Q: Is there any reason to use quarter round when installing hardwood floors. I am going to have oak floors installed (not prefinished) and want baseboard molding put up as well. The installers want to put up quarter round in addition to the baseboard moldings.
Does this sound correct? I would think you install one or the other, not both?
A: Quarter round at the bottom edge of baseboards is very common. Some new home builders try not to use it, but traditionally it is also used. For one thing, unless the sub floor is dead level, you won’t be able to bend the baseboard to make it snug to the top of the floor. Hence, you will have gaps between the base and hardwood. Second, it is required to leave some space between the floor and either the baseboard or outside wall. Quarter round helps to facilitate this expansion gap.