You want to have some creativity in the place where you live which is natural. There are numerous ways for you to add a touch of delicacy and creativity to your place. One simplest method to add creativity is by installing baseboards at the foot. You might think of hiring an architect for such a task but the truth is; you can do it on your own with a hammer. You just need to get some tools from the local hardware store to cut and install baseboards at your home. Along this short guide, we will show you how to Nail Baseboards with Hammer.
Using a hammer to nail baseboards saves you a lot of money. You just need some small tools and a hammer for this task and are good to go. If you want to improve the appearance of your home by installing baseboards, you must learn how to nail baseboards with a hammer. Let us help you in this regard….[acf field=”how_to”]
What is a Baseboard?
A baseboard is a decorating object of the interior that is placed between the floor and wall. It is commonly made from plastic or wood. The baseboard protects that wall from scratches and other damages.
How to Nail Baseboards with Hammer?
Required tools for Baseboard Installation
- Hammer
- Nail set
- Hack saw
- Finishing nails
- Latex Sealant
Steps to Perform for Nailing Baseboards with Hammer
Normally people overlook the importance of attaching baseboards to the walls. They usually assume that corners are intended at certain angles which isn’t true. When you install the baseboards, you will come to know that the walls are actually bowed in certain places with odd angles. So, the right installation of baseboards can help you in getting a finished look on your walls. Check below how to Nail Baseboards with Hammer.
1. Measure and Cut the Baseboards
The first step to perform is measuring the baseboard accurately and cutting it to the required dimensions. You need to use the hack saw for cutting baseboards. A good tip is to keep the baseboards some inches longer compared to the wall so that cutting becomes easier. Mark the same number on the wall similar to the one on the back of the baseboard. Find and mark studs on the wall to have a solid base for nailing baseboards.
2. Establish the Baseboard Height
You need to establish the baseboard height so that the floor is on the level. For checking the baseboard level, set the baseboard on a four-foot level on the floor adjacent to the wall. If it isn’t the required level, you need to find the lowest floor point in this case. Take a small piece of baseboard and tack it to the wall along with the nail at the lowest floor point.
Create a horizontal mark after every few feet on the wall. Now, take a chalk line and mark it along the room’s perimeter to determine where the baseboards will land upon installation. Hold the first baseboard at the inside corner of the wall and secure it with a nail. Set the compass between the top corners of the baseboard and the chalk line to span the vertical distance.
3. Scribing for a Tight Fitting
The compass should have the same position to perform this step as it was in the previous step. Keep the point of the floor and pencil against the baseboard. Now, start aligning the points vertically by sliding the compass on the floor, covering the complete board length. Now, cut along the scribe line with a circular saw that is set for a 2° – 5° level.
Use a block plane to trim the beveled edge towards the line. Put the scribed baseboard on the wall, this way the edge should be in line with the chalk line you marked in the previous step.
4. Use Hammer to Nail Baseboard
For nailing the baseboard, place the scribed baseboard against the wall. Nailing is comparatively easy when your nails are angled downward rather than hammering straight into the wall. Avoid tiny hits and make strong whacks to prevent dents on your baseboard. You just need to be careful in this whole process and be confident while using the hammer. Stop hammering the nail when it is 1/8ˮ inside the wall.
5. Using the Nail Set
When you use a hammer to drive the nails straight into the walls, it could result in hammer-shaped dents. In such a scenario, a nail set is what you need to rescue yourself. You need to get a nail set slightly smaller in comparison to the nail head. You can place the tip of the nail set on the nail’s top. It will help you to drive the nail completely inside the wall. You can always practice first on a spare piece of wood if you are unsure how to do it. After practicing, use it on the baseboard and drive it just beneath the baseboard surface.
6. Apply Sealant for Finish
It is time to fill the gaps between the wall and the baseboard. For this purpose, you need to use outdoor/indoor sealant. Apply the sealant on the gap, and slide your finger over the baseboard top to smoothen the surface. Wipe out the excess sealant by using a paper towel.
7. Cover the Nail Heads
It is possible that the nail heads are visible on your baseboard, you can make them invisible easily. To do that, apply some sealant on the top of the nail heads and let it dry. The whole process will become flawless if you use white baseboards and apply white sealant on them as both will blend together greatly. Matching sealants are available for different baseboards as well.
Some Safety Considerations
Here are some safety precautions you need to keep in mind while working with hammers and nails…
- While using a hammer and nail set, always have hearing protection and safety glasses on.
- Wear a glove on the hand in which you will hold the nail set. It will protect your hand if you strike something on it accidentally.
- When the nail sets have become dull and lost their pointedness, either use them for other tasks or discard them.
- Hold the hammer properly around the handle and use it by light swinging. Don’t hold the hammer around its neck as it is dangerous.
