What size nails for baseboard

Unquestionably, the easiest and most effective way to nail in baseboards is with a nail gun. The question is, what type of nail gun do you need, and depending on your budget or other uses for a nail gun, that can get a little bit tricky, what size nails for baseboard. For most of us, a finish trim nail gun is going to be ideal for installing baseboards. For our purposes, nail gun decisions will come down to two types: Finish Nailer or Brad Nailer for baseboards.

Whether installing new baseboards or replacing old ones, you'll need to purchase some finishing nails. But, not all finishes require the same-size nail. So, how do you know what size finish nails you need for a baseboard? Thus, we've included some baseboard installation basics and advanced tips and tricks to help you in your buying process. Professional contractors know that baseboards are essential to a room's finish since they provide a polished and finished appearance. Choosing the right type of nail for baseboard guarantees that the space is finished to the greatest possible standard. Using excessively long nails might cause damage to the baseboard, the walls, and even the pipes and wires behind them.

What size nails for baseboard

Remember Me? What's New? Results 1 to 9 of 9. Thread: 16 or 18 Gauge for baseboard. As a side note, I have three 16 gauge finish nailers, a Craftsman magnesium, Grex, and Senco but only a Craftsman magnesium 18 gauge brad nailer. Any suggestions for a better 18 gauge brad nailer if that's the recommendation you folks make? Google Sponsor Google Sponsor. I put all my baseboard on with 18g brads and its not coming off but could use a few brads here and there after 10 years. Nothing wrong with a Craftsman nailer. I've had my bradnailer for 18 years and no issues. I'd use 16 ga to nail it to the wall, 18 ga to nail outside miter joints. For casing I use 16 ga to nail it to the wall, 18 ga to nail it to door jambs and outside of the miter joints. Join Date Nov Posts I used a Senco 18 gauge to put up effectively 1 x 8 oak baseboard.

Javascript is disabled on your browser. Join Date Dec Posts 3, Pin Nails vs Finish Nails.

Curious what size nails for baseboard trim? We provide size and diameter suggestions to get you the best finish possible. Baseboards come in a variety of styles and materials. We outline what size nails to use for baseboard trim and walk you through the installation process. Attaching a baseboard to your wall is an important installation step. However, it is frequently overlooked as we assume our walls are perfectly straight with corners at perfect angles.

Disclaimer: The Spruce Tools is reader-supported. We may earn an Affiliate Commission at no cost to you. When you purchase items through our links. Learn More. Do you know using the perfect size nail ensures more durability and strength over your moldings? In addition, the second half of this guide will cover what size brad nails you should use on your baseboards? A baseboard stands on the surface of your interior wall that hides the area between your floor and the wall. It also beautifies your overall home and protects your wall from being damaged by any furniture. You must keep in mind that the bigger gauge number denotes to the thinner nails.

What size nails for baseboard

Unquestionably, the easiest and most effective way to nail in baseboards is with a nail gun. The question is, what type of nail gun do you need, and depending on your budget or other uses for a nail gun, that can get a little bit tricky. For most of us, a finish trim nail gun is going to be ideal for installing baseboards. For our purposes, nail gun decisions will come down to two types: Finish Nailer or Brad Nailer for baseboards. Without a nail gun typically means using a hammer to install the baseboards. Nailing baseboards with a hammer is generally the same process; however you will be purchasing nails designed to be used with a hammer, and you will probably want to purchase several different sizes of nail sets to help insert the nail into the wall. Your processes may change depending on setup and equipment, but generally speaking, they are as follows:. Why does this matter?

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As a side note, I have three 16 gauge finish nailers, a Craftsman magnesium, Grex, and Senco but only a Craftsman magnesium 18 gauge brad nailer. Select the Right Nail Gun For connecting the baseboards; it will come down to choosing between a finish nailer and a brad nailer. To view this site, you must enable JavaScript or upgrade to a JavaScript-capable browser. So, how do you know what size finish nails you need for a baseboard? Sponsored Forums Private Forums Authors. If you use a brad nail, you should use a gauge nail that is two inches long. As a result, when you paint over it you will see a divot or dent looking shape in the location of your nail holes. Baseboards come in a variety of styles and materials. You can also use a wood-safe caulk instead of glue. As a result, we are dependent on a good job nailing in the baseboards to the wall to help ease the final steps and finish work for a great looking final product. I've had my bradnailer for 18 years and no issues. The best nails for baseboard trim are those that can be easily covered with a bit of wood filler and painted over so that the baseboards yield a smooth, unblemished look. Always be mindful of these situations.

If they have stature, a room becomes regal; when they are skimpy, that same space looks dowdy. Baseboards were often three-piece affairs consisting of a flat plank, a decorative cap molding, and a rounded shoe molding to cover gaps along the floor. In houses built after World War II, however, fancy gave way to cheap, and the vital floor-to-wall transition became the domain of thin, featureless one-piece trim.

The gauge is the diameter or how thick the nail is. Its texture allows it to work into holes. Understanding the Importance of Nails for Baseboards Professional contractors know that baseboards are essential to a room's finish since they provide a polished and finished appearance. Attaching your baseboards to the wall is a crucial step in the installation process. Professional contractors know that baseboards are essential to a room's finish since they provide a polished and finished appearance. Conclusion When determining what size nails for baseboard trim, you need to consider what equipment you are using to nail the baseboards to the studs. With these, you can locate nails that are 2. If you use nails that are too long, you run the risk of accidentally piercing through the baseboard and drywall into some wires or pipes. If you wonder why it matters, long, skinny nails are resistant to thicker or denser materials. Javascript is disabled on your browser. Baseboards share common characteristics; however, they are not identical.