What Is Cove Base Floor Trim?

Styles

• Cove trim is typically carved into patterns, whereas baseboards are usually quite simple. Common styles include rope braiding along the top and bottom; egg and dart, which features alternating shapes that are carved into the surface of the wood; or carving that creates dimension in the wood. If you already have cove molding for your ceiling, look for a matching pattern for the floor trim. This will bring the entire design of the room together.

Materials

• Floor trim typically brings to mind wood, and this is by far the most commonly used material. It is durable and can be finished with either paint or stain. A new material, polystyrene foam, is now being used for both ceiling and floor trim. This material is very hard but easy to cut and has numerous installation as well as cost benefits. Hardwood trim can be very expensive, while foam trim is generally much more economical.

Installation Process

• To install wooden cove base trim, you will need a miter, a circular saw and finishing nails. The corners are typically the area that frustrate most DIYers as it can be difficult to match these sections up. One solution is premade corners that can be joined with the rest of the trim. Foam base trim is installed by coating the wall and the trim with adhesive and gluing them together. This type of trim can be cut with a utility knife and does not require special tools.

Finished Versus Unfinished

• Whether you decide to go with wood or foam trim, both are available in finished or unfinished styles. Unfinished foam floor trim will come in white and can be painted to look like wood or painted to match the other trim in the home. Wood trim will come as raw wood if it is unfinished and can be stained to the desired color. Prefinished wood is easier for beginners, but it can present a challenge when trying to match existing wood in the home.