If they have stature, a room becomes regal; when they are skimpy, that same space looks dowdy. The cap and the baseboards on each side of it are cut at a 22.5 degree angle. Slide the compass along the floor over the board's length, keeping the points aligned vertically. The baseboard trim is now ready to be primed and painted. Also, finding a molding profile that matches the existing trim can be challenging at best – and costly if it requires having the trim custom made. Employ the same methods for outside and inside corners, scarf and butt joints on the moulding. Scarf and Butt Joints If the baseboard doesn’t need to continue around any simply cut it and butt it up against the object (like a door trim). As … Measure and cut the baseboards for each wall. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. Slightly angle the blade so that you cut away from the backside of the baseboard. On older homes, verify locations with a nail. A miter box is also a good, economical option. A snow shovel helps you clear high-traffic areas of your yard, driveway, and sidewalk after a snowstorm. Secure it at each stud with an 8d nail driven at a slight downward angle through the thicker parts of the molding. video for S19 E14: Precast Concrete, New Lamppost. … Set the circular saw blade depth to the depth of the board, and on a 5-degree bevel with the face of the cut toward the wall. If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. To determine the amount of baseboard material you need, measure each straight section of the wall and round up to the nearest whole-foot dimension divisible by two. If you are a beginner, add six inches (or more) to your total measurement to give yourself some leeway. But when an exact replica is needed, he'll have custom molding milled up. It cost less than $10 and was done in one day! It might also include any present shoe molding. Drag the compass point along the floor, drawing a line across the bottom of the baseboard. Add additional room to your measurements to allow for outside corners. Tap nail heads below the wood surface with a nail set. This will prevent the paint and wood from pulling away with the trim once you start prying. Starting at an inside corner, hold the first board against the wall, level it, then tack it in place with a nail or two. They form the bulk of the baseboard. In houses built after World War II, however, fancy gave way to cheap, and the vital floor-to-wall transition became the domain of thin, featureless one-piece trim. Tighten Mitered Cuts. Use a sliding T bevel to help determine the new angles for the corner. Measure the perimeter of the room(s) with a tape measure, rounding up to the nearest whole-foot dimension divisible by two. Once the fit is good, apply a thin bead of wood glue to mitered edges and nail in place with finishing nails. Professionals know how to remove wooden baseboards without damaging the material, thus, making it possible for you to reuse the plastic or wood. 2. For inside corners, simply butt the baseboard ends together, then nail them to the wall. In older homes, you may run into issues with walls that are not square. Make sure it lines up evenly with the chalk line on your wall. ", Step 11: Dry-fit the baseboard back onto the floor. Cut each miter about 1/16–inch longer than necessary. When two walls meet in an inside corner, one baseboard should be coped to fit into the other baseboard for a seamless look. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. Scrape and sand off any remaining glue or caulk left on the wall. Start at an inside corner. The cost to hire a general contractor for baseboard replacement depends on their rates. Making a new baseboard the same height as the original isn't difficult; finding a cap molding with the same profile can be, especially on an old house. Insert a putty knife between the quarter-round or shoe molding and the baseboard molding and pry gently to loosen the shoe molding, working along the entire length of the molding. Touch up the baseboard with primer paint. Install the First Piece. Number the back of each board and write that same number on the wall where the board will go. Scribing ", Step 6: Place the boards back on the wall and drive two 8d finish nails into the wall on each side of the miter. Install them prior to the carpet 3/8"-1/2" above the subfloor. Use a 4-foot level to determine if your floor is level. To avoid marking the wood, use a nail set to drive the heads just below the wood surface. Between these nails, drive a 4d finish nail through the joint and into the end grain of the opposite piece. Painter Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to take an old piece of furniture and give it a new life with a little bit of paint. 35 Posts . When the shoe molding is loose, use a pry bar or a chisel to finish prying it off. