Base molding is more than a decorative strip—it seals the joint between floor and wall, hides minor imperfections, and adds a polished finish that boosts a home’s value. At CountBricks, we see it as one of the fastest, budget-friendly upgrades a homeowner can request, and it is a frequent line item generated by our AI estimating engine.
Before we explain how to install base molding, gather these essentials so you can work cleanly and safely:
• Pre-primed base boards cut to length by CountBricks blueprint takeoff files
• Miter or chop saw (10-inch preferred)
• Coping saw or oscillating multi-tool
• Measuring tape and combination square
• Construction adhesive
• 18-gauge brad nailer and 2-inch brads
• Wood filler, 120-grit sandpaper, paint or stain to match
• Painter’s caulk and caulk gun
• PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask
1. Measure each wall length twice and record numbers in the CountBricks mobile workspace. Our software auto-calculates board quantities and waste factor.
2. Acclimate boards in the project space for 24 hours to prevent seasonal shrinkage.
3. Remove existing trim carefully with a pry bar to avoid damaging drywall—CountBricks job photos sync to the cloud, so you can document conditions for the final invoice.
4. Locate and mark studs at 16-inch centers. The AI assistant will highlight nail locations on your voice transcript for quick reference.
1. Start on the longest, straightest wall. Cut the first piece square and leave a 1/8-inch expansion gap at corners.
2. Apply a thin bead of construction adhesive to the back of the board.
3. Press the molding in place, ensuring the bottom edge sits flush on the finished flooring.
4. Fasten with two brads per stud—one high, one low. CountBricks’ real-time material tracker tallies exact fastener usage.
5. For inside corners, cope the second board. Cut a 45° miter first, then back-cut along the profile with a coping saw so it nests tightly into the first board.
6. For outside corners, cut opposing 45° miters. Dry-fit, then secure with adhesive plus brads on both sides.
7. Continue around the room, measuring, cutting, and fastening. Record each piece length verbally; the CountBricks AI updates your running material list on the fly.
8. Fill nail holes with wood filler. Once dry, sand lightly.
9. Apply paint or stain. Caulk the top edge where molding meets drywall for a seamless look.
10. Capture finished photos in the CountBricks dashboard. The system auto-generates a polished client report and invoice.
• Skipping acclimation: Leads to gaps months later.
• Nailing only at the top: Causes bottom flare; always stagger your brads.
• Forgetting adhesive on bowed walls: Results in loose spots that squeak.
• Cutting miters upside-down: Keep the board oriented “up” so angles match.
• Over-caulking joints: Excess caulk shrinks and cracks; a thin bead is best.
Voice-Driven Estimating: Discuss scope with your client while CountBricks listens and produces a live estimate that includes linear footage, waste, labor hours, and finish materials.
AI Blueprint Takeoffs: Upload PDF plans, mark walls, and let the system calculate every base board—straight, coped, and mitered—in seconds.
Auto-Generated Documents: When installation is finished, one click exports a branded warranty letter, payment schedule, and detailed invoice.
Cost Accuracy: Real-time material pricing means no surprises, even when lumber markets fluctuate.
• Use a 5-in-1 painter’s tool to scrape dried paint lines off flooring.
• Run a damp cloth along fresh caulk for a razor-clean edge.
• Add furniture pads to protect new trim from scuffs during move-in.
• Keep a small block plane handy; a quick swipe fixes minor fit issues.
• Label backside of each piece with room name—our AI will tie photos to the correct space later.
• Set your brad depth so the head sinks 1/32-inch; this prevents wood filler pop-outs.
Ready to quote a base molding refresh or full-home trim package? Head to CountBricks.com/services to schedule a live voice estimation session. You’ll walk away with an on-the-spot proposal, detailed scope, and a ready-to-sign digital contract—all without manual spreadsheets.
When the Rivera family hired CountBricks to modernize their 1940s Craftsman, base molding topped the punch-list. Existing trim was a mix of sizes, gaps reached 3/8-inch, and past paint jobs had buried the profile detail.
1. During a 12-minute voice call, our estimator walked the homeowner through each room via video. CountBricks transcribed measurements, detected wall lengths, and produced a 14-page proposal before the call ended.
2. The Rivera family approved the quote electronically. Because pricing tied directly to real-time lumber costs, we locked in materials the same afternoon.
• Crew arrival to final coat took three working days—30 percent faster than local average.
• Waste was under 5 percent, thanks to AI-optimized cut maps generated from blueprint takeoffs.
• Integrated photo documentation allowed the homeowner to follow progress from work.
• 380 linear feet of new 5-inch colonial base installed, coped on 26 inside corners.
• Laser-straight paint lines earned a “zero-touchup” sign-off.
• The project summary, warranty, and invoice auto-generated through CountBricks.com/portfolio, saving the project manager three administrative hours.
• Early material locking shields your budget from price spikes.
• Digital scope approvals shorten sales cycles and improve client confidence.
• Pairing voice notes with photos creates an indisputable record that protects both contractor and homeowner.
If you’re ready to experience a faster, smarter way to finish trim, visit CountBricks.com/consultation and book a five-minute discovery call. We’ll show you how our platform cuts estimating time in half while delivering craftsmanship your clients can’t stop talking about.
