Let’s suppose, in your bathroom, the baseboard and tile floor had gaps. As a result, water often kept seeping inside the tile floor. It also created a passageway for bugs! How horrible is that?
That’s why a secure sealant like caulk can solve your problem.
So, wondering how to caulk baseboards to tile floor?
Firstly, you need to choose the best caulk for this. After that, proceed to clean the area of caulking. Tape the floor accordingly to avoid spilling the caulk. Next, start applying the caulk. Observe the area for possible mistakes and finally, paint your baseboard.
If you need a more detailed instruction, we got your back! Here, we’ve given a complete guide of these 6 steps. So, keep reading!
How Do You Caulk Baseboards to the Tile Floor?
If the gap between the baseboard and tile floor is around ⅛”, caulking is a perfect choice. Caulking is a better alternative than grouting between baseboard and tile. That’s because grout has a higher chance of leaving cracks between them.
There are 6 easy steps by which you can successfully caulk baseboards to the tile floor. And before we begin this project, here are the tools you’d need-
Tools Needed
Before you begin your sealing project, grab the following tools first-
- Caulk (Paintable Ones)
- Caulking Gun
- Paint
- Latex Gloves
- Masking Tape
- Dry rag
- Putty Knife
- Tap Water
- Vacuum
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
Now, we’re showing you 6 steps to caulk baseboards to tile floor-
Step 1 of 6: Choosing the Right Caulk
Wondering what type of caulk between tile and baseboard should you choose? The caulk’s sealing property is not the only important thing. You also need to consider the flexibility of the caulk for proper adjustment of gaps.
Different types of caulks have different flexibility and sealing properties. So you should choose wisely to fill the gaps. The best types of caulks are explained below-
Acrylic Caulk
It is relatively easier to do caulking with acrylic caulks because it’s not sticky. This is the reason why it’s one of the most popular caulks used. It’s also less messy to work with.
Acrylic caulks do not have an adhesive property. But it has a double layer of sealing as a property. The double layer of caulking can easily be applied to the top or bottom edges. It can even be applied on corners!
One disadvantage of using acrylic caulking is that it isn’t waterproof. So, you shouldn’t use them in bathrooms or other similar places.
Silicone Caulk
People often use silicone caulking instead of grouting for its many advantages. Such as its durability and strong adhesive properties.
Silicone is wonderful to use for caulking metal and plastic baseboards with tiles. So, for places like the bathroom, it’s perfect. Unfortunately, it’s not ideal for wooden baseboards.
Latex Caulk
Latex caulks have an advantage that acrylic caulks do not. Which is that they are waterproof. So, this caulk helps immensely in stopping water from flowing out of gaps.
It’s also very flexible, so you won’t have to worry about the caulks cracking!
Adhesives
Caulking based adhesives are a good alternative to general caulks. They serve the purpose of caulking pretty well. You can use them in any baseboard and tile gap.
However, you will need a coating of another type of caulk as a finishing touch.
Step 2 of 6: Smoothening and Cleaning the Area
This is a crucial step to perform before you begin caulking. So, to create a clean surface, take your putty knife. Scrape off all reminders of old paint and dirt. Do it for the places you’ll apply the caulking.
Next, begin the cleaning process. For this, clean up the dirt you have just scraped with a vacuum cleaner. Then, create a cleaning mixture using baking soda and warm water in a 2:1 ratio.
Wash the areas with the cleaning mixture and allow the place to dry.
Step 3 of 6: Taping the Floor
Alright, now imagine you’re doing a fun DIY art project! And we all know that masking tapes are mandatory for almost any DIY projects, right?
Grab your masking tape and identify the exact line of caulking. Then, measure if the gap between the baseboard and tile floor is ⅛”. Tape the opposite edges of the gap accordingly.
The taping will aid you in creating a clean line of caulking. Because the excess caulks will also be taken off when you take off the tape too.
Step 4 of 6: Applying the Caulk
Now is the moment of truth! After all the preparations, now you can start applying the caulk. Take your caulk tube nozzle and create a hole in it. Then, squeeze out the caulk from the tube. Run it along with the gaps and that’s it.
Even after you’re done, is the caulking still not smooth? No worries! Just dip your index finger inside a warm bowl of water. Then run it along the caulks you’ve applied to smoothen it.
Only stop the smoothening process once the caulk no longer has any bumps. There, the gap between the baseboard and tile floor is sealed!
Step 5 of 6: Observing the Area
Okay, you’re almost done! Sometimes, after the caulking is over, you might be in for a surprise. That is, sometimes, random holes may appear inside the gaps. Yes, this can happen even after you’re done caulking them.
So, what do you need to do then? Nothing much. Just squeeze out some more caulks. Smoothen it with your finger like the previous step.
Now you’ve made sure the random gaps are filled. Then, wait for the caulking to dry completely. Thoroughly monitor the area and wait. In the end, slowly take off the tapes you’ve placed earlier.
Step 6 of 6: Painting the Baseboard
Now comes the fun part after all of your hard work! So, grab your desired paint and start painting the baseboard!
Some people color the baseboard the same as the wall. Some choose it to be different than that of the wall. So, choose any color that fits your taste.
Just remember to choose something which won’t make the baseboard look odd.
FAQs
Question: Why do grouts crack often but caulks do not?
Answer: Grouts are made of composite materials. This property makes it unable to withstand pressure. So, they have low flexibility and crack often. So, between grout or caulk between wall and tile, caulk is preferred.
Question: Do you caulk or paint baseboards first?
Answer: Painting is recommended to be done at last. Before painting, the baseboard needs to be sanded and primed thoroughly. You should make sure that its holes are filled. Then, apply the coat of paint.
Question: Do you caulk the bottom of baseboards?
Answer: Yes, you should caulk the bottom of baseboards. Because dirt and dust accumulate at the bottom the most. So, sealing with caulk stops this issue.
Bottom Line
These are the ways on how to caulk baseboards to tile floor. Just be patient and careful while working on your project. You’ll then get a wonderful result!
So, choose the appropriate caulk. Clean and tape the floor. Then, carefully observe the area after applying it. Paint your baseboard and you’re done!
Good luck!