Can I Hammer Finishing Nails Into Cabinets?

ane. How of import is nailing baseboard trim?

Attaching your baseboards to the wall is a crucial step in the installation procedure. More often than not, this step is disregarded. Typically, we presume walls are directly, and our corners are at the intended angles. Unfortunately, this is non the case.
Instead, when nailing the baseboards to the drywall, we discover how sturdy or inflexible they are. We start to realize the wall is bowed in places. We detect out some of the odd angles we may accept never noticed. As a outcome, we are dependent on a good job nailing in the baseboards to the wall to aid ease the last steps and finish work for a great looking concluding product.

2. What is the best way to Blast Baseboards?

Unquestionably, the easiest and near effective style to nail in baseboards is with a boom gun. The question is, what type of nail gun do you need, and depending on your upkeep or other uses for a boom gun, that can get a piffling bit tricky.

For most of us, a finish (trim) smash gun is going to be ideal for installing baseboards. They have a great render on investment, they are relatively inexpensive (most range from $lxxx-$200), they will terminal for years, and they tin also be used for many other home comeback projects. If you lot aren't upward for buying one, enquire around, you probably know someone who is willing to let you lot borrow theirs.

three. What type of smash gun is all-time for baseboards?

For our purposes, nail gun decisions will come up downwardly to two types: Finish Nailer or Brad Nailer for baseboards.

End (Trim) Nailer: Primarily for shooting 16-gauge or 15-gauge nails. They use a finish nailhead, easily identified by being stored at an angle on the nailer. This angle also allows for easy access in tight spots. fifteen-gauge is preferred for the on the job assembly, equally the smaller (in diameter) sixteen-judge is less rigid and more than probable to bend or buckle.

Brad Nailer: Can I use brad nailers for baseboards? Probably not. Brads are a thinner estimate than their cease counterparts. Ranging from 18-estimate pins on upwards, they accept different uses in finish carpentry. Some professionals use them for securing base caps of shoe molding (smaller than quarter round). However, because of their modest size, brad nailers are used to conceal to visible nails.

4. How do y'all nail baseboards to molding?

Nosotros take two primary methods for nailing baseboards:

With a nail gun, or
Without a smash gun

A smash gun is preferred because it is an effective manner to consistently get the nails in through the baseboard without damaging the baseboard while securing them to the wall.

Without a boom gun typically means using a hammer to install the baseboards. Nailing baseboards with a hammer is generally the same process; however yous will exist purchasing nails designed to be used with a hammer, and you lot will probably want to buy several different sizes of nail sets to help insert the boom into the wall.

Your processes may change depending on setup and equipment, but generally speaking, they are as follows:

Marker your studs. How far apart you should boom baseboard is dependent on the location of your studs. Using a stud finder, locate the studs along the wall on the path of the baseboard. It is easier to do this in advance. A simple method involves placing painter'due south tape along each stud above the baseboard. Once yous locate the first couple, you'll take an idea of the distance betwixt studs, and the procedure moves pretty fast.
Prep your gear:
1. If yous're using a nail gun, you may need a compressor; some high-end guns do not require a compressor. If y'all're using a cordless gun, brand sure your battery is fully charged and ready for action.
2. If you lot're using a hammer, place the right size nail set for your nails. You will desire to transfer to the nailset as soon as possible to avert dings and dents in the shape of your hammer on your baseboard.
Start nailing. If you are using an air gun, follow manufacturers' recommendations for PSI, boom sizes, and how to use. If you're using a hammer, simply line upward your nails with your studs, insert the nail and start hammering until the nail reaches its end. Use the nail set to get the smash beneath the baseboard so it can exist filled and painted without a trace.

Pro-tips:

Utilize two nails for baseboards 5 inches or less; annihilation over consider using three per stud.
Don't forget to business relationship for base caps and shoe molding. You volition desire to be able to nail those securely without nails intersecting.
Depending on the height of your baseboard and how it's positioned, you lot may be able to use the bottom 2x4 to secure your nail as opposed to the stud. This is non recommended if you are using shoe molding or quarter round.

5. What size nails for baseboard (thickness and length)?

To go along things unproblematic – let'southward recall that the 'd' in the baseboard nail size refers to length (see chart beneath), while the gauge refers to the diameter – or how stout the smash is. Why does this affair? A long, skinny nail is most likely going to exist resistant to denser or thicker forms of textile, and peculiarly problematic with any knots.

Bend Tool Co. - Baseboard Nails - Nail Size Chart for Baseboards

6. What gauge nails to utilize for baseboards?

Based on nail size, yous should be looking for anything between 15 gauge and eighteen approximate. With these gauges it you can easily detect nails up to ii.5'' long which is an ideal length for baseboard nails.

7. What size boom should I use for baseboards?

Every bit nosotros discussed earlier with nail guns – the best baseboard nails are probably going to be 6d (2'') or 8d (ii.v'' for baseboard). These tin can easily arrange 15 judge or 16 gauge nails, giving you lot a long, durable nail for thick baseboards and studs.

8. What size brad nails for baseboards?

Brad nails are best used for basecaps and shoe molding. We recommend fifteen-approximate two'' nails. However, y'all may demand to analyze your setup for what length is best. For example, a 2'' nail may piece of work cracking for the shoe molding merely run likewise far into the baseboard for the basecap, causing them to intersect and protrude out of the baseboard.

9. How to fill nail holes in baseboards?

When painting your baseboards:

Whatsoever y'all practice – don't use caulk. Caulk contracts, and it volition never fill up the nail hole quite right. As a effect, when you paint over it you will meet a divot or paring looking shape in the location of your boom holes.

We think the best filler for smash holes in baseboards is spackling paste. It is designed to form and stay in place and doesn't change shape very easily. Because of its texture, it is more than amendable to the holes. Pregnant, information technology doesn't react as much when yous are working it into the holes. If you are careful it is like shooting fish in a barrel to make clean up, and yous can sand it for a prissy even finish. If yous need to reapply, you lot simply repeat the procedure of adding more and sanding. Finally, i of the best parts is that it is usable for other situations similar drywall, or other trim fillers like scarf joints, inside and exterior corners, bullnose corners, etc.

With woods baseboards:

Equally ever, using the smaller nail will pay dividends hither, but if you're past that – accept no fear.

If your woods volition exist stained, use a water-based wood filler. Nosotros love Mohawk products - they offer a range of wood fillers and products for all your wood filling needs like hardwood floors, cabinet repairs, and of course, trim and baseboards. Other companies, similar Minwax as well offer color matching products to help minimize any centre-catching discrepancies. Yous may need to try a couple out to find the best match depending on your wood and stain.