You're a "HACK" if you use 1/4 ROUND TRIM or SHOE MOLDING…Right? 

Almost made me spit out my coffee laughing at the "you can paint it pink if you want to...you just can't have anybody over" LOL

Those of us trying (and failing, consistently) to achieve perfection in our work, it's nice to hear someone talk this through and admit that nothing is perfect, ever. Every project is a delicate balance between time, money and effort. Given an infinite budget in all three you _might_ be able to achieve perfection but even still, probably not. Too many variables. Too much human error. I use these moldings as a last resort and when I do, I don't feel bad about it.

I have no idea how one of your videos came across my recommendations, but now I've watched several dozen and I ain't mad. Love the honesty and integrity. I have no intention of doing most of this work in my life, but your videos are too fun not to keep following!

I appreciate how you show there are different solutions for different situations and tastes. I'm always looking for the "right" way to do something and often find out there is no such thing.

Again you impress. You don't get defensive, rather you explain not just why you took an approach but elaborate on real-world challenges, and then how to approach different types of flooring in different rooms, and the details about the types of molding. You guys rock!

Man I would think after this many top notch videos, people would realize you are never just throwing something into a project without thinking through what you are doing. Everything you guys do serves a purpose.

It's very common up here in canada to caulk everything paint grade. Kind of a pain whenever you have to take things apart but it looks real good when finished. Sometimes white silicone in the bathrooms too to help keep excess water from getting under the floor by the baseboards and tub

Love y'alls videos and wish y'all even greater success... I'm just a DIY, Jack of all trades and master of none kindda guy who enjoys doing projects and takes great pride in EVERYTHING I do, a lot like is evident with y'alls work, and have done three of my bathrooms down to cutting out "spongey" floor next to the tubs, which requires replacing the dated linoleum flooring because it can't be found any longer, but also to "update" the bathroom, along with new fixtures and hardware. But in laying the new floor tiles, using the appropriate caulk, I thoroughly caulk around the entire perimeter between the baseboard and tile edges, and then cover the required tile expansion gap with quarter round. This, hopefully, prevents any water from seaping under the tiles at the most vulnerable spots, where you'd never know untill damage is done and evident. I also caulk all gaps on top and bottom of all baseboards and quarter round, and it looks very clean and sharp. And I think quarter round or shoe molding "adds" a nice touch to any non-carpeted floor baseboard; a lot like crown molding on the floor; or would that actually be called "floor molding"? Lol

Back in the day, baseboard was three piece. First 1x went down, usually 1x4 or 1x6. Because these were unforgiving when it came to following undulations in both floors and walls, and before the advent of caulk, two more mouldings were needed. Shoe on the floor and cove moulding on top. Additionally, the shoe was nailed primarily to the floor and the cove alternately to the 1x and wall. The shoe and 1x created a slip joint so that they could move independently as a home experienced seasonal movement. The smaller mouldings are also more flexible and follow the contours of a wavy wall, floor or 1x. Today’s finish carpenter uses shoe for the same reason, to compensate for tall unforgiving base. Also, today’s base has a detail on the top to mimic the cove of yesteryear. Painters then caulk the top to the wall to create a seamless look. There ya have it, from the yankee carpenter, retired.

I just found this channel a day ago and have watched several of your videos already. They're excellent! I'm learning a lot from you guys. Many thanks.

I have an old house that does not have level subfloors and you just answered so many of my concerns with how I am going to tackle the baseboards in our reno I am planning out. Thanks so much for this video.

Nice. I did an entire first floor with the 1/4 round after a floor install. It was a $1,000 upcharge. Turned out beautiful once the nail holes,caulk and paint touch up were done. I mastered couping 1/4 round.

Really great info, I know you get some rude comments, just as all YT channels get. Do not let it get to you. Yall are some of the best I have ever seen.

I've been shorted on my dose of Stud Pack! I was getting used to 30+ minute videos and then y'all left me feeling like a junky with this 10 minute one 😂😂😂 Love you guys! Keep'em coming! 👍👍👍

I appreciate the effort to match everything throughout the house... AND... I appreciate the reasons why you varied from that plan to solve a particular problem at REASONABLE COST ... if I was building new, then it would be easier to do consistently through the house, I AGREE you need to decide on a case-by-case basis, doing your best, but ALWAYS AT REASONABLE COST. It is a balancing act, do the most you can but not at excessive cost. And I AM a a retired attorney, so this may be the first time I ever agreed with anyone other than my client or a Judge deciding in my client's favor. :-) JT

So helpful! I just bought a 1939 pier and beam and there are a lot of gaps the baseboards and hardwood. I I love that you gave the “why” for the options.

