Baseboard/Moldings - How do I replace these?

Question

I have 'baseboard' around my house that need to be replaced. They are made of horrible material that is no better than cardboard.  How do I replace these?

Gk · Answer

You go to your local lumber yard and select your baseboard material. I prefer wood and you have several choices in wood--oak, pine, mahogany, and wood like products, primed or unprimed. You will need the proper tools. I use a miter chop saw to cut the wood and a nail gun to install. You are probably going to be cutting some inside and outside corners so be prepared to figure out angles. If you are using wood that you would like to stain I cut all my pieces, number them on the back, and then I stain and poly first before I install. I have used a spray poly because it drys faster. I suggest 2 coats of poly.

Thelma · Answer

If you have a Chop-Saw {aka Miter Saw}, a level, a battery operated Brad Gun and box of brads, new molding strips from some place like Home Depot, some wood filler, paint with primer in it, paint brushes, painters' tape, a good helper, and some knowledge on how to use the aforementioned tools/supplies, you can easily remove the old moldings, cut & install the new strips, fill each area over the brads so they don't show, and then prime & paint them. Note this is not a quick job, it's not hard work, but it does take patience. Just remember to install the moldings with at least a 1/4' to 1/2' gap between it and the floors so the will have the necessary space for them {both the floors and the moldings} to move during the hot/cold and wet/dry times as all wood things do. Best idea I have for you to learn how to do these things is to go to Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. and purchase one of their 'How-To' construction manuals then use it to practice on some old wood and learn how to work with wood. Good Luck!!!

Jeanette S · Answer

Take them of carefully so as not to damage your walls. Repaint your walls after you remove these and repair any caulk, etc., you have to clean off. You don't want to put up molding on old painted walls.

If you are not proficient in using a miter box/saw, get some corner pieces that lets you put flat edge of baseboard to flat edge of the corner piece. No fitting required. You can get these at your big box stores. You can shorten them to make the height more balanced.

HINT: Get pre-primed molding! It is worth it. And paint before you put it up.

Here is a photo of the corner piece.

Annie · Answer

It’s not difficult if you’re handy. Pry the old boards off. Buy trim that appeals to you at a lumber yard, HD, etc. Best if you have a miter saw. You can use a miter box but it’s much tougher to get precise cuts. Practice with some scrap pieces (use old baseboard if possible) Your corner cuts will be 45 degree cuts, doorway cuts 90 degrees. If you can, start with a smaller room to get comfortable with it. Mark the wall where the studs are and use finish nails to secure trim to studs. Use a countersink to drive the nail deeper than the board and fill hole with wood putty. Good luck!

Sara Laya · Answer

Hi Dawne! Here's a helpful video I found on how to remove and replace baseboards! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KpuU4s69Q8

Baseboard/Moldings - How do I replace these?

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Baseboard/Moldings - How do I replace these?

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