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. Another tool to help speed up the process is an eclectic brad nailer. Mark the same way. Baseboards were often three-piece affairs consisting of a flat plank, a decorative cap molding, and a rounded shoe molding to cover gaps along the floor. ", Step 4: Outside Corner Cuts Depending on how long it takes to replace your baseboards, you could pay anywhere from $70 to $360. While electric baseboard heaters are easier and cheaper to install than forced air systems (or hydronic baseboard heaters), they are also less … ", Step 8: The first step in replacing baseboards is to remove the old ones. Running baseboard is also good for perfecting carpentry skills. Larger houses might exceed the high end price. 1. Baseboards are typically composed of three components: cap moulding, baseboards and shoe moulding. Make sure you have the right type of vehicle to transport the material. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. In older homes, replacing it entirely risks damage to the plaster, and can be a difficult process if the baseboard is tucked behind the wood floor. Despite their lowly position along the floor, baseboards are one of a house's defining features. Remove the old molding carefully; if it isn't already broken, don't break it. Smaller homes or homes with only one room with baseboards will have lower costs. Scribing is a method to transfer odd shapes and wavy walls or floors to your work piece. Install them flush to the subfloor prior to the carpet install. Apply gentle pressure on the top of the flat bar to pry the baseboard away from the wall to reveal a gap of about ¼ inch. Fortunately, it's easy to replace modern moldings with taller, thicker, two- or three-part baseboards. Basic profile. Set a 4-foot level on the floor next to the wall to see if the floor is level. Cap moulding fits on top of the baseboards to add an ornamental touch and are optional. If you are not ready to invest in a set of power tools, see your local Home Depot’s tool rental for affordable options. Coping an Inside Corner Joint video for How to Refinish a Wood Table with Paint, How To Drill Through Ceramic Tile With Ease, How to Cover a Concrete Wall with Stone Veneer, How to Cut a Pass-Through in a Load Bearing Wall, How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall. A homeowner can easily learn how to install baseboards with this easy-to-follow project guide. Replacing the old baseboard is a worthwhile investment, and you’ll be able to reap the dividends in the long run in the form of lower electricity bills, a comfortable living and a relaxed environment at your home. Once you have the measurements, it’s time to head to your local Home Depot to get your moulding. Trim the beveled edge down to the line with a block plane. Do the same thing at the next mark. Before you head to your local Home Depot to buy your baseboard and supplies, save time and money by accurately measuring first. ", Step 10: Glue and overlap the miters, then nail through the piece that covers the joint (not through the joint itself) and into the stud. Using a miter box or a power miter saw, cut the baseboard at a 45-degree angle. This is one of the biggest DIY jobs I have attempted on my own. Join outside corners with miters, marking and cutting as in Step 4. Without changing the spread of the compass's legs, hold the pencil on the baseboard and the point against the floor. Baseboard moulding is a simple way to add instant character to a room. First, hold the two boards tightly against the outside corner and pencil a mark in two places across the joint. Tip: "You want to cut next to the line marking the joint," says Tom. Use the top of the scrap baseboard as a point of reference to make horizontal marks every few inches, keeping at the same level, on the walls around the room. Snap a chalk line between the marks around the perimeter of the room to show where the top edge of all the baseboards should land when they're installed. A miter saw will help you quickly and accurately cut trim. Baseboards range from 3½- to 6-inches high and are predominantly flat. I'm totally over it. If not, move the level across the floor to find its lowest point. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Remove Old Baseboards Tip: Beveling the board's bottom edge makes it much easier to scribe-fit. Replacing baseboard electric heaters with wall heaters is a project that most tool savvy handy persons can accomplish without problems. Quantity includes typical waste overage, material for repair and local delivery. Make sure your working surface is clear of debris when operating power tools. The Baseboard Replacement – Envi Heater. Mark the same way. Miter the end at 45 degrees in opposite directions. Safety Tips for Installing Baseboard Note: For less flexible baseboard, the best solution is to simply fill any gaps with caulk. Drag the compass point along the floor, drawing a line across the bottom of the baseboard. Sometimes Tom will get lucky and locate the