Flawless Two-Piece Baseboard
If you dial in your measurements and fine-tune your cuts, you won’t need the painter to make your work look good.

Synopsis: Although often passed up in favor of speedbase-style single-piece baseboard, which is faster to install and less expensive, two-piece baseboard has several advantages: It’s better at hiding waves in walls, and it keeps joints tighter in corners. Carpenter Nick Schiffer explains his typical installation process, which includes measuring, cutting, scribing, fastening, making splices, and cutting copes.
In the world of building, finish carpentry is the second-to-last step before the homeowners move in—or in the case of a remodel like this one, before they reoccupy the room. My job is to make sure that the framers, drywall installers, and flooring guys who came before me look good, and that the painter who comes after me isn’t left with the task of hiding sloppy joints, excessive nail holes, and oversize gaps.
Although many houses are trimmed with a one-piece, shaped base-board that mimics the look of a traditional…
Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.
Become a member today and get instant access to all Fine Homebuilding content!
Start your free trial nowAlready a member? Log in
View Comments
I wonder if it would be possible to use a filler in a dip, let it harden, paint one part white, the other part wood stain? I am a superintendent and I always save sawdust to use in a mixture for those small little defects. But, your way probably is "perfection". Thanks for sharing