Vinyl baseboard is a great option for many types of rooms, especially if they are exposed to lots of moisture on a regular basis. Let’s take a closer look at each step of this process as well as what tools you will need to get this job done.
What You Need To Know About Installing Vinyl Baseboard?
Installing vinyl baseboard is relatively simple as far as DIY projects go. It adds a polished look to any room and helps to hide any inconsistencies around the edges of the floor. Unlike other types of baseboard, vinyl is great at helping to repel moisture. This is one of the reasons it is commonly used in bathrooms and other areas that are constantly exposed to high levels of moisture.
Take note that there are different types of vinyl baseboard on the market, and each will require a slightly different process for securing it to the wall. Snap-on baseboard will need some finishing nails in order to hold it in place securely. Adhesive-backed baseboard will either come with an adhesive, or you will need to go purchase a suitable adhesive.
Supplies You’ll Need For Installing Vinyl Baseboard
- Adhesive
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Coping saw
- Finishing nailer
- Level
- Miter saw or utility knife
- Pencil
- Putty knife
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Sandpaper
- Spackling compound
- Tape measure
How To Install Vinyl Baseboard? (6 Steps)
Step 1: Measure And Plan
Measure the perimeter of your room and mark the corresponding lengths on your vinyl baseboard so that you know where it needs to be cut. Thinner products can be easily cut with a utility knife while thicker ones will require the use of a miter saw for a clean cut.
Step 2: Prep The Walls
Since the baseboard attaches to the wall, we need to make sure the surface is cleaned and primed for maximum adhesion. This means filling in any holes with spackling compound, smoothing with a putty knife, and finishing with a high-grit sandpaper.
Clean any leftover adhesives that may have been left behind from the previous baseboard. Trying to install baseboard over a rough surface will result in a crooked and poor-looking final product.
Step 3: Start In A Corner
It’s a good idea to start in a corner, or any other inconspicuous area until you get the hang of this process. Miter saws or coping saws are great tools for making seamless corners that fit perfectly.
If you are using an adhesive-backed baseboard, apply the adhesive to the back and attach to the wall. A putty knife or roller will help smooth the surface out. Snap-on baseboard will require you to drive some finishing nails into it using a hammer or finish nailer.
Step 4: Continue Along The Wall
Continue this process in one direction, cutting 45-degree angles in the baseboard for outside corners. Be sure to check your work as you go using a level to ensure a straight line.
Step 5: Seal The Joints
To ensure that no moisture gets behind the baseboard, use a color-matched caulk to fill in any visible cracks. Moisture that gets behind the baseboard will damage the wall over time.
Step 6: Give It Time To Cure
If you used adhesive to install your vinyl baseboard, make sure to give it enough time to cure before using the room. We don’t want to disturb it in any way that will affect the adhesion of the baseboard.
Final Thoughts On Installing Vinyl Baseboard
Installing vinyl baseboard is simple enough for absolutely anyone to successfully tackle. It can be a bit time-consuming if your walls need to be repaired first, but this process is absolutely necessary. As long as you take your time during this project, you will most definitely be satisfied with your finished product.
