Are you in the process of renovating a part of your home and would like to create an impeccable finish? Adding moulding, like quarter rounds, is indispensable in this regard and will surely add a lot in terms of aesthetics. Want to know more about this type of moulding? Keep reading!
Quarter Rounds: A Quick Definition
Source: Canva
As its name implies, quarter rounds are mouldings that are shaped like a quarter circle. It’s usually affixed to the bottom section of walls, directly to it or on baseboards. It’s worth knowing that quarter rounds are also known as “trimming” or “shoe moulding.”
This type of trimming allows for concealing tiny imperfections that are often seen at the bottom of walls, given that flooring is often cut to suit the room’s dimensions. Even when the tiny imperfections are barely visible, quarter rounds make for a more refined finish and are a definite asset, aesthetically speaking.
Types of Quarter Rounds
When it comes to purchasing quarter rounds or trimming, you can choose between MDF or wood models. Keep in mind that if you opt for wood quarter rounds, you’ll have the option to choose between several essences. Obviously, the decision you’re faced with here really depends on the type of wood used for the flooring. Fun fact: For the less crafty individuals, peel-and-stick moulding does exist, which really makes the installation process that much simpler.
Installing Quarter Rounds
Source; Canva
The installation process for quarter rounds is relatively easy. First off, you’ll have to determine the length required to trim the entire room. Note that it’s always best to purchase more moulding than the amount you actually need to avoid being inconvenienced in the event that one is incorrectly trimmed for a specific section of the wall. The next step consists of affixing them.
In case you’ve purchased unfinished quarter rounds, you may want to paint over the wood with a colour that matches that of the baseboards. Ideally, you’ll have to go through that step prior to installing them. That way, you won’t have to lay down some painter’s tape on the floor and wall to prevent paint from splattering or spilling onto either.
The next step will be to put the trimming in place. If they’re peel-and-stick models, you’ll simply need to affix them to the bottom of the wall. You’d rather nail them in place? In that case, you’ll need to have headless pin nails, which are as imperceptible as can be.
If you plan on nailing the trim directly into the wall, make sure that the nails are 5 cm long so that the moulding is solidly affixed to the bottom section of the framework. Before nailing the trim, as a precautionary measure, make sure that it’s correctly trimmed.
Lastly, if you opt to affix them with glue, choose neoprene glue or have a glue gun on hand. Note that it’s really important that the quarter rounds not be glued to the floor, but solely to the baseboards or walls.
To ensure a pleasing final result in regard to your wall trimming project, you'll need to cut the trimming at a 45-degree angle where the walls meet, creating inside and outside corners. This step excludes doorway edging. To prevent the latter from being too sharp, you have to trim them at a 15- to a 20-degree angle.
Need information about the various types of interior trimming and moulding? Check out our article all about it; you’ll find all the information you’re looking for! (French only)
Quarter Rounds: An Outdated Trend?
Some might say that adding trimming along the bottom of your wall is an outdated trend when it comes to residential renovations and that it’s best avoided. However, as we’ve briefly mentioned earlier, seeing imperfections at the bottom of walls is a far cry from an asset when it comes to a room's aesthetics.
Moreover, when laying the laminate flooring, you have to leave a gap (about 5/16 of an inch of space) between the planks and the wall's edge. In doing so, you may need to conceal this gap with a quarter round if there’s no baseboard already in place.
Want a few tips on how best to highlight your mouldings? Check out our article on the subject matter! (French only)
Get 3 quotes for your home moulding project
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your home moulding project. By submitting your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Cynthia Pigeon
•21 Apr 2026
In 2026, installing a heat pump in Canada is more accessible than ever, thanks to the combination of available incentives. By stacking federal programs with provincial rebates (such as energy efficiency programs and home retrofit grants), homeowners can, in some cases, cover a significant portion of purchase and installation costs—often estimated between 30% and 50%, depending on eligibility and project conditions. For a high-performance central heat pump, these incentives can represent meaningful savings, depending on the model and applicable programs. In addition, some regions offer rebates (around $600) for the purchase and installation of a residential EV charging station.
Editorial Team
•03 May 2024
Running a commercial space takes a lot of work. For those managing a restaurant, bar, storefront, office, community organization or another venue with plenty of moving parts, it can be challenging to keep everything in smooth operation. Take the issue of noise as an example, between the constant hum and buzz of street traffic, the sounds of nature or humans in competition with the many noises coming from inside your venue, you might be overwhelmed. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to soundproof doors and windows of a commercial space to control the sound moving inwards.
Editorial Team
•21 May 2025
Closets are some of the most fundamental spaces in any home as they allow for the storage of your wardrobe and much more, from footwear to jewelry and other accessories.
Editorial Team
•20 Sep 2024
Autonomous heating is defined as a system that relies on available, renewable and locally-sourced energies. It also has the peculiarity of not being connected to electrical, gas, or water networks.
Editorial Team
•31 May 2025
Following a few late snowstorms, spring (finally!) seems to be knocking at our doors. For a lot of us, the arrival of warmer weather almost always means setting up our deck, patio, balcony, or whatever outdoor space we may have. Whether you just recently moved into a new home or have been living in the same house for years, spring means enjoying the outdoors. Hence your outdoor space automatically turns into an extension of your home, making for a second living room or lounge area.