In the world of building, finish carpentry is the second-to-last step before the homeowners move in-or in the case of a remodel like this one, before they reoccupy the room. My job is to make .sure that the framers, drywall installers, and flooring guys who came before me look good, and that the painter who comes after me isn't left with the task of hiding sloppy joints, excessive nail holes, and oversize gaps. Although many houses are trimmed with a one-piece, shaped baseboard that mimics the look of a traditional two-piece installation-a product known as speedbase-I still prefer the real deal: flat stock topped with a separate cap molding. This two-piece installation takes a bit longer, but it provides more leeway for finesse when it comes to hiding waves in walls and keeping joints tight at corners, even if they aren't square.
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