Mastering Quarter Round Installation: Pro Tips from The Ultimate Flooring Guy

When it comes to giving your flooring project that crisp, clean, professional finish, few elements matter as much as the quarter round. It's a small detail that can make a big difference. At The Ultimate Flooring Guy, we believe in teaching both DIY homeowners and seasoned installers the best tricks of the trade—and today, that means diving deep into how to install polystyrene quarter round with precision and ease.

Why Polystyrene Quarter Round?

Polystyrene quarter round is one of the most cost-effective trim options on the market today. Compared to pine or PVC alternatives, polystyrene offers a sleek, factory-finished look that doesn't require any painting. This alone can save hours of time and hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars over the course of a year.

For contractors, using this material can significantly increase profit margins. As The Ultimate Flooring Guy explains, polystyrene trim is around $2 cheaper per 8-foot stick than its PVC counterpart. Over large projects or multiple homes, that difference adds up fast.

Plus, it's moisture-resistant, making it a great fit for homes with high humidity or potential water exposure—especially when paired with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.

Tools You'll Need for a Smooth Install

Proper tools make all the difference. In this guide, Todd recommends a few essential items:

• Professional-grade corner cutters: These cutters are crucial for clean 45° angle cuts. While cheaper versions exist at some Lowe's locations, Todd prefers a brand called Crane for long-lasting, accurate results.

• Knee rollers: Often overlooked, these rollers allow you to glide around the room instead of constantly standing up and down. Not only does this save time, but it also protects your joints from unnecessary strain.

• 16-gauge angled finish nailer (20V): A powerful tool for securing quarter round to the baseboard without damaging the LVP below. It allows angled nailing into the baseboard for a seamless finish.

Pro Techniques: Layout, Cutting & Caulking

Before making a single cut, Todd recommends laying out your quarter round throughout the room. This lets you plan your cuts, check fit, and avoid wasted material.

1. Master the 45° Cut
For outside corners, you'll want clean miters. Using the professional corner cutter, slice at 45°, then slightly hollow out the back of each cut for a snug connection.

2. Fit and Fasten Carefully
Once the cut is made, press the piece into the corner, ensuring it's tight to the wall and floor. Angle your nailer slightly upward to catch the baseboard without puncturing the LVP underneath.

3. Nail Strategically
Not every part of the wall will hold a nail the same way. If the baseboard is floating or the drywall is uneven, adjust your angle. Press the trim tightly against the floor and fire into a spot that ensures a solid hold.

4. Caulk for Perfection
After installing all your pieces, a thin bead of caulk along the top edge seals the deal—literally and visually. It hides any minor gaps and creates a flawless finish.

Flooring Recommendations from the Pro

Todd stands by Cali Vinyl flooring, calling it his go-to brand. "I've installed it for years and never had a callback," he says. That's saying something in an industry where callbacks can eat into time and profits.

Even better? You can buy Cali Vinyl directly through TheUltimateFlooringGuy.com at prices lower than big box retailers like Lowe's or Home Depot. Since Todd works directly with the manufacturer, he passes the savings along to his customers—especially contractors who buy in bulk.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're laying floors professionally or giving your living room a DIY facelift, mastering your quarter round game is a game-changer. It's all about the details—and Todd is here to walk you through every step.

Stay tuned to The Ultimate Flooring Guy for more tutorials, tool reviews, and pro insights. Need help picking out the right LVP? Want to get contractor pricing? Visit theultimateflooringguy.com or call The Ultimate Flooring Guy 910.200.5136