profile he needs from the 100 or so that good millwork shops keep in stock. ", Step 2: Next, at each stud location, hammer two 8d finish nails through the board, at a slight downward angle, near its top and bottom edges. "Then there's room to fine-tune and get it tight.". When removing old baseboards, start by checking the corners and tops of the molding for any caulk or other sealant, then cut through it with a utility knife. ", Step 9: Remove any nails that remain in the drywall. If the floor is not level, find the lowest point in the room and tack a scrap piece of baseboard to the wall. But if he's remodeling a house graced with good-looking baseboards, he tries his best to match the new trim to what's already there. Place the other board against the adjacent wall. Squeeze carpenter's glue into both slots and over the face of each half of the miter cut. If you’re installing new baseboards on wonky walls, it’s best to use molding made of a composite material like polystyrene, which is more flexible than wood. Set your compass points to span the vertical distance between the chalk line and either of the board's top corners. Tools and Supplies to Install Baseboards ", Step 3: Baseboard moulding comes in lengths up to 94-½ inches. Preparing to Install Baseboards You can, however, use a miter cut to join an inside corner. For the boards that meet outside corners, cut them a few inches longer than the wall to allow for miter cuts. Glue miter joints together; adding biscuits or nails may cause the narrow molding to split. Painting the baseboard or re-caulking it would’ve only provide a band-aid on an open wound, so I decided to replace the baseboard throughout the entire room. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Caulk along the top edge and corner edges and nail holes. This option will result in a less seamless look and will need additional finishing in the end. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. I'd love to replace it all and seeing how you tackle things as you can, when you can, when you have the budget..I think we can do this too. The two types of materials typically used for baseboards are solid wood, usually pine or oak, and medium-density fiberboard, an engineered composite made of wood remnants. For floors that are not level, you will need to scribe the bottom of the baseboard for an accurate fit. If you are not intending to install quarter round, or base shoe, the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. The corners need a cap on them to allow everything to fit nicely. ". How to replace baseboards. Mark the end of the to be coped. Tired of running out of hot water? How to Install Baseboard. Discussion Starter • #1 • Apr 4, 2007. Mark the top of the board to show the direction of the miter. Start running baseboard against inside corners and work toward outside corners. “You have to follow the contours of the walls,” says Dixon, “and use caulk or paint to hide … Cap moulding is often used with wainscot paneling or with a chair rail. Remove the board and set it onto a cutting surface. Place both boards back against the wall and check the join. Purchase one or two extra baseboards in case of cutting mistakes. All rights reserved. Depends on the room size; cutting tight joints requires patience and practice. When using a cap molding, place it on the base to see if the back of the molding fits snugly against the wall. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Alternatively, use scrap material for trial-and-error fitting until you find the correct angle cut. :) Thanks for the inspiration. Baseboard Cost Non-discounted retail pricing for: 2.25" x 0.594"oak ranch style base molding. Then remove the boards, set the biscuit joiner perpendicular to the cut face, and adjust the depth of its fence so the cut will be nearer to the back side of the boards. A week before installation, bring the wood inside to acclimate. Then slip a biscuit into each slot on one board and bring the two boards together. When starting from scratch, Tom Silva prefers the look of a base that's at least 6 inches high and ½ to ¾ inches thick, topped with a separate, deeply profiled cap molding. Removing and replacing baseboard trim is a fairly straightforward DIY project. This will result in a tight fit to the carpet as long as the tack strip is close enough to the baseboard. Problems Step 2: Double-Check the Cut of the Inside Corners At that point, tack a scrap piece of baseboard to the wall with a nail. