Drywall/Baseboard Gap

jane99

(To preface--I also posted this under "Home Remodeling," before finding this more specific forum. My apologies, for "double" posting.) Contractor is renovating a room in my house, which dates to the 1880's. Renovation included demo of the original plaster, rewiring, and installation of drywall. I had requested that all original trim be saved for re-use. However, it was impossible for the baseboard to be removed without splintering, so it was left in place. When they installed the drywall, they cut the bottom of the panels even with the top of the baseboard, so there is no overlap. Consequent to mudding, in some spots a gap remains between the top of baseboard and the drywall, because in those areas, the mud just fell down into the wallspace. The contractor would like to remedy this by installing quarter round on TOP of the baseboard to hide the gaps. I'm not too thrilled with the idea. I considered using base cap moulding, or cove moulding, but the standard sizes would not be as wide as the top of the baseboard and gap (1" total), and would leave a narrow ledge. Suggestions? Would tape and caulk be a possible solution? I don't think shims (and caulk) would work--the baseboard would support them on one side, but since there is no drywall behind the baseboard, there's nothing to support shims from behind. Would appreciate suggestions from anyone who has encountered such a situation--thanks

tcleve4911

Can't read it
Punctuation, paragraphs and sentences on this forum please.

jane99

Not sure why you can't read it--I used all you mentioned . . . maybe because I copied and pasted? This is also posted under "Home Improvement" . . .

DrHicks

Could you post a picture, please?

jane99

I can't seem to upload a photo.

DrHicks

Well crud!

If what I am envisioning is accurate, 3/4" quarter-round, nailed to the top of the baseboard, could probably be made to look pretty good. Of course, getting the color & finish to be anywhere near the baseboard is going to be tricky.

jane99

Original baseboard was painted, so that's no problem, as it will all be painted again. I was just hoping there would be some way to avoid having a narrow ledge that would be created on top of the baseboard, since quarter round is 3/4" and the width from the drywall to the outer edge of the baseboard is closer to 1." From what I can determine, no standard mouldings come in 1" width--is that right?

DrHicks

I don't think I've ever run across 1" quarter-round.

Question though... Would a small "lip" actually look that bad? Even if you had 1" quarter-round, unless you got it perfect, then filled and sanded it, there would be an obvious seam there anyway.

It might not be ideal, but I think you're kind of beyond ideal anyway, right?

jane99

Sigh . . . yeah, can't and don't expect perfection in an old house. Just thought that since the gaps are intermittant, maybe there was some way to create a base for caulk and additional trim could be avoided altogether.

DrHicks

How wide are the biggest gaps?

jane99

About 1/4"

jane99

Sure do appreciate your responses--I have to get to an appt, but will definitely check back later on for any ideas you may have. Thank you very much!

DrHicks

Yeah. Crud. Basically, that's going to be too wide for caulk.

Again, I'm coming back to the idea of quarter-round. Maybe even 1/2 inch. It'll cover the gaps. And while it'll be obvious it's there, it might be the best look possible.

You could always go get a short piece of quarter round & set it up there. Paint it if you want. See what kind of "feel" you get by looking at it.

MikeKy55

I have seen shoe moulding 3/4" X 1", but it's been awhile.

jane99