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What Size Finish Nails do I Use for Quarter Round Trim Molding?

Published on
May 2, 2022 at 8:39:00 AM PDT May 2, 2022 at 8:39:00 AM PDTnd, May 2, 2022 at 8:39:00 AM PDT

What Size Finish Nails do I Use for Quarter Round Trim Molding?


Thin strips of molding at the bottom of baseboards conceal the transition between the wall and floor, as well as add a finishing touch to the room. Located at the bottom of baseboards, molding that's referred to as quarter round has a very defined, quarter-circle shape. Most quarter round molding is made of wood. It is a popular idea to go with an unfinished option to paint or stain in your preferred color. 


This makes for a fun and rewarding do-it-yourself project around your home. Before you can have the trim molding you've seen on HGTV, though, you need to learn what size finish nails to use for quarter round.


Table of Contents

Advice Against Using the Wrong Nail

What Size Finish Nails to Use for Quarter Round Trim

The General Rule of Thumb

Order Finish Nails Online


Advice Against Using the Wrong Nail

There are two problems with using the wrong size nail. A nail that is too short will not penetrate deeply enough to actually secure the trim. On the other hand, a nail that is too long risks splitting the material and ruining everything. This is why it is so important for you to get the nail size decision right when fixing trim to the wall.


What Size Finish Nails to Use for Quarter Round Trim

Experts tell us that because it’s finish trim, you will need to install quarter round trim with finish nails. This type of nails have smaller heads than standard nails. Quarter round is narrow, typically about 3/4 inch wide, or less, measured along its two straight edges. A finish nail gun, fitted with 1.5-inch micro pin nails or 2-inch brad nails, works well for this project.


The General Rule of Thumb

It’s generally accepted that the ideal nail length for fastening different materials should be three times the thickness of the material. Ideally, you want to select finish nails that are long enough to penetrate the thickness of the quarter round molding and the drywall, while at the same time leaving enough left over to go at least 1/2 inch into the wall's base plate. All it takes is a little bit of math and you can figure out for yourself exactly how long your finish nails need to be!


Order Finish Nails Online

Now that you know a little more about what size finish nails to use for quarter round molding trim, the only thing left to do is order your finish nails. Fastener USA makes it incredibly easy to find exactly what you're looking for, including the lengths mentioned above. Begin shopping our online catalog now and very soon, you'll have everything you need for your DIY project.


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