Updated on Home Improvement

Baseboards: How to replace them

The baseboards in your house are important for many reasons. Baseboards that are bright and clean can enhance any space by creating a visual distinction between the walls and flooring. The baseboards protect the walls against damage caused by things such as cleaning, moving furniture, building work, and playing. The baseboards can be damaged by the cleaning, moving and construction work. Scuffs, scrapes and stains can no longer be removed. It’s best to get rid of them completely when this happens.

Replace baseboards can be a great DIY project. Rough River Hardware has some tips on how to replace baseboards.

The first step is to remove the old baseboards.

Supplies and tools:

  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Pry Bar
  • Knife for Putty
  • Pliers
  • Sandpaper
  1. Remove the old baseboards. Use a chisel, putty or sledgehammer to separate the baseboards and the wall.
  2. Use a light tap with a putty blade between the baseboards and wall if caulking has been applied on the seam at the top where the baseboards join the wall. You may have to use a chisel if the putty is not strong enough. Be careful, though, as you don’t want your walls damaged.
  3. Use a pry-bar to gently remove the baseboards from the wall. Insert the edge of the bar into the hole you created, and pull back. Place a piece of thin wood behind the bend of the pry-bar to prevent further wall damage.
  4. Remove any remaining nails from the wall after removing the baseboards.
  5. Scrape any caulk residue or leftover paint with the putty blade.
  6. The wall should be flat and level. The baseboards will be the most flat and even possible.

The second step is to measure and prep.

Supplies and tools:

  • Measurement tapes or Laser measuring tools
  • Miter saw
  • Stud finder
  • Paint
  1. Calculate the amount of trim that you will need by measuring all wall bases. Purchase extra trim in case you have any waste after cutting.
  2. Trim the pieces to fit the dimensions of your walls, but keep in mind that you will need longer trim for the corners.
  3. Use your mitersaw to cut baseboards at 45 degrees, long sides facing the wall.
  4. Cut the angle at 45 degrees for outside corners. The longer edge of the baseboard should be the side facing the wall. This will reduce the gaps and give the corners a natural look.
  5. Cut one of the baseboards so the long side faces the wall. The other with the same length will face out. This will allow the two pieces to slide over each other and create a seamless fitting than if you were to cut them out side-by-side.
  6. Do it right away if you plan to paint your baseboards. It will be easier to do a touch-up at the end if you use the same color paint.
  7. After you’ve cut all your trim pieces and have beveled them, mark a number at the bottom of each one. Then write the corresponding number where the piece is to be mounted. It will make it easier to ensure that the trim pieces are installed in the correct place.
  8. Find the studs behind the wall using a studfinder. They are usually 16″ apart.

Step 3: Install

Tool & Supply:

  • 16 gauge finish nailer
  • Nails
  • Caulk for molding and trimming
  • Caulking gun
  • Wood Filler
  • Paint
  1. Start nailing your pieces in place from the inside corner. This part can be done with a hammer, nail punch, or finishing nail gun.
  2. Drive two 1-1 1/2″ nails through the baseboard into the studs behind.
  3. Once you have one piece in place, continue to put two nails into the baseboard for each stud. After you’ve installed one piece, move the beveled edge in front or behind their matching counterparts.
  4. Make sure the corners are aligned correctly, especially at the inside and outside corner.
  5. Add caulk between the upper baseboard of the wall and the wall. Fill in seams by adding caulk at the corners.
  6. Fill in nail holes with wood filler.
  7. Touch up the wood filler with matching paint.
  8. Remove any visible scratches.

Baseboards can be used to update the appearance of your home or office. You will enjoy them for many years. Rough River Hardware is happy to assist you with the selection of the correct tools or supplies for your project.

Disclaimer: This website and the articles are only for educational and informational purposes. All articles on this site are written with the utmost care to ensure accuracy and completeness. The article writers, editors, and business represented by this website assume no liability for errors, misinterpretations, or incorrect interpretations of articles. They will also not be held responsible for direct, indirect, or consequential damages incurred as a result of completing tasks described in articles or this website. It is also recommended that the readers verify local bylaws, building codes, and zoning laws.