Detail Base Molding Around a Column

In the finished version of this detail molding installation, you can see that there are several pieces that make up this final appearance. In order to be successful with getting a professional looking installation, there is a recommended procedure which we will discuss to help you to get the perfect cuts to obtain the desired end result. If you do plan your move during this installation, you may find out that these cuts can be very difficult to get just right, and you may find that your end result is loosely fitted group of pieces. But instead, if you follow this method, you will find that the cuts are much easier to make correctly, and the resulting appearance and fit together of pieces is just right.

When I was a younger woodworker, I thought that I could take measurements just cut all of the pieces ahead of time, and then complete the nailing to together of all of the components. I learned as I became more experienced, that a planned method to the installation is critical to the success of getting perfect cuts and that professional looking appearance with the finished product.

In the past, I would have started this project at one end and worked my around to the other end, and although you can do that, you’ll find difficulty in obtaining the correct measurement to make a tight fit of these pieces, and you’ll find assembly of the pieces to be difficult as well. So this time we will start on both ends, and then work our way around and finish up on one corner. The photos we are reviewing are faux columns that we installed in our Home Theater, and we want to dress them up a bit to add more appeal to the room design. On the photo series that we will review, this particular column had a step located on one side of the column, and so the molding only butts into the step. I also show you the finished photo of a column with two sides complete, and the process is the same for two sides because you would still finish in one corner last. And do not attempt to install the two corners, and then try to fit into the middle, as it is so much easier to work your way into one last corner to finish the job.

The first step will be to cut and nail in place the small black base pieces on one side of the column. If you are working on a column with two sides, then it is important to cut each of these side pieces separately, as the two sides on the column may not be exactly the same dimension, and may vary as much as 1/8” or larger. This difference could create an unsightly gap if you cut the piece too short. So you should first cut the one side black base piece, and then you hold in place the corner post to determine if you have the correct cut length, and the post should rest squarely against the corner of the column. Do not nail in place this first black piece just yet.