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Set a 4-foot level on the floor next to the wall to see if the floor is level. The handiest tool is a miter saw. Use a miter saw to bevel cut the end at a 45-degree angle. Tom Silva shows how to install baseboard trim that become visual anchors for any room. Although installing baseboard is a straightforward DIY project, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind. Find and mark the studs in the wall; they'll serve as the firm base for nailing the baseboard. If the fit is good, nail into place with finishing nails. Need Help? Then nail the molding to the wall between the studs to hold it in place until the adhesive sets. FrogTape® asked to work with me to help make all the baseboards beautiful again. Finishing Before nailing it in place, mark the second piece the same way, and test for fitting. Place both boards back against the wall and examine the joint. Install shoe or cap moulding, if using. Go online to find baseboard installation professionals near you. Trim the board along the penciled line. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: While the installation of the baseboard trim itself isn’t hard, the cutting and measuring of the angles can be a bit tricky. Baseboards cover the joints between the walls and the floor and add an essential finishing touch to a room. Where two caps meet on a long wall, make a scarf joint as described in Step 8. An adventurous homeowner can learn to cut and install baseboards for their own home, making them a perfect DIY project. If there are gaps behind the molding and no stud to nail into, squeeze a bead of construction adhesive on the back of the molding at those spots and nail the molding to the studs, as above. Replacing baseboard heaters with forced air systems is a common decision that a lot of homeowners make. Its miter angle should be opposite of the previous board. If you’re having new floors put in, the same company that installs your flooring could probably also install your baseboards. Measure and cut one baseboard so that it fits flush against the wall with a straight cut next to a corner. End caps cost about $16 to $28 apiece. The cut will reveal the profile of your baseboard. Although they are optional, they help complete the look. Align the tool's centerline with a mark and plunge-cut a slot into the face of the cut. Installing a baseboard is a quick way to update a room and add a stylish finishing touch to any room. The marks should be equidistant from each other and from the edges of the board. Bring the boards into the room where you'll be installing them a few days before you start. Remove the board and set it onto a cutting surface. Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house. Measure and cut the baseboards for each wall. The company’s website has easy-to-follow installation videos. This way, the joint can be fine-tuned. Place the point of the compass even with the floor against the wall and the pencil against the baseboard slightly above the board's bottom. Cut away the old paint and caulk along the top edge of the trim. Using sandpaper, sand the bevel away to create a level cut at the marked line. You may not need all three components for your project. "In old houses, you often see the fanciest baseboard in the front room downstairs," says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. Finally, be sure to read the operation manuals for your power tools so that you are aware of all the safety precautions associated with each tool. Watch as Mark installs precast concrete steps, Mauro paints a table, and Heath installs a new lamppost. Shoe moulding is used when retrofitting or putting down new flooring. Here are four steps that can help you remove the baseboards from your wall correctly. Set the cut baseboard in place so it is flush against the floor and fits tightly … Sand all the mitered corners lightly with fine sandpaper to remove any sharp edges. If the join it too tight, use a sanding block to remove excess wood. If an electric miter saw is not in your budget, you can rent one. Reasons to remove the baseboard may be to replace damaged pieces, paint or stain the existing piece for an updated color, or completely replace the trim for an updated style. Glue and overlap the miters, then nail through the piece that covers the joint and into the stud. To find a snow shovel that’s right for you, read our review on the best snow shovels available. 132 linear feet: $187.04: $282.15: Baseboard Installation Labor, Basic Basic labor to install baseboard with favorable site conditions. Plus: Learn how to cope baseboard trim with a miter saw. However, if the gaps are larger than a ¼ inch, you will need to adjust the angles of the outside and inside corners to match the angle on the corners of the old wall. If you are using power tools such as a compound power miter saw or a finishing nailer, be sure to wear eye protection and ear plugs. If not, move the level across the floor… Mark the top of the board to show the direction of the miter. To make sure an outside miter joint stays tight, connect the two halves with glue and Number 10 compressed-wood biscuits. Snap a chalk line between the marks to indicate where the top edge of the baseboards should be once they're installed. Set the circular saw blade depth to the depth of the board, and on a 5-degree bevel with