A Guide to Replacing Your Baseboards
Are your baseboards damaged or out of style? Replacing them is easier than you think. Learn the basics of baseboard replacement so you can tackle this DIY project with confidence.
Step 1: Remove the Old Baseboards
The first step is to take off the old trim—carefully. Start the baseboard removal process by scoring the caulk line at the top of the board with a utility knife. This helps prevent wrecking the wall when you pry off the wood.
Starting at one end, slide a pry bar behind the trim and gently pull it away from the wall. Work slowly, moving along the length of the board. Once removed, pull out any remaining nails or fasteners from the wall.
Step 2: Measure and Procure Your Boards
One important tip for installing baseboards is to take careful measurements. Add about 10% extra to your total length to account for waste and mistakes.
Head to a lumberyard, pick out the baseboard style you like best, and place your order. When the wood arrives, acclimate it to your home’s temperature and humidity by leaving the boards in the space for a few days. This step reduces the risk of shrinking or warping following installation.
Step 3: Cut the Baseboards
Next, sketch the layout of the room, noting the lengths of each wall and marking the corners. It’s best to use a coping saw for tightly fitting inside corners, while miter cuts at 45 degrees work best for outside corners.
Follow the old rule—measure twice, cut once—and aim to make your boards slightly longer than necessary on the first cut. It’s better to trim down than cut too short! For long stretches where one piece of baseboard isn’t long enough, use a scarf joint (two boards cut at 45-degree angles) to create a smooth transition.
Step 4: Install the New Baseboards
Find the wall studs using a stud finder so you know where to nail the baseboards. Hold the first baseboard in place, making sure it’s level, and use finishing nails or a nail gun to attach the board to the wall. Nails should be placed at both the top and bottom of the baseboard about every 16 inches.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
For a perfect finish, caulk the gap between the baseboard and wall, then fill nail holes with wood filler. Sand any rough patches for a clean, professional look. After everything is caulked, filled, and sanded, paint or stain your baseboards to match the room’s design.