How Wide is a Basic Quarter Round?
When it comes to installing quarter round molding, one of the most common questions is: how wide is a basic quarter round? Understanding the standard dimensions of this versatile trim piece is key for proper selection, measuring, cutting, and installation.
Quarter round molding serves numerous purposes in home design. It conceals unsightly gaps along floor-wall joints, finishes off baseboard installations, and adds decorative flair. With its signature 90-degree rounded profile, quarter round creates smooth, seamless transitions between surfaces. But in order to reap those benefits, the quarter round must be sized appropriately.
Defining Quarter Round Molding
What is quarter round molding
Quarter round molding is a narrow trim piece designed to cover the joint formed where a floor meets a wall. It has a cross-section profile that forms a perfect 90-degree quarter circle arc - hence the name "quarter round."
This versatile molding serves both functional and aesthetic roles:
- Conceals unsightly gaps and imperfections along the floor-wall joint
- Creates a smooth, seamless transition between wall and floor surfaces
- Finishes off baseboard trim installations for a clean look
- Adds decorative touch with its sleek rounded shape
Quarter round molding purposes
Typical applications and uses for quarter round molding include:
- Along the bottom of baseboards where they meet floors
- Where laminate or engineered flooring meets walls
- Around exterior door thresholds
- Where tile floors and backsplashes meet
- Transitions from hardwood floors to carpet
- In corners where walls meet
- Decorative accent pieces along staircases or furniture
Types of quarter round moldings
Quarter round molding comes in a variety of materials and finishes:
- Wood - oak, pine, maple, cherry
- PVC/vinyl
- Foam
- Polystyrene
- Concrete/cement
- Tile - marble, granite, porcelain
There are also several profile options, including standard 90-degree quarter round as well as larger "oversized" quarter round. Inside corner moldings are available as well.
Quarter Round Dimensions
Standard quarter round sizes
A standard quarter round trim piece has a width and height of 3/4 inch with a 3/4 inch radius corner that forms a 90 degree arc shape. So a typical quarter round molding dimensions are:
- Height: 3/4"
- Width: 3/4"
- Profile radii: 3/4"
This is considered the standard size that fits most applications. However, oversized quarter round is also available at 1 inch by 1 inch with a 1 inch corner radii.
Quarter round thickness
When it comes to quarter round thickness, this varies by material:
- Wood - 1/4" to 3/4" thick
- PVC - 1/2" standard
- Foam - 1/2" to 1" thick
- Polystyrene - 1/2" to 5/8"
- Tile - 1/8" to 1/2" thick
For heavy duty applications like commercial spaces, a thicker wood or rigid polymer quarter round provides durability. In residential settings, 1/2 inch vinyl works well for most flooring situations.
Quarter round width standards
The most common quarter round width is 3/4 inch due to the trim size's historical origins. But widths can range from 1/2 inch for thinner pieces like shoe molding, up to 1 inch or larger for an oversized, decorative look.
Wider quarter round may be preferable for rooms with higher ceilings, doorways, and windows to balance out larger proportions. Just take care that an overscale quarter round doesn't protrude too far into the room.
Measuring and Cutting Quarter Round
How to measure quarter round
Getting accurate quarter round measurements is crucial for proper sizing and installation. Follow these steps:
- Mark start point and stop point with painter's tape
- Measure straight sections in several places catching any gaps or irregularities
- For corners, measure both sides meeting at corner
- For height, press trim against floor and wall to match shape
- Add several inches to allow for final trim cuts
Smart tricks like allowing a 1/16" gap from wall for easier install and using a miter box guide for cleaner corner cuts will also optimize cuts.
Cutting quarter round molding
Accurately sizing quarter round involves a few specialized tools and techniques:
- Chop saw or miter saw with fine tooth wood blade
- Miter box guide for angled corner joints
- Coping saw or jigsaw for notching rounded edges
- Standard miter cuts of 45-degrees for inside corners
Take the time to position and secure the trim when cutting to avoid slipping and splintering. Supporting the trim right at the cut line helps achieve clean edged cuts. Smooth any rough edges with 100-200 grit sandpaper after cutting.
Installing Quarter Round Trim
Preparing to install quarter round
Proper prep work makes installing quarter round molding much simpler. Follow these preparation tips:
- Fill any cracks or gaps in target surface area
- Sand surfaces smooth and remove base coatings like wax
- Collect tools - drill, finishing nails, hammer, adhesive
- Pre-drill quarter round to avoid splitting
Checking for level and plumb is also wise before starting. Pre-drilling quarter round prior to nailing allows for expansion and contraction once secured down.
Attaching quarter round to floor
Quarter round typically mounts to the floor surface for easier cleaning underneath. Use adhesive and finishing nails to secure it:
- Run flooring adhesive bead the length of the back side
- Press quarter round trim into place
- Nail with 18 - 23 gauge finish nails every 16 inches
- Set nails and fill holes with matching wood putty
For especially angled floors, shimming behind the quarter round helps keep it flush to the wall. Adhesive offers flexibility while nails provide rigidity.
Securing quarter round to baseboard
Installing quarter round where baseboard trim already exists involves connecting the two:
- Glue and nail as usual against floor
- Drive finishing nails at an angle through quarter round upwards into base trim
- Fill nail holes with putty both directions
Pre-drill holes at angle to keep quarter round securely attached yet allowing for normal wood movement. This prevents distortion or separation over time.