0:40 that "skirt boards on top of flooring mess of blokes". Impression nailed it and had me rolling. Good job Jordan! Good pointers. Definitely the same way up here in VA with tons of shoe or quarter round.

This video was really interesting! When you speak about consistency, it occurs to me that it must be with respect to flooring type. All the wood floors should have the same style moldings. But switching to a carpeted room, that's a different floor type completely and you subconscious will know that and it will be fine for the molding to be appropriate for the type of floor. Then just give all the carpeted floors the same molding treatment. Well, that's how I think of it. And again, interesting video and well presented.

Came here to hopefully find out which size brads to use for my quarter round (thanks for mentioning 18 gauge right at the very end!)....and ended up learning a few new things. Comment section about the history of baseboards and shoe/quarter molding and wood flooring "strips" was also golden! Great stuff.

Awesome video, thanks for the hard work. When I do casing, baseboard or crown in new constructions I caulk around everything so there are no gaps anywhere and the transitions look flawless as they should. I also caulk the perimeter of the tile and the perimeter of any trim with waterproof caulk in bathrooms. Water will always try and find a way behind bathroom trim and will become a home for mold. A good painters caulk isn't hard to remove if trim needs to be pulled.

You sir are no joke, all variables addressed, all solutions considered, experience directing the best option, invaluable content

Two of a trades is SO true. I never met a trade who looked at someone else's work and was impressed :)

This is one of the greatest channels for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers out there. I’ve watched a few of your videos and learned some stuff and was entertained.

Thank you SO MUCH. I have been watching baseboard videos for days trying to figure out the best solution for a small room with big expansion gaps as I install the baseboards. I tried scribing and NOOOO Im removing half of the board! I finally have peace of mind that shoe moulding will be the right decision for me! Very good straighforward video that inspires confidence by showing and explaining options.

shoe and quarter round definitenly have their place, and have been the only solution for me on many remodels. On a new build where I have the opportunity to work with high quality framers and a perfect floor, i don't use it. such a cleaner look without it, just as you showed with the carpeted room. great video boys

Growing up in South Louisiana as well, I had no idea this was such a contentious subject! From shacks to mansions, it’s everywhere.

Well done on production of your videos. Watched a couple because they were informative and never dragged. Even though I am a handyman, I wasn't looking for these videos right now, but you kept my interest, so I stayed. Nicely done.

I agree with you on "appropriate". I've seen flooring installers use quarter round with 2 1/4" base and it looks awful. Thanks for shining the light!

Great video!!! There is a additional benefit of the bead of caulk is that it help minimize water getting under the base

Paul is a man that knows what he knows and can articulate it very well. I like the quarter round, but agree that it doesn't usually look good on a carpeted floor, unless it might be a very low profile carpet. Great video, made me chuckle in a couple of spots.

This is one of the best content out there. I only miss the actual applying of the solution. Keep it up!!!

i was fortunate to grow up in a century farm home, hardwood hand turned balusters, 8 inch built up baseboards and thick jambs that quite literally picture framed most of the windows. love the look of the multi layer baseboards that don't just line the room perimeter, but also gives the room a bit more dimension. quarter round is a good option but that protruding surface seems to get dirtier faster. built up will cost you more, but will certainly increase your returns. plus you get to use your creativity to add a touch of the tradesman's style to your finishes. great videos thanks for sharing

I caulk the bathroom baseboards to get a better seal in case of a large spill of water, especially on a tile floor. It won't stop all the water, but it will give a little time to get the water under control before it gets under the wall or seeps into the structure on a second floor.

Hey Paul, you and Jordan do great work! You guys take a real world approach to a situation, consider the best option, and turn a mess into a work of art! To bad these nay sayers don’t get that…maybe one day they’ll learn. In any event, this ol’ dog is still learning new tips and tricks thanks to you guys!! So you keep schooling’m bro…👍

My wife is from California and we live in S. Louisiana were I was born and raised and we just had this had this very discussion today working in our home . So glad I have this video to back me up for all of the good it will do for me .

Fast-paced, example-laden, practical video on what could have been a boring topic. Instead, I've liked it, saved it, and subscribed. Thanks, Stud Pack.

