: makes confronting jobs like this so much easier. Thanks!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😁👍

[@esthermcgough3995]

You did great.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@donnagelvin1594]

I can't believe my luck in finding your channel as i started my major do-it-myself renovations, starting with our only functioning bathroom! Your videos have saved me so much bc you problem solve exactly the issues I come across in our old, failing home that is trying to hold together for a family of 5 + big dog + 13 rescue kittens + 2 fish! 😂 It's like having an expert friend in the trenches with me. 🙌 Can't thank you enough for sharing your skills, real-life alternatives & clear details! So easy to watch over & over!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Love this. Wish I could heart this comment 1000 times. So happy to help!

[@ramonpagan695]

Thanks for the tips. My house is also old and have the same problem with the trims.

[@marcusmuzzio5765]

Too hard on yourself. Just found your channel. Great work. You made me want to go from half as s my fixings to doing it right. Thank you for the know how!

[@waynepennington2769]

So far I like you your down to earth even more so then norm Abram. An that says a lot. Keep it up good work.

[@ChrisLhamon]

I'd like to see updates on how the floor's doing. I tried leveling the floor, and it didn't go as well as planned, but after sanding, I got it to where it should be good. Seeing your videos about it makes me feel better that it's not something that has to be perfect or it fails.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Great job, I would have done it the same way.👍👍💚

[@bsehra8969]

Coping ok for internal joins but external pointy joins are tricky with imperfect 90 degrees, have to measure the angle and half it with angled saw and it worked 😊

[@kayriggleman5196]

Getting the bedroom done then moving will be nice. Your house should sell fast. You've made it a desirable property.

[@hugoramirez4189]

Gracias por enseñar alguno de sus trucos en el trabajo, eso demuestra su gran experiencia.

[@debe8890]

Great option for the closet. I love how you keep it real and show us what to do when things aren’t perfect, or have to be.

[@carolinaeric8500]

Done the 45s hoping it fits right and it almost never does it seems. I was afraid of trying coping because I didn’t really understand it but I might try it on my next baseboard project! BTW, I think the closet looks 100% better with that trim and the way you did that piece to fill in the gap! And don’t worry…I won’t tell anyone about the gaps you left in the closet either lol

[@tamora.monique]

Since I'm already messing things up 😂 Where? You only do a great job 👍🏼

[@brelanarchy8023]

So basically I need a $1500-$2000 of different types of saws and nail guns to install $60 of lumber.

[@garrettmccleary]

Can you link the trim you used? Looks great

[@markishabunn4492]

I want to redo my bedroom but my walls are not flat in some spots. What would I use to fix that before I rip up my carpet?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hi, Markisha! What do you mean by "not flat"? Can you scrape them down? Do they jet in towards the floor where you can add joint compound to bump them out? Hard to say without seeing them.

[@markishabunn4492]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair some spots in my wall bow out. I know it's old (built in the early 1950s) but I wanted to try to do small repairs/renovations myself.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Gotcha! Well, assuming you do not want to tear the wall apart from scratch, you can try to float and feather out the wall in the spots with drywall mud. OR.. you can get some thicker baseboard and "split the difference" by cutting into the spots that bow out and cut that part out so the baseboard sinks into the wall. I have done this before, it feels wrong when you are hacking up the wall but if you use the baseboard to make a nice line at the top and you cut it out carefully, it looks great when you put the base in. I really hope this helps and I will for sure keep this in mind for a video if I ever come across this situation! Thanks for watching!

[@DoresoomReviews]

I appreciate that you gave your viewers a warning about not using a table saw freehand, but a better explanation of the consequences might help deter a novice from attempting it! At 15:11 you came within less than a hair's width from a kickback event. If the workpiece had come in contact with the back of the blade it would have shot that board backwards toward you like a rocket.

[@mattieruth2171]

Tfs❗️

[@mistercash8555]

That closet hack at the end of the video should be used for the thumbnail.

[@wendydix5534]

Certainly looks will finish to me. I’d be happy if it was mine.❤

[@alastairdallas]

Great solution at the closet bulkhead, but you mentioned that you made it flush with the top of the baseboard--I would have left a 3/32" reveal (make the horizontal trim a little proud of the top of the baseboard). Maybe you did that--I couldn't really see on the video. Just like a built-up molding like a mantel or a complicated crown, you never align pieces flush.

[@BrandonSmith-714]

As always love the content... I've commented a few times but I have to say I love what you did with the awkward angle of the closet? My only question is are you going to paint the piece of wood to match the closet color? As always love how you explain stuff and like I've said before I need you to build my house since you over build stuff. I've watched every one of your videos and love the bloopers as well. Keep up the amazing work!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey, Brandon! Thanks for the kind words. And yes that will be painted white! Stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@BrandonSmith-714]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Your very welcome... I'll watch as always! Good luck with you and your family!

[@SaltySeed]

I kept splitting my tiny trim pieces so I ended up just using liquid nails to attach them....2yrs later still hanging on firmly.

[@leosanchez1022]

Should I caulk the bottom on the baseboard. I kinda like it with out it.

[@yolandamercado6721]

The hack was excellent. I would had put a nail in the middle, on the angle side.