Installing shoe molding is a straightforward project that most homeowners can complete in a day with basic tools. This guide walks through the complete process from measuring and cutting to nailing and finishing.
For a complete breakdown, see our tools needed page.
Measure each wall where shoe molding will be installed. Write down each measurement and note which walls have inside corners, outside corners, or butt joints. Add all measurements together and add 10-15% for waste from cutting corners and making mistakes.
Before cutting anything, decide how you will handle each corner. The two main options are:
Read our complete corner techniques guide for detailed instructions on each type.
Start with the longest wall in the room. If both ends of the wall terminate in inside corners, cut the first end square (straight across) and cope the other end. If one end meets an outside corner, miter that end at 45 degrees.
Hold the cut piece in place against the baseboard and floor. Check that it sits flat against both surfaces and that the corners fit tightly. Make adjustments as needed before nailing.
Position the shoe molding so its back sits flat against the baseboard and its bottom rests on the floor surface. Nail through the shoe molding into the baseboard or wall plate — not into the floor. Space nails approximately 12 to 16 inches apart. Use an 18-gauge brad nailer with 1-inch to 1-1/4-inch brads, or hand-nail with appropriate finish nails.
Continue around the room, cutting and fitting each piece before nailing. Work from the longest walls to the shortest. For very long walls that require more than one piece, use a scarf joint to join the pieces invisibly.
After all shoe molding is nailed in place:
If you do not have a brad nailer, shoe molding can absolutely be installed with a hammer and finish nails, or even with construction adhesive alone. See our dedicated guide on installing shoe molding without a nail gun.