We had some laminate flooring they used qtr round on and it stood out like a sore thumb to me, like you said, because it wasnt the same throughout the house. We recentely redid ALL of the flooring in the house, every square inch, in Luxury Vinyl Plank and had all of the baseboards removed and went back with about a half inch taller base to cover the old spot on the wall and the entire house now matches w/no qtr round, and flooring, base, everything in all 2000 square feet is the same. makes me so happy lol

Caulk is like a Mastercard, never leave home without it

I am glad you did this video. We are building and ran into the same issues.... flooring was backordered. We ripped and finished our own trim, then completed it quarter round from the same wood.

Hey I like your video when shopping for flooring at HD didn’t even know what quarter rounds were. The representative mention it. You provided great information

You all do great work. Personally, I wouldn’t worry what folks think. At the end of the day, if the homeowner likes it, that’s all that matters. Great job guys!!

I usually caulk gaps on a tile floor but you explained each scenario so perfectly another great 👍 video by you guys great information here for a pro or a rookie

I am definitely a fan of these more informational video. They are a great addition to your normal workflow videos. Keep ‘em coming

Hey Paul...great video. I did my guest bathroom with large tiles and I learned too, on my next job to use self leveling clips. Also..I was told by a good friend , that when using water as a mix, for the grout...to use distilled water. It really does make a difference with the color being consistent. Never thought of that ! The old saying...learned by doing...also love RU-vid. Thanks for sharing ...

Thanks for the video! You got some fair points. If it's normal for your area then I suppose, but I still think it looks "hacky". In my experience it's commonly viewed that 1/4 round is for the "weekend warrior" DIY people who don't want to touch the base. But as you pointed out there's times and places where the 1/4 round will fix issues that would be too costly and/or time consuming to remedy.

Love the idea of the two-tone look with baseboard and quarter round. I am having a walk in shower install plus enlarging the closet. I just love the idea of not having everything looking conformed to the rest of the house. By the way you guys are my little secret, because every time I mentioned something to the contractor, he scratches his head like, where did she get this from.

Great job stud pack, I enjoy the videos and appreciate the info. Glad to hear you would go with the Caulk in bathroom floor, I’ve done this myself under the same circumstances

I don’t know how I got here. Never built a thing, never gonna build a thing. But this video kept me engaged from start to finish! Subscribing!!

"You just can't have anyone over" hahaha, that cracked me up! But I agree, just use whatever looks the best AND covers up whatever it is needs covering up. My wife hates quarter round (mainly due to bumping into it with the vacuum and such), which I do agree on a bit, so maybe a shoe moulding could help as it's a bit steeper. Thanks for the great channel by the way, you've quickly become my favourite!

Like you said everybody does it different… I have over the years with great success used lightweight vinyl spackle to fill in gaps like you had at the bathroom baseboard. I have actually filled gaps up to about an inch this way. Pack that gap with the lightweight spackle using your 1 inch putty knife, smooth it and paint after drying. It will take a while to dry, but It dries hard but flexible; Couple places I did 10 years ago still look fabulous. I can send you some pics if you like. In addition I think bathroom and kitchen floors always need to have caulk at that joint just to slow down any water from penetrating after the inevitable spill. I have even started using vinyl trim boards for bathroom and kitchen base. Holds up like iron even if you mop the floors slapping up against the baseboard.

I can appreciate your focus on enunciating the word, caulk, so we’ll, given all of the solid humor built on that word on job sites.

Thanks for all the info. You just helped me decide on the new baseboard style I need. I need to go with one a bit taller that what I just purchased. Which is what I was thinking. Back to the store I go tomorrow.

We put in shoe moulding when we did our hardwood floors. Hides the uneven gap and we like how it looks!

I started to use tile as base boards in the bathroom to match the floor. We use color match silicone caulk between tile floor and tile baseboard. It holds up to the water and cleaning way better then traditional wood baseboards.

Excellent overview of options. I couldn't agree more. Thank you for a very professional discussion. Keep it up.

Thank you very much👍🏾 This has to be the single most informative video I have seen in a long time & it’s rare for me to watch till the end, but your video was entertaining as well 👍🏾I will subscribe

The gap in the bedroom is great for hiding coax cable when relocating a tv. I would use a flathead screw driver and tuck it in.

