Some experts suggest shooting the pairs of nails every 16 inches, while others prefer intervals of 14 inches or even 12 inches. Another thing to remember is to try to get some of the baseboard nails all the way through the baseboard into studs, not just into drywall.

How many nails do I need for baseboards?

Use two nails for baseboards 5 inches or less; anything over consider using three per stud. Don’t forget to account for base caps and shoe molding. You will want to be able to nail those securely without nails intersecting.

Where should nails be placed on baseboards?





One nail should be placed about an inch up from the bottom of the baseboard trim, into the bottom plate, and the other nail about an inch from the top of the baseboard trim, into the vertical wall stud.

How much space should be between nails?

Shown is the nail spacing for a standard 2 1/4″ wide strip floor.



How Many Nails For Hardwood Floor?

Width Spacing Fasteners
2″ 8-10″ 8,000
2 1/4″ 8-10″ 7,200
2 1/2″ 8-10″ 6,480
2 3/4″ 8-10″ 5,890

How far apart should brad nails be?

According to current building codes, they should be 16 or 24 inches apart (though older homes may be less reliable). Once you know the distance between studs, you can place a brad nail that same distance across the wall. You should be able to hit a stud regularly with each nail.

How long should trim nails be?

A good rule of thumb is to pick a nail long enough to go through the material you’re fastening and penetrate the underlying wood about 3/4 in. to 1 in.

Do you nail baseboard to studs?





Installing baseboards is quick and easy with a nail gun for baseboards called a finish nailer. The long, thin finish nails pierce the baseboard, drywall and wooden wall stud for a secure connection while displaying an unobtrusive head.

How high should baseboards be off the floor?

If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

Where do you put Brad nail baseboards?

Nail Baseboard to Wall



Set the scribed baseboard in place. Next, at each stud location, hammer two 8d finish nails through the board, at a slight downward angle, near its top and bottom edges. To avoid marking the wood, use a nail set to drive the heads just below the wood surface.

How do you fill the gap between baseboards and walls?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So what you're going to do is you're going to get your finger. And just get some drywall compound on your finger. Then you are going to use that drywall compound on your finger to fill in the gap.

What type of nailer should I use for baseboards?



When you want to attach baseboard to walls, it’s best to use a finish nail gun as 15g and 16g nails are thicker and have more holding power than 18g brad nails. A brad nailer works great for attaching quarter round and shoe molding to baseboards. Brad Nailer or Finish Nailer for Crown Molding?

Can you use 23 gauge nails for baseboards?

the 23g is more delicate and probably to small for architectural details unless you plan on using glue. Trim work on furniture is probably better suited to the 23g. 16ga. finish nailers are usually the weapon of choice for baseboard because they shoot a 2-1/2″ nail.

What is the difference between Brad and finish nails?

Finish nails are stronger than brads, so choose them if your project needs to be durable. Brads are thin, 18-gauge nails made for more delicate woodworking jobs. They’re available in collated strips for nail guns or individual pieces. Brad nail length ranges from 1/2-inch to 2 1/2-inch.

Should I use brad nails or finish nails for baseboards?



Brad nailers shoot 18-gauge nails, which are thinner and have a smaller diameter than finish nails. Finish nailers are best for heavier duty projects, such as baseboards, door and window frames, trim work, and cabinetry. Finish nailers shoot 15- or 16-gauge nails with a larger diameter than brad nails.

Can I use brad nails for baseboard?

You can use a brad nailer to attach baseboards to the wall, though sometimes a finishing nailer might be best. Brad nails are smaller and thinner, ideal for delicate pieces of trim. Finish nails are thicker and have a stronger grip, typically the better choice for tall and long pieces of a baseboard.

Can you hammer Brad nail?

Luckily, you can definitely use a hammer with brad nails! But there’s also a reason many people prefer brad nailers. Hand nailing brad nails comes with a lot of challenges and is rarely the right solution. It’s easy to scuff or damage the wood swinging a hammer, and it can be tough to use a hammer on brad nails.

How do you nail baseboards to the wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Get the finish nailer. Put it in a place like this I'm going to try to hit the corner. So I can get the stud right there and then drive the nail. – it's like that.

Where do you put finishing nails in trim?



When installing trim, never drive the head of a finishing nail flush with the surface of the wood—your hammerhead will leave a dent. Instead, leave it about 1/8 in. above, then use a nail set and hammer to sink the head below the surface. For typical finishing nails, use a 1/32-in.

Can you use a nail set on Brad nails?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can pound it to about an eighth of an inch. So that you're not hitting and marring the wood with your hammer. And just get a nail set and they come in a few different sizes.

What to put on nails sticking out?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But an even better situation is if you countersink them and this right here is a tool. I believe it's called the nail punch.

How do you hide finish nails in trim?

Put a piece of painter’s tape over the trim first. Then, shoot or hit your nail into where the tape is. Paint over the nail pad in the same color, and then peel your piece of tape off. The hole is filled in perfectly, and you don’t leave any stains!