Shoe Molding ?

icfbunt

I am installing some dupont elite laminate flooring. I am holding all the base up around the entire house about 3/8" this will work for the carpet and the laminate. I am going to put shoe molding at the wall/base where there is laminate to finish it off. My question is what is the most desirable finish at the exposed ends of shoe molding? I have a few areas where the laminate butts into the carpet and I am going to end the shoe in the middle of a wall. Is it best to put a little mitred return?, back cut at 45? or leave at a 90

thks!!! Larry

sage

Larry, I have always cut returns but lately I have seen lots of houses (new constr.) that have the shoe cut angled towards the wall. I will continue to cut returns, I like the look better, Personal Preference.

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A.W.Davis

I would return it, as I always do anyways

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King of Crown

I return it if they are paying for it.

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72chevy4x4

I prefer a return-looks more finished. I've encountered 45 degree angles cut on the shoe and at time I have used a rasp to file a similar profile as the shoe.

Teetorbilt

As much as I hate shoe moulding, I like the look of a return.

I can also see the practical aspects of a 45 or radius. No corner to catch dirt, less to stub your toe on and some deflection if someone is sliding furniture. Not to mention being much easier.

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dkillianjr

I will say go with the return also. I do that almost all the time unless I'm matching something.

Dave

Greg Di

Return. It gives me a chance to practice skeet shooting with those little pieces that fly off the saw every once and a while!

El Dorado Wood

"Incoming!"

Ha ha ha! No matter how many times you do that... still gives you a little jump every time it happens.

What I wanna know is... if you don't return it and just 45 it to the wall... doesn't the foam inside show?!?!

Teetorbilt

Greg, I love those little missiles! Have a few scars from them.

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mdshunk

Indeed, some brands of that prefinished stuff looks like sin at a raw 45'd end. That sorta forces your hand, and you really have to do a return whether you wanted to or not.

sage

Seems like we all agree on returns, however, the houses that I see the 45s on are 1/2 mil to mil houses. New construction, lots of different areas of the state. Are the little touches be phased out?

King, you make a good point. But these houses have some very expensive/ intricate trims. I just don't see how it could be an "if you're getting paid for it" thing alone.

Who knows? I will still be dodging those missiles myself.

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King of Crown

I definitely do returns, I do 4 piece returns on big pieces of crown, but I am being compensated for it. I return all my base, and I am being compensated. I wouldnt go to a house that needed just quarter round in the first place, unless i was being compensated for it. thats all i am saying. Someone who wasnt familiar with bidding could end up spending 4 days on a job and walking, because its no longer worth their time. People get caught up making stuff look amazing for crap pay, and end up loosing their backside. I just want him to make sure that he is covered.

Oh yeah, I prefer the 22.5 return.

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El Dorado Wood

Do you mean a double 22.5? So... it's 45'd back to the wall?

Just curious. That's how I like to do returns also (dbl 22.5). I think it looks a ton nicer, and it doesn't leave a pokey 90 degree corner.

fci

Here's is what we do. Won't do the 22.5 or returns. We take a belt sander with a fine grit and curve the ends to appear as a return. Once you do it enough, you get really good plus it's safer than cutting bullets out of the miter box. Takes less time as cutting a little piece for the return, looks exactly the same, doesn't break off, can be stained, and takes less time in the install if not less. Customers love it.

Steve Unkie

I always return it. 22.5 or 45 depends on size and type of moulding and it's termination point.
Steve.

embe78

dont mean to hijack but what is a 4 piece return
thanx

King of Crown

i meant three piece. 11.25 4x. Hot glue gun is key here. I use this on crown.

i use 22.5 on base.

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