What is the proper way to attach base shoe molding on a hardwood floor?

What is the proper way to attach base shoe molding on a hardwood floor?

• A. Nail it to the floor only
• B. Nail with a pneumatic nailer to prevent splitting
• C. Alternately to the base molding and the floor
• D. Nail it to the baseboard only

Answer: (D)

Base shoe molding sits against the baseboard and the floor, so it’s best secured to the baseboard rather than the hardwood floor. Nailing through the shoe into the baseboard provides a solid hold while avoiding damage to the floor and allowing the wood to move with seasonal changes. Use small finishing nails through the shoe into the baseboard (or into studs behind the baseboard), then set and fill the nail holes for a clean finish. Attaching to the floor can crack or dent the hardwood, and alternating into floor and baseboard isn’t standard practice.

Base shoe molding sits against the baseboard and the floor, so it’s best secured to the baseboard rather than the hardwood floor. Nailing through the shoe into the baseboard provides a solid hold while avoiding damage to the floor and allowing the wood to move with seasonal changes. Use small finishing nails through the shoe into the baseboard (or into studs behind the baseboard), then set and fill the nail holes for a clean finish. Attaching to the floor can crack or dent the hardwood, and alternating into floor and baseboard isn’t standard practice.