Vinyl Plank Flooring and Quarter Round: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to installing vinyl plank flooring, one question that often arises is whether or not to use quarter round molding. While it's not always a necessity, there are several factors to consider that might make it a worthwhile addition to your project. Let's delve into the details and help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring, also known as luxury vinyl plank (LVP), is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, water resistance, and ease of installation. It's designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring but is more resilient and can withstand the rigors of daily life. However, like any flooring material, it has its own set of considerations when it comes to installation and finishing.
What is Quarter Round Molding?
Quarter round molding is a small, rounded piece of trim that's typically used to cover the gap between the floor and the baseboard or wall. It's called 'quarter round' because it's a quarter of a circle in shape. While it's often used with hardwood flooring, its use with vinyl plank flooring is a topic of debate among homeowners and professionals alike.
When Do You Need Quarter Round with Vinyl Plank Flooring?
In most cases, quarter round is not a necessity when installing vinyl plank flooring. Here are a few scenarios where it might be beneficial:
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Uneven Walls or Floors
If your walls or floors are not perfectly level or plumb, using quarter round can help hide these imperfections and create a smoother transition between the floor and the wall.
Protecting the Wall
Vinyl plank flooring can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Quarter round can act as a buffer, protecting your walls from potential damage.
Adding a Finishing Touch
Even if your walls and floors are perfectly level, using quarter round can add a decorative touch and enhance the overall look of your room.
When Can You Skip the Quarter Round?
In many cases, you can skip the quarter round and your vinyl plank flooring will look just fine. This is especially true if:
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Your walls and floors are level and plumb.
You're using wider planks (8" or more) that can span the gap between the floor and the wall.
You prefer a more modern, minimalist look that doesn't include trim.
Installing Quarter Round with Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you decide to use quarter round with your vinyl plank flooring, the installation process is relatively simple. Here's a basic guide:
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Measure and cut your quarter round to fit each wall. Remember to account for any corners or obstructions.
Apply a bead of adhesive caulk along the wall where the quarter round will meet the floor. This will help create a tight seal and prevent drafts.
Nail or staple the quarter round into place, using a nail set to ensure the nails are flush with the surface. Be careful not to split the wood.
Apply a second bead of caulk over the nail holes to create a smooth, finished look.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not to use quarter round with vinyl plank flooring ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions of your space. While it's not always necessary, it can add a decorative touch and help protect your walls from potential damage. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs before making a decision. Happy flooring!
More Details
26.08.2019 ... Quarter round is used to hide the gap when the floor covering is installed without pulling the baseboards.
23.07.2025 ... You don't need quarter round if you remove the baseboards.. most people don't want to remove the baseboards so they put the flooring up to ...
13.07.2024 ... You absolutely need it for the aesthetic, which one to use is up to you. What is absolutely essential is that you leave a 1/4" expansion gap ...
01.05.2023 ... The spacers are important to have in your expansion. gap between the floor and wall. when you're starting a new row. The spacers will prevent ...
01.05.2023 ... You don't have to remove your baseboards and wall trim to install luxury vinyl plank flooring. InstaTrim was the fastest, easiest, ...
Both shoe molding and quarter round are installed directly into the baseboard, not the floor, and are used to hide the expansion gap. This method is faster and ...
You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap. For a better look, however, our experts recommend removing the ...
09.08.2013 ... No you never need to use quarterround. I try to do all installs without using it. 2 best options: Slice out the bottom .25-.5 inch of drywall so ...
12.09.2025 ... ... flooring, such as Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). •. "We wanted to go with ... "Whenever you install any hard flooring, you should remove the ...
18.09.2025 ... ... Quarter Round. If your existing baseboards are in decent shape, you may not need to replace them during a flooring upgrade. Instead, you can ...
23.04.2025 ... ... quarter round around the perimeter of your vinyl plank flooring. This description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one ...
24.10.2025 ... I used wood quarter round when I installed laminate flooring in our '85 sovereign. I simply laid it loosely on top of the laminate and nailed it ...
Your floors are the focal point: If you have beautiful hardwood or patterned LVP that you want to stand out, matching the quarter round to the flooring keeps ...
23.01.2025 ... It's great for covering larger gaps in flooring installations. It also covers gaps near natural stone tile. What Each Trim Option Brings to the ...
10.01.2026 ... Do You Put Quarter Round around Door Frame · Quarter Round Vs Cove ... vinyl flooring installation techniques, vinyl plank flooring installation ...
01.07.2020 ... How to Install Quarter Round to a Vinyl Floor, LVP floor, Laminate or Hardwood Floor on Inside or Outside Corner. Install Shoe molding can ...
23.07.2025 ... Quarter round is not strictly necessary for Coretec Calypso Oak floors, but it is often used to cover gaps between the flooring and baseboards ...
02.07.2019 ... For quarter round you shoot towards the back and hit the wall or cabinet instead of the floor. Vinyl floors need to float so you don't want to ...
Pry up the quarter-round shoe molding along the baseboard and remove it. Measure the room. By measuring you can accurately calculate the number of boards needed ...
11.01.2020 ... When you said we dont need fancy tools I had to mute it so my wife didn't hear...shhh. How do you think guys get new tools? We tell them ...