the face of the cut toward the wall. Set a compound miter saw to 45 degrees and cut each miter just outside of the line. If the joint is open at the front, a stroke or two with a block plane at the back … Replacing baseboards is your best option if they’re water-damaged, stained or warped. Typical baseboard materials. Length to 16 ft. When the scribed baseboard is put back on the wall, its top edge should line up with the chalk line snapped in Step 2. All Rights Reserved. When you encounter the doorway, measure … Supplyhouse.com sells several styles of replacement covers, called “baseboarders,” for about $16 to $27 per foot. I LOVE your baseboards, we'll just go slow, do a room at a time as we remodel other things and eventually we'll replace it all, right? Visit your local Home Depot for all latest deals on tools and supplies you need to get this baseboard project done. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. There are 3 common way to install new baseboards. Today, I want to show you how to repair your baseboards like a pro! If the joint gaps are small or the gaps between the wall and the baseboard are small, you can use caulk or wood putty to fill in the gaps. We have many customers who have replaced their baseboard and here is what they have to say: Brian, Oct 10, 2016 - “I just recently bought a 2nd Envi heater for my sons’ bedroom. At the other end draw a vertical line up the back of the board. This method may result in scuff marks on the new baseboards. To scribe, set the compass points to 1/4 inch apart. Today I’m walking you through all of the steps I took to replace my baseboard, which made SUCH a difference in this room. Remove the marked board and place the one that will make up the miter's other half against the adjacent wall. Most importantly, it makes quick work of cutting the corners on baseboard moulding. Use 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" brads to close the corner. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Make it a couple of inches longer in case of mistakes. To create tight fitting joints where cap molding meets at inside corners, cope the joints. Repairing baseboards isn’t hard but those unsightly cracks and chips can build up over time as a house settles. Removing your baseboards is not going to change how your carpet will look if it is done correctly, but it may be a better idea if baseboards need replacement or if you are working in an older home. When my husband was replacing the baseboards in the boys’ bedrooms, he had figured out that the inside length of the cap is 3/4″ and it gives you a perfectly sized piece for corner caps. Tip: Studs are usually placed 16 inches on-center, so after locating the first one you may be able to locate others using a tape measure. If it isn't tight on the side and top, go back to the saw or pick up a block plane and trim the wood until it is. ", Step 7: Shoe moulding is another ornamental detail at the bottom of the baseboard. Where two boards meet on a straight run, make a scarf joint by mitering the ends in opposite directions at a point where there's a stud. The joints required are simple butts, miters, and copes, and the same basic installation steps apply to all trimwork. My baseboard has layers of old paint as you can see in the pictures below. Using the top of this baseboard piece as a benchmark, make horizontal marks every few feet at the same level on the walls around the room. Caulk Gaps. To figure out how to install new baseboards on old walls, you will need to adjust the angles. The baseboard is that plastic or wood that covers the joint between the floor and walls. You will need a few other tools and supplies to install baseboards. Fit one end of the baseboard against the inside corner of the wall or door casing. Doing so ensures a tight fit. Reply Delete This will help them acclimate to their new environment. With a coping saw, cut along the profile. Boards that meet outside corners should be a few inches longer than the wall to allow for miter cuts. Learn these fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips. Sometimes he'll combine two or more of those moldings to create a shape that is close. Fit one end of the board snugly against the inside corner (or casing), and at the other end draw a vertical line up the back of the board, using the edge of the outside corner to guide the pencil. If you want to replace your current baseboard or install a new one, a carpenter, contractor or handyman service in your area will be able to help. With a circular saw set for a 2- to 5-degree bevel, cut alongside the scribe line so the face of the cut will be on the side toward the wall. Where two boards meet on a long wall or straight run, you will need to make a scarf joint. Both of our bedrooms are in a converted attic and each bedroom had an electric baseboard heater. Hold the first board against the wall, level it, then temporarily tack it in place.