Installing Baseboard, Remove And Replace Or Install New

You may be installing baseboard or removing and reinstalling your existing baseboard, you need to determine what your going to use to cover the expansion gap around the walls. You have a few options here. I will show how to remove and replace the existing baseboard or how to install new baseboard. The other option would be to install quarter round on the existing baseboard.

Removing Existing Baseboard

Removing the baseboard so you can reinstall it after the new flooring is installed is one way to save some money. It saves you from having to cut each piece when installing new baseboard but you will have to put time into cleaning the old baseboard and maybe repainting it.

When the baseboard was originally installed most likely the top edge was filled in with caulking to cover the space.You need to cut along the top edge where the baseboard meets the wall with a utility knife, that has a point. If you do not cut the caulking away from the wall, when you pull the baseboard away you will rip the paper on the drywall. This means more work for you.

Getting the baseboard loose from the wall

I'm using two pry bars to pry the baseboard up from the bottom so I will not damage the drywall on the wall.

To remove the baseboard from the wall you may think that using a pry bar at the top will work. I have found that doing it this way can sometimes push the drywall in and then you will have to patch it. The best way is to use a small thin pry bar at the bottom, find a spot where you can work it under the baseboard and pry it up enough to get a larger pry bar under and then you can pry it loose with the larger pry bar.

Pry the Baseboard from the Back

Use the pry bars to pry the baseboard away from the wall so you will not push in the drywall

After you have the baseboard loose from the wall pry it away from the wall from the back. Do not push the pry bar but pull it towards you. This way you will not put pressure on the drywall which could push it in.

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