I'm redoing the baseboards in two living rooms that are about 16x14 feet and three bedrooms around 12-15x10 feet. Should I go for 12 ft or 16 ft baseboards? Do I need to measure each wall and try to buy enough 16 ft boards to minimize short pieces, or should I mix and match lengths?
3 Answers
I went for all 16 ft pieces, taking my time to fit each piece exactly. It was definitely more effort, especially for miters, but in the end, I used the scraps in smaller areas. Just keep in mind, it might waste some material, but it can look great if you're careful!
When I did my basement, I grabbed whatever was closest to the wall length without going under. I used 12 ft for shorter walls and 16 ft where I could, or just all 16 ft pieces—it’s simpler that way and reduces cuts overall!
It's usually best to use longer pieces to keep things looking clean and cohesive. If you can do a whole run with a single 16 ft piece, it'll look way nicer and hold up better over time. Just remember to account for doors and any interruptions on the walls!
Good point! Those interruptions can really change your measurements. Definitely smart to consider those when planning.
That strategy sounds great, but you gotta be really precise with those cuts! It’s not easy for everyone, so don’t beat yourself up if it takes some trial and error.