How to Install Base Moulding & Blocks

To install base moulding and blocks you will need a power drill and a 3/32-inch drill bit, hammer and 2-inch finishing nails, a hand and/or power saw, putty or wood filler, counter sinker, measuring tape, pencil and safety glasses.


(A) If possible install base moulding first when trimming a room with Fara moulding. After the base is installed, you will have a convenient starting place when you trim the doorways.


(B) Paint or stain the moulding and blocks before installing them. This will save time and ensure a “professional” looking job.


(C) Start at a corner, then work around the room installing the base moulding and blocks as you come to them. First drill three 3/32” holes in the outside corner block.


(D) Position block on corner of wall (see #1 in illustration at top of page). The groove in the back of the block automatically positions it correctly on the wall. Nail in place with 2” finish nails.


(E)Place inside corner block tightly in corner (see #3 in illustration at top of page). Measure the distance from the outside corner to the inside corner (see #1 and #3 in illustration at top of page).


(F) Cut piece of base moulding (#2) to this length. Use simple straight cuts.


(G) Drill 3/32” holes in base moulding and inside corner block.


(H) Position base moulding and inside corner in place. Push base tightly against outside corner (see #1 and #2 in illustration at top of page). Nail base moulding in place with finish nails, starting at outside corner and moving toward inside corner. Push inside corner tightly against base moulding (see #3 in illustration above). Nail in place.


(I) Position plinth block at base of door jamb (see #5 in illustration at top of page). Set plinth block approximately 1/8” back from jamb. Mark wall with pencil line on left side of plinth.


(J) Measure distance between inside corner block (#3) and pencil line.


(K) Cut base moulding to this length using straight cuts. Drill holes in base and plinth.


(L) Push base moulding (#4) tight against inside corner. Nail base in place starting at inside corner and moving toward plinth block. Push plinth tight against base; nail in place.


(M) Continue this same procedure around room until complete.


(N) Fill nail holes and any gaps with putty or wood filler of matching color (use smallest amount possible for a neat job). Then carefully touch up with paint or stain, only where necessary.


Important:

Be sure to use a smooth-face finishing hammer to drive nails.

Do not pound nails in all the way with hammer alone — use a nail set for the last 1/8”. Counter sink nail head 1/16” so that wood filler can be applied later to hide nail head.