The reason why you use shoe molding and not quarter round on a wood floor is because of the flooring sander. The flooring sander called an edger has a bearing that rides along the flat edge of the shoe molding so you don't have to take off the shoe molding and replace it at the expense of the homeowner. If you use quarter round the sandpaper will dig into the quarter round and need to be replaced at the expense of the homeowner. I've been standing and refinishing wood floors for 40 years and it drives me crazy when I see quarter round on the floor

Thank you for your videos I’m new to your channel and so far I like the energy and the knowledge you give to your viewers… keep it up 🤙🏻

I like the way you do things, you have great advice, but I am way too old to get as excited as you about these things! It's great that you love what you do! There are so many people who don't.

"You can paint it pink if you wanted to. You just can't have anybody over." Perfect!

I'm currently remodeling my house and I've reached a point where I believe it's best just to put the furniture in storage, move out, and let the remodelers do their jobs. The painter was behind schedule, the flooring was late and my kitchen cabinets are probably in Afghanistan. I'm definitely going with the 1/4 round

This was awesome content and information, as a DIYer on a 100 year old house, your experience is invaluable as I move through my projects.

I like your ability to contextualize the range of solutions - and I like the outtakes!

Continuity (“homogenous”) is the key. My home had 5 different kinds of flooring. Hurricane damage allowed us to remedy that and now we have two, both natural slates. My baseboards now match the style of the home (MCM/modern/Prairie School). All the crown molding was removed (except for 3 untouched rooms) and all the door knobs, hinges and locks match (minimalist brushed nickel; previously ornate oil-rubbed bronze). We have replaced all of our windows with double-pane, gas-filled, low-E muntin-less choices that lend themselves to the style and create better views from inside. The end product will be nice as we will be wrapping up with repairs soon. Still uncertain on gutter color choice, but I haven’t even looked yet, so…

I love your advice! Thanks for the helpful explanations on the shoe and quarter round and where to use it.

I like his attitude. Cool, calm and collected. I have dealt with those contractors that are high strung I-know-what-im-talkin-bout and it can get dramatic.

Nice work as always guys. I look forward to the next one! What do you guys use to fill the nail holes in your trim jobs?

My response to detractors has always been: “If that’s what floats your boat, then go on with your bad self!” You do you Stud Pack! It all looks friggen awesome!

Thank you for your practical advice. Had no idea shoe trim caused such vitriolic debates until I started watching DIY videos and reading the comments.

I gotta say, I’ve watched a many of your videos and you and your team are one class act!! Always enjoy your videos and energy. I used to hate quarter round and shoe molding but as im midway through 40. I’ve actually embraced it. I suppose it’s a mature man’s trim.😂 It definitely has its place and sometimes that place sure is a blessing. Btw, Beautiful home!!👍👍

Another idea for you, I recently did a paint job where they had taller baseboard, instead of using quarter round the installer used ogee edge door stop, it looked really good.

There is no one size fits all for anything, and if there was no two things would be different from each other. You just need to find the solution that's appropriate for the task, tend to find people are very stuck in their own ways and give no thought to something different. It's good to have 3 or 4 methods to overcome something and this is a perfect video explaining that.

Always learning some new , thank you much for those tips that will work for me

Excellent video! I'm an interior designer and I work in a flooring store out here in Portland Or. I have to order materials for floors being installed and your videos help me to order items correctly for my installers. Installers are Kings in my book! Keep up the good work and many thanks.

I am in Canada. You always install flooring first and then the baseboard unless it's carpet here. If you tried to use quarter round you would be thrown off the job. You NEVER see it except in very old houses where it is common.

I wish I had access to videos, particularly yours, when I was doing this type of work. I have just enough knowledge to recognize that you know what your doing- and enough sense to know you care about a job being done right. I would hire you any day for any job. Here is an "Atta Boy" to you and your team!

what a great video...straight talk, to the point, great explanations, fast talking without stuttering😀you would be a great auctioneer😂👍👍thanks for the video

Excellent video that walks you through the thought process on the whys and why nots of the project world! Thanks!

I like the quarter round. I have it throughout my house. (Texas)

Quarter round is what I'm accustomed to seeing, and it's okay with me because it often makes the baseboard look more interesting with an added detail. Whatever you do don't ever put in clamshell moldings! If you're adventurous try custom building your own molding. Even combining common profiles and standard finished lumber will make for some splendid work!

I really like the 'stained' quarter round look. Missed filling a nail hole. :P In the Midwest, we just caulk the bath tile to baseboard; seems standard here. Really great illustrative video!

Thanks for highlighting that there are differences on opinions. I sometimes use quarter round and sometimes I don't.

Too Funny and educational. Paul, it seems like you are coming into your talent personality or those comedian classes are paying off LOL. Thanks for being real and honest. I enjoy seeing that we all have issues when DIYing. It feels good to know it happens to even an expert like yourself. Glad to be part of the Stud Pack Gang LOL..

