Removing and replacing baseboard trim is a fairly straightforward DIY project. Reasons to remove the baseboard may be to replace damaged pieces, paint or stain the existing piece for an updated color, or completely replace the trim for an updated manner. If you want a more traditional wait in a room attempt a baseboard trim with a serial of curves or detail. A more modern and minimal trim piece with directly edges will accept a contemporary look.

baseboard trim

Tools needed

  • Flat pry bar
  • Chisel
  • Hammer
  • Thin scrap of forest
  • Record and marking pen
  • Wood mucilage
  • Nails
  • Optional: new baseboard trim pieces

Skill Level: Low

Removing and replacing your baseboard trim

  1. If your baseboard trim has quarter-circular trim piece (the piece that is attached to the floor), remove it with a small flat pry bar tool. Start at one end and work slowly to avoid damaging the floors. If this piece is being re-used, be sure to label the backside so yous know exactly where to replace it. If you lot need to use the quarter-circular piece as a template for a new slice, label information technology to create the pattern.
  2. If your baseboard trim incorporates a top molding piece (the slice that is attached to the wall), remove information technology using the same technique as in step one.
  3. Using your pry tool, slowly pry abroad the baseboard trim piece from the wall. Employ a call back slice of forest or shingle to human action every bit a wedge between the baseboard trim and wall. Movement it along the baseboard as you pry information technology away from the wall. Label the location of each slice.
  4. If your baseboard trim is not popping off the wall easily, identify the metal pry bar betwixt the trim and the wall and place your scrap piece of wood on meridian of the face of the baseboard. Gently tap the chip forest to force the nails out from the trim slice and remove them with your hammer.
  5. With your new or updated trim in mitt, and all the pieces labeled with the advisable locations, lay out all the pieces so you tin work efficiently. Spread wood glue on the back side of the wood trim (plenty to comprehend the dorsum side but not so much that it squeezes out the sides) and push the trim confronting the wall. Use finishing nails (nails with a small head) to fix the trim to the wall. Use a smash dial tool to sink the nails in.

If your baseboard trim needs repair or replacement, and you'd similar to find a professional to exercise the piece of work for you, find a Handyman on Porch.com.

Superlative image credit: Debra J Interiors