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Caulk between hardwood and baseboard?

15 years ago

We just had our hardwood floors refinished. Previously they had baseboard and quarter round. The quarter round was unnecessary so we are not putting it back up, and have had new baseboard installed, but the painters need to come putty, caulk, and put final coat on.

The builder had previously caulked (BIG TIME!) between the floor and the quarter round.

It seems to me like we should not have them caulk between the new baseboard and hardwood. What do you think? I will admit it is not a perfectly straight horizontal line between the two in all places, there are some gaps.

Will appreciate so much hearing...

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Comments (4)

jerry_t
15 years ago
Use a base shoe mould instead of qtr. round. That's the reason they make it, it will conform to variations. The base board is already up, otherwise one could have scribed the base board before it was installed.
bigdoglover
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Jerry, you are right they could and should have scribed. My sense is that not many people do that any more. Sigh.

Maybe I will just do as you say and have them put the shoe mould, darn I thought I was being so smart avoiding that! If I really didn't want shoe, would you say just leave it with a few gaps, or let the painter put a very thin bead of caulking?
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I've decided to caulk behind a sofa and check it in about 6 months. If it seems OK I will do only the couple of areas that are in plain sight where there is a gap. Without furniture in the room the few gaps were driving me crazy. Now with the furniture back in the gaps are not as noticeable. I've decided against shoe molding because there are just a couple of areas totaling about 5 feet. I'll try to remember to update this post. Thank you for your help.
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That's basically what he told me but said there may be some places with a gap that for most wouldn't be noticeable. He seemed more concerned about the possible scuffing the baseboard. The only reason he mentioned this was because the painter was there working when he came to give me the estimate. I think he was trying help me avoid the painter redoing and suggested he wait to do the baseboards.. once when the floors were done which may not be an option for me. Thanks
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jerry_t
15 years ago
If it was my house I would use the base shoe and have it match the base board. The gap can be caulked in but you do risk it letting go one day and possibly ending up a popping noise as you walk across the floor. If you do it choose the best flexible paintable caulk you can find.

Bottom line is this is your house .... choose what you like the best.
bigdoglover
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, Jerry, I'm very grateful for your ideas on this.

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