It is always worth remembering when you have base molding to install that preparation is vital. What kind of molding? What kind of wall are you attaching it to? These are the first questions to ask before any purchase is made. The other consideration will be the height and length of base molding required. Measure you room thoroughly and always allow a little extra. What you will find is that base moldings usually come in set lengths, so having each wall measured separately will help you to decide how many of these lengths you need to buy to avoid ugly joins.

*Finish required.

Before installing the base molding, it is wise to think about the finish you will be using. Often the base coat of finish can be painted or varnished onto the wood before you install the base molding. This is extremely useful as it will prevent accidents taking place in the painting stages. The base coat should be of a similar shade to that being use for the final coat, and even though you will be cutting miters and ends of base molding, these small areas can be touched in after the molding is in place.

*Height of molding.

It is vital that the molding takes account of the floor surface of the room where it is to be installed. For example, if carpet is to be laid, you will need to leave a gap so that the carpet can be laid beneath the base molding easily. If the floor is of laminate finish or parquet, you also need breathing space for the movement of the floor during hot and cold periods. If you do not leave a gap, what happens is that the floor can buckle, when it swells.

*How to cut molding.

You will need to invest in a miter saw. These are not terribly expensive and certainly worth having as a stock item in the home. Many are power tooled, although for a job as small as molding, you will get away with using a manual miter saw, which sits in a stand where the angle can be adjusted. This helps you to create perfect miters, though beware. It can be very easy to cut a miter the wrong way. Hold the pieces of base molding in place and with a pencil, mark the correct angle needed. Your marking doesn't have to be 100 per cent accurate, but will act as a reminder of the angle when you put the molding into the saw.

Start at the door of the room, and measure the molding for the first full length of the room. Remember that on corners, the exact length is vital. Although the miter takes away some of the wood, the corners need to be well placed to get a good finish. Cut all pieces in

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