Installing shoe molding does not require a lot of specialized tools. Here is a breakdown of what you will need, organized by priority.
| Tool | Purpose | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tape measure | Measuring walls and molding | $5 - $15 |
| Miter saw or miter box | Cutting angles for corners | $15 (manual) - $150+ (power) |
| Coping saw | Coping inside corners | $10 - $20 |
| Brad nailer (18-gauge) or hammer | Fastening molding to baseboard | $40 - $150 (nailer) or $10 (hammer) |
| Nail set | Sinking nail heads below surface | $3 - $8 |
| Pencil | Marking measurements | $1 |
| Safety glasses | Eye protection while cutting | $5 - $15 |
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Caulk gun | Applying caulk along the top edge |
| Putty knife | Applying wood filler to nail holes |
| Sandpaper (150 and 220 grit) | Smoothing filler and prep for paint/stain |
| Paint brush (2-inch angled) | Painting the finished molding |
A power miter saw makes the job much faster and produces cleaner cuts, especially on hardwoods. However, a $15 manual miter box with a handsaw works perfectly well for shoe molding. Shoe molding is thin and soft enough to cut easily by hand. If you only have one room to do and do not want to invest in a power saw, a manual miter box is fine.
An 18-gauge brad nailer is the fastest and easiest fastening method. If you do not have one and do not want to buy one, see our guide on installing without a nail gun. For nail size recommendations, see our dedicated guide.