Even though I installed luxury click vinyl flooring in the main living area including kitchen and laundry rooms my 11/16 by 4 1/2 baseboard trim covered the expansion gap I still installed shoe base too , I think it’s better than just baseboard , to me the extra work looks richer for both

Paul lives in the real renovation world! Thank you! Personally, I like a grout-matched, sanded caulk with tile. It requires tighter setting tolerances, but it wears, seals & cleans very well. Mask your lines with 1/2” or 3/4” blue tape & pull tape while caulk is wet.

Thank you very much for the video... Getting my handyman business going and just ran into this.. You have a new subscriber...!

Had to use quater round here in Tulsa OK. I actually like it. Are you guys gonna do a video of the install? Keep the awesome videos coming.

It's definitely different I'm in ga and we use shoe with the long side against the flooring bit I agree with you they all look fantastic but to me any type of flooring that is not carpet looks incomplete to me without some type of shoe or quarter round

Dude, you're the best. Kudos on the growth. You get better, month by month. Super content. Mad detail.

Great video! I like how you took the trolls to school! Lol ! You turned their negativity into a lesson for everyone! Keep doing what you do! And do not worry about those negative NELLI'S! YOU CONTINUE TO TEACH US ALL!

Another great video illustrating one of my biggest pet peeves, self appointed "purists" who say it has to be this way or nothing. Generally agree with the "two trades" comment but as a professional painter/refinisher I kind of take pride in the fact that I'm able to admire another guys work.

After doing flooring for 18 years I can literally count the customers on one hand that wanted the baseboard removed and replaced. Everyone opts for quarter round due to cost etc.

This was helpful, honest and real. Thanks!

Just finishing a craft area for my wife. I laid the tile and then the installed the kick plate on the cabinets. I will be using 1/4 round to fill the gap. Since this is a DYI project I did not want to install the kick plat first and rely on my tile Laing skills to maintain an even grout gap. Thanks for the video.

Good video. If you're going to caulk at the tiles, make sure you use tape to get a nice straight line on the tiles. It takes a bit longer but the look is million times better than a caulking edge that feathers out unevenly. Cheers from Canada!

I just finished up a full makeover on a small three bedroom with original hardwoods. The owner was against quarter rounds. Fine. Now, on the walls where runs end or begin, any variation in level of floor is represented as a gap under the base.

Not a fan of quarter round, we usually use shoe but this helped us out a lot.. My employees as well as myself have A.D.D. & O.C.D but that’s why we get work.. thanks for the video and keeping Zoloft alive!

I’m tiling my kitchen (but keeping the cabinets). I ripped up the old tile/backer board) right up to the cabinets and added baseboard and 1/4 rd to cover up the difference between the new tile and what was left of the old. Saved me from having to remove the base cabinets.

I'd like to opine that when a person tiles up to the baseboard (instead of going under it/putting the baseboard on over the edge), that "grout line" needs to be color-matched silicone caulking instead of regular grout. Normally when the baseboard is installed on top of the tile, there's an air gap left between the wall and the tile edge for thermal expansion. If you tile up to the baseboard and then grout that edge to fill the gap with normal grout, there's no chance for the tile to expand sideways. Grout manufacturers make color-matched silicone caulking that you use to fill the gap while still allowing for that expansion since the silicone is squishy. :) Ideally, every 20 linear feet there's a grout line that is replaced with this color-matched caulking as well because 20 feet and longer runs of continuous tile also need a place to expand against one another. Without doing that, you risk "tenting" especially if the installer swirled the thinset or used the wrong trowel groove size and got less than 80% coverage on the tile backside. Schluter makes expansion joints that one can use in between 20 foot lengths of tile which look really great and blend in well unless you really get close and look at them. They should be used at transitioning thresholds too to give an expansion joint that looks nice and clean, but you can just use the caulking there too to save cost. 👌 If you get complete thinset coverage, stitch and seal slab cracks with decoupling membrane over the top, leave an air gap under the baseboard or caulk the gap between the baseboard, and include expansion joints in the middle of a room where it's 20+ feet, you will never have a tile crack or pop off by itself, ever. Someone would need to drop a dumbbell or something on it to crack one. 😸 I know you're a perfectionist Paul, so I just wanted to let you know about this because many tilers don't do it and they don't know when the tile tents in 3 or 4 years because they aren't around to see it.