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Baseboard rounded edges inward (cheesy corner cutting?)

8 years ago

Am in the process of a remodel. Contractor used some stock 1x8 MDF baseboard that has eased edges on one face and installed them intentionally facing inward because we are going for a craftsman tone w/ the trim. Seems to me should have used plain-old baseboard w/ no eased edges because now the gap between baseboard and wall is more pronounced, more to caulk and more to come undone as house settles. Is this a common approach to doing baseboard?

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kudzu9

8 years ago

I've got basically the same thing for my baseboard molding: 1X8 MDF with no capping molding, and both the front and back edges were slightly eased...but a little caulk made it look fine, I think:

Have you tried caulking to see whether it is really that noticeable? The trim above was installed 15 years ago and I haven't had any caulk separation problems.

Still, it's curious why he would install with the easing against the wall. For one thing, I would think a sharp corner would be more subject to damage.

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Comments (10)

millworkman
8 years ago
No it is cheesy corner cutting.............
kudzu9
8 years ago
I understand what you are describing, but I don't understand how installing MDF baseboard this way contributes to a "craftsman tone." Could you explain further, please?
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bagofchips
Original Author
8 years ago
Just meant the trim is pretty simple and rectilinear. Yes some pieces sitting prouder than others at top of door / window frames but that's about it. Base was just to be a simple 1x8, no capping moulding even.
bagofchips
Original Author
8 years ago
It's more the long term is my concern - I do believe it will look fine right at job's end. But 15 years is a pretty good test run. I think the sharp out-facing edge needs to be eased SOME (with sandpaper) for paint adhesion, that's necessary (and was planned). Contractor said that non-eased MDF board is flat out not available which I find hard to believe.
Vertise
8 years ago
picture please
kudzu9
8 years ago
bagofchips-

I've bought a lot of MDF, and I don't remember seeing baseboard molding where at least the finished (primed) side didn't have eased edges. One thing I've found from handling MDF -- molding and pieces I've machined -- is that the combination of weight and a sharp edge can lead to abrasions and small cuts if you are not careful working with it. I would definitely want the top front edge on any installed MDF baseboard molding to be eased.
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
8 years ago
kudzu9 your pic above would send shivers down my wife's spine "dirt catcher" she would say, lol
bagofchips
Original Author
8 years ago
True, it catches dirt because it is horizontal - you might also argue its simplicity means it's easier to clean than other kinds of molding though right? Straight shot with feather duster or vac...
kudzu9
8 years ago
Christopher-

You would think it would be a magnet for dust, but I'm surprised that there isn't much. Maybe it's because we no longer have pets or kids at home :-)

And, as bagofchips points out, cleaning -- when it needs it -- is a breeze because you are dealing with one, flat surface, rather than having to follow some curved or complex profile.

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