| Installing Wall Trim |
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Once the walls are in place it’s time to consider the trim. Though decorative, most wall base trim also is functional. It keeps furniture and other objects from damaging the wall. It also covers rough edges of the wall sheathing. Depending on your basement’s design you may want to install trim after the walls are finished or after the flooring is done. For example, install the baseboard now if you’re installing carpeting, but hold off until after a tile or other hard floor is installed. Door trim can be installed at the same time. Window trim can be installed at any time after the wall is finished and the window is installed. Remodeling Tips Consider painting the walls before installing the trim. The most difficult part of painting is working around the trim once it is installed. A baseboard is the horizontal trim at the joint of the wall and floor. Door and window trim covers the gap between the frame and the wall. Fortunately, these trim materials are readily available in building material and lumber stores so the trick to installation is cutting them to fit. Because most trim joints are cut at an angle, a miter saw is the best tool. Fancy cutting requires a compound miter saw that can cut two angles (horizontal and vertical) at once. Most trim is cut at a 45 degree angle; two pieces together make a 90 degree turn. Sand the cut smooth for a better fit. Install trim with finish nails at least twice as long as the wood is thick. Nail in to sill plates, studs, and other large wood members rather than just in to the drywall.
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