Flooring
Quarter Round
Quarter round is a small molding with a quarter-circle profile installed at the junction of floor and baseboard. Its primary purpose is covering the expansion gap required around floating floors, but it also provides a finished appearance and protects baseboard bottoms from vacuum damage.
While some view quarter round as optional or even undesirable, it serves practical purposes especially with floating floor installations. Modern alternatives include shoe molding (smaller profile) and flush baseboards with integrated gaps.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Quarter-circle profile
- ✓Covers expansion gaps
- ✓Protects baseboards
- ✓Various materials
- ✓Easy installation
- ✓Practical finishing piece
Types & Variations
Wood quarter round (traditional)
MDF quarter round (economical)
Flexible quarter round (curves)
Painted/primed
Stained to match flooring
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Nail quarter round to baseboard, not floor—this allows floor to expand underneath. Paint or stain to match trim, not flooring, for unified appearance. Cope inside corners for best fit.
💡 Pro Tip
For a cleaner look, use shoe molding instead of quarter round—its smaller profile is less visually intrusive. Or undercut baseboards during installation to eliminate visible gaps entirely.