Tools that you will need to perform this task are:
- Putty Knife
- Flat Pry Bar
- Finishing Hammer (if using finishing nails)
- Brad Nailer with compressor (if using brad nails) Preferred Method
- Chop Saw
- Tape Measure
- Carpenter Pencil
- Caulking Gun
- Damp Rag
Installing baseboard moulding is a relatively simple process, but there are number of factors to consider before you start the install.
Removing Existing Baseboard Molding
If you are removing old baseboard molding, you should consider being careful when removing each piece, so not to damage the wall. Start from one end, working your way to the other end, beginning with an end that is cut at a right angle; such as by a door or baseboard heater.
If there is painters caulking along the top ridge of the baseboard molding, it needs to be scored with a utility knife before trying to pry it off the wall. Once the caulking is scored, insert a putty knife between the wall and the baseboard molding and pry it out slightly, taking care not to break the putty knife. Once you get the baseboard out slightly, slide a piece of thin card board in behind the putty knife. Once the cardboard is in place, slide your flat pry bar in beside the putty knife, removing the putty knife. This piece of cardboard will act as a barrier between pry bar and wall, so not to damage the wall. If the wall is damaged, you will have to repair the drywall before painting and installing new baseboard moldings. Repairing the wall will be covered in the “How to Install Drywall” post.
Remove each piece of molding at intervals, following each of the above mentioned steps. Nails in the baseboard should only be in areas where there are wall studs. Wall studs are normally at 16 inch centers, so my suggestion is to measure and mark each stud on the old baseboard in relation to where the first set of nails were found, and only pry in those marked areas, working your way around the room in a circular motion, one piece of molding after another.
To be continued…
