There is nothing quite as frustrating as inspecting your flooring, only to find gaps between the baseboard and floorboards as a result of the house settling. While these gaps aren’t a structural issue, they can open an avenue for water damage and even cause problems with heating and cooling your home.
Having to go back and fix these gaps may not necessarily be your desired Sunday afternoon activity. However, it is a must to ensure you get the most from your new flooring.
But what is the best way to fix this issue? Can you caulk between baseboard and floorboards? Yes, it is 100% safe and effective to caulk between the baseboard and floorboards.
Caulking Between Baseboard and Floorboards
Your initial thought may be that caulking between baseboards and floorboards is a time-consuming task that requires an expert.
This is not the case. Caulking can be completed by an average Joe who doesn’t have extensive home improvement skills or experience.
By following the steps below, the gaps between your baseboard and floorboards will be non-existent, and you won’t have to worry about potential water damage or your heating or cooling bills going through the roof.
Related: Can you paint baseboards?
How to Caulk Between Baseboards and Floorboards
Before you begin your caulking adventure, ensure you have the following items to hand so you can complete the job correctly the first time.
- Caulk
- Caulk Gun
- Painters Tape
- Caulking Tool
- Trim Paint
Step 1: Tape Off Flooring
Using the painter’s tape, tape off the area of the flooring near where you are caulking. This ensures a mess-free clean-up.
If you don’t tape off the floor and you manage to get caulk on it, it can seep into the wood or tile grout and become difficult to clean up. In turn, this creates a messy and unprofessional look.
Step 2: Apply the Caulk
After you have the area taped off, it is time to apply the caulk. Cut the caulk tip of the tube off at an angle, then insert the tube into your caulk gun. Working slowly, squeeze the trigger on your caulk gun to release the caulk from the tub into the gap between the baseboard and flooring.
Continue to squeeze the caulk out of the tube until the gap is no longer existent. You may also want to inspect the top of the baseboard to ensure no gaps have formed there as well.
Step 3: Smooth the Caulk
After the gaps are full of caulk, you may notice that it isn’t as visually appealing as you would like due to a potentially rough look. This is where your caulking tool comes into play.
Using your caulking tool, smooth out the caulk by using a back and forth motion until you have reached your desired smoothness level. Or check out our article below on other ways to smooth caulk after application.
Related: How to Smooth Caulk
Step 4: Remove Your Tape Outline
Without giving the caulk time to dry, remove the painter’s tape outline. If the caulk dries before the tape is removed, it can make the tape difficult to remove.
You may notice that your tape didn’t prevent all caulk from getting on the floor. If this is the case, use a damp rag to wipe up any excess caulk.
Step 5: Paint the Caulk
If the caulk you used to fill the gap between your baseboard and floorboards goes unpainted, it can attract dirt and dust. Your best bet is to paint the caulk the same color as your trim to prevent any further damage or a situation where the flooring looks a little unattractive.
Caulk Uses
Caulk has many different uses. So if you purchase a tube of caulk to fill the gap between your baseboard and floorboards, and don’t use the entire tube, you are bound to find another use for it.
You can save the caulk for other future potential gaps, or you can use it as follows:
- Bathtub Sealer – bathtubs don’t always fit perfectly into their designated aeas. Because moisture is released into the air in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs, it is imperative to seal the tub into its spot using caulk.
- Holes in Drywall – if you don’t have any other form of hole repair putty, but have caulk on hand, use it to fill small holes in the drywall. Let it dry, then paint over it for a brand new wall.
- Vent Sealer – use caulk to achieve a better seal around vents or other areas around your home that don’t quite fit and result in a gap in the wall.
No matter your reasoning, you’re bound to find multiple uses for this user-friendly material.
FAQs
Do you put caulk on the bottom of baseboards?
Applying caulk on the bottom and top of baseboards helps prevent insect infestation, increases the efficiency of your home’s heating method, and helps prevent water damage. If you notice any gaps on the bottom or top of your baseboards, it is advised to use caulk to fill these gaps.
Should I caulk between wood floors and the baseboard?
If you find a gap between your wood floors and the baseboard, you must fill the gap to ensure you do not experience water damage or increased heating bills. Caulk is an excellent material with which to fill these gaps.
How expensive is caulk?
Caulk isn’t as expensive as you may think. On average, a tube of caulk costs between $2 – $4, depending on the type of caulk you purchase.
