How to Install Baseboards - Step-by-Step for Beginners

Learn how to install baseboards in this step-by-step tutorial. I demonstrate how to measure, cut, install, caulk, and paint your baseboards.

--Contents of this video ----------------------------
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Measuring the walls
02:17 - Purchasing your baseboard
02:50 - How to paint baseboards
03:37 - Cutting the baseboards to size
05:15 - Dry-fitting the baseboards
07:05 - Installing baseboard on uneven floors
08:04 - Nailing the baseboards to the wall
09:51 - How to seam baseboards
10:22 - How to caulk baseboards
11:34 - Filling the nail holes
11:52 - How to paint baseboards

---Tools needed for the job ----------------------
Miter Saw
18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Tape Measure

Installing new baseboards in your home is not hard, but it does require some attention to detail and basic knowledge of tools like a miter saw and a brad nailer.

First, you start off by measuring your baseboards. Then, you calculate how much baseboard you need. If you are a beginner, buy 5-10% more than you actually need so you can make mistakes.

Once you purchase your baseboards, the first step is to paint them. Let the paint dry, and you are ready to cut them with a miter saw and install them with a brad nailer by nailing them to the wall.

Then, caulk, paint, and enjoy your new baseboards.

In this video, I use MDF baseboards, but you can also buy wood baseboards. MDF is easier to work with. It's easier to cut, and it's more consistent (no warping). It also makes it easier to install over uneven floors.

It will usually cost about $40-$50 per room to install baseboards in materials, but that does not include labor.

It usually takes about 3 days to install your new baseboards, but much of that time is spent waiting for the paint to dry.

---About my Youtube Channel ----------------------
I create high-quality tutorials and tool reviews that save you time and money and help you get better results with your home projects. No BS, just straight-to-the-point info. Basically, I create DIY videos that don't suck.

---About Handyman Startup ---------------------------
Handyman Startup is a website designed to help you turn your DIY skills into a profitable handyman business. Learn things like how to start your business from scratch, how to get customers, and how to price your services - even if you only have limited handyman skills.

---Related Links ---------------------------------

---Related Videos ------------------------------

[kennethamend]

I have to be honest. I've watched countless videos on installing baseboards. This information was absolutely excellent, seamless.

[DY-zisv]

I watched this several times and thanks to you, I have successfully installed several 1000 feet of baseboard trim. Thank you

[Juiicedd]

Absolutely AMAZING video. Thank you so much. I’m absolutely stressing my self out to the point where I’m sick to my stomach thinking about attacking all my baseboards of my home by my self here this weekend, with 0 experience on anything. I can honestly say now that I have a little bit of confidence now going into it, after watching this video. Thank you!!

[robertoa.hernandez]

This is by far the next video I've seen. I am struggling with coping baseboards and your method to join the right angles makes life so much easier. Thank you!

[chriskent]

Hey Dan, thanks for showing us another way to install baseboards without having to learn how to cope. I always appreciate your time saving tips!

[smandez]

The best video I've watched on the topic by far, and I've watched a lot. You wouldn't think that, by looking at trim, that is a hard project for non-pros...but it actually is. I find this true even for a relatively handy guy like myself. Good carpentry is a skill!

[stephen]

I'm constantly looking at videos and trying to improve my craft and your video was probably one of the best videos I've seen on this subject good job and I agree with the previous comment about the video being seamless and easy-to-follow. Nice job my friend

[edwardrajala]

Absolute BEST video on installing trim. Well done sir! Subscribed.

[thedietzfamily]

Been trying to find the best video to teach myself. I have chosen this video to move forward! Great instructions!

[noahb]

this video is great. I used to be a finish carpenter and basically mastered base during my first year. one thing I'm not sure you mentioned but I would suggest is for angles on inside/outside corners. Usually the drywall isn't even on both sides... so I would just take 2 scrap pieces and take them to the saw and change the angle by like half a degree at a time. once you get good it only takes like one close guess to zero in but if you are just doing a one-off job like remodeling your house definitely make use of the scrap wood you might have lying around.

[wyattsdad]

The stick thing totally works. I use those cardboard drywall shims because they’re easy to find at the big box stores and I always have them for doing drywall work too.
Great vid man.

[xtep]

Thank you. Incredibly well made video with tons of valuable advice that we all appreciate.

[proverbsmom]

I made my very first miter cuts and trimmed my mom’s room today. This video was extremely helpful, thanks especially for all the time saving tips.

[stephen]

So cool how in under 15 minutes completely refresh of my memory on the easiest way to do Trim in a house :-) thanks dude

[lickarcade]

Thanks for making the video. This was very well narrated and will make my project much easier.

[regalwalnut]

This is the BEST video I've seen for installing baseboards. Thank you!!! (novice DIYer)

[MrJohnboyofsj]

First and only video needed on installing baseboard really nailed it.

[michaels]

This was FANTASTIC and answered some questions I had after watching other videos on this topic

[eytanmagen]

Very good instructions just in the right pace and very methodical thank you

[caublet]

Great way to get the work done.. Loved it on my 1st time!