Having done some research for restoration following a fire we had in our 1917 foursquare, I have discovered that shoe molding seems to be more common in older houses. As a personal preference, I also like it because it seems to give a more craftsman 'finished look' to the baseboards.
jim gibbs - 12 years ago
Another consideration in the qtr rd vs shoe debate is whether it is to be painted to match the
baseboard or stained to match the floor. The proportions of shoe molding make it more
appropriate for the former since at normal viewing angles it appears to be part of the vertical
surface. Quarter round's proportions, however, make it appear more like part of the
horizontal surface, and therefore may be more appropriate for stained applications.
Having done some research for restoration following a fire we had in our 1917 foursquare, I have discovered that shoe molding seems to be more common in older houses. As a personal preference, I also like it because it seems to give a more craftsman 'finished look' to the baseboards.
Another consideration in the qtr rd vs shoe debate is whether it is to be painted to match the
baseboard or stained to match the floor. The proportions of shoe molding make it more
appropriate for the former since at normal viewing angles it appears to be part of the vertical
surface. Quarter round's proportions, however, make it appear more like part of the
horizontal surface, and therefore may be more appropriate for stained applications.