Flexible shoe molding is a specialty product designed to bend around curved walls, archways, bay windows, and rounded corners. Standard wood or MDF shoe molding cannot follow curves without breaking or kinking, so flexible molding fills an important niche in homes with non-linear wall surfaces.
Flexible shoe molding is typically made from a rubber-like polymer or PVC compound that can be bent by hand to conform to curved surfaces. Some products require heating (using a heat gun or hot water bath) to become pliable, while others are flexible at room temperature. Once installed and nailed or glued in place, the molding holds its shape permanently.
Installing flexible shoe molding requires some patience. Start at one end and work your way along the curve, nailing or gluing every few inches to hold the shape. A combination of construction adhesive and small brad nails usually works best. For tight curves, space the fasteners closer together — every 3 to 4 inches — so the molding does not spring back.
Flexible shoe molding can be painted with standard latex paint. It generally cannot be stained. The surface texture is smooth and similar to PVC trim.
Flexible molding is a specialty item and may not be available at every home center. Online suppliers like Flex Trim and Creative Columns carry flexible shoe molding in various profiles. Some profiles are designed to match the exact dimensions of standard rigid shoe molding, making it possible to use flexible molding on curved sections and standard wood or MDF molding on straight runs within the same room.