Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much baseboard I need for a room?
Measure the perimeter of the room (add up the length of all four walls), then subtract the width of any doorways or openings. Add 10% extra to account for cuts, waste, and mistakes.
Should I subtract door and window openings from my baseboard measurement?
Subtract doorway widths since baseboard doesn't run through them. Windows don't need to be subtracted since baseboard runs along the floor, not the wall height where windows sit.
How much extra baseboard should I buy for waste?
Add 10-15% to your total footage to cover angled cuts at corners, mistakes, and mismatched pieces, especially in rooms with lots of corners or angles.
What length do baseboards come in?
Baseboard typically comes in 8, 12, 16, and sometimes 20-foot lengths. Buying longer pieces reduces the number of seams you'll need on long walls.
Do inside and outside corners use baseboard differently?
Inside corners use a coped or mitered joint where two pieces meet at an angle, while outside corners typically need a mitered 45-degree cut on both pieces. Both use the same material, just different cuts.