Are you seeking to give your house a recent new look? Changing the baseboards is a good way to do exactly that. Baseboards serve each a practical and aesthetic function, defending your partitions from injury and including a contact of fashion to your décor. Changing them is a comparatively easy and cheap challenge that may make an enormous distinction within the general look of your house. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the step-by-step strategy of changing baseboards, from eradicating the outdated ones to putting in the brand new ones. We’ll additionally present recommendations on choosing the proper baseboards in your dwelling and guaranteeing a professional-looking end.
Earlier than you start, it is necessary to assemble the entire essential instruments and supplies. You will want a pry bar, a hammer, a miter noticed, a nail gun, and a tape measure. You will additionally have to buy new baseboards, which can be found in quite a lot of supplies, together with wooden, vinyl, and MDF. Upon getting all your supplies, you may start the method of eradicating the outdated baseboards. To do that, merely insert the pry bar behind the baseboard and gently pry it away from the wall. Watch out to not injury the wall or the baseboard itself. As soon as the baseboard is eliminated, you should use the miter noticed to chop the brand new baseboard to the proper size. Make sure you measure the wall fastidiously earlier than reducing the baseboard, as you do not need any gaps between the baseboard and the wall.
As soon as the baseboard is lower to the proper size, you may start putting in it. To do that, merely apply a bead of building adhesive to the again of the baseboard and press it into place towards the wall. Use the nail gun to safe the baseboard to the wall, spacing the nails about 12 inches aside. As soon as the baseboard is put in, you may fill any nail holes with wooden filler and paint or stain the baseboard to match the remainder of your décor. With slightly effort and time, you may change the baseboards in your house and provides it a recent new look.
Choosing the Proper Baseboards
Materials Issues
When selecting baseboards, take into account the fabric they’re produced from, because it impacts sturdiness and look.
Wooden Baseboards:
| Execs: | Pure magnificence, heat, and flexibility |
| Cons: | Might be costly, vulnerable to moisture injury |
MDF Baseboards:
| Execs: | Price-effective, simple to put in, moisture-resistant |
| Cons: | Not as sturdy as wooden, might not present the identical aesthetic enchantment |
Vinyl Baseboards:
| Execs: | Extremely-durable, moisture-proof, low upkeep |
| Cons: | Could have a much less pure look, restricted type choices |
Fashion and Dimension
Baseboards ought to complement the general decor of the room. Select types that match the ground, furnishings, and wall colours.
The dimensions of baseboards additionally issues. Wider baseboards are extra formal and acceptable for bigger rooms, whereas narrower baseboards swimsuit smaller areas and informal settings.
Funds
Final however not least, take into account your funds. Baseboards can fluctuate considerably in worth, relying on the fabric, type, and measurement. Decide a funds earlier than purchasing to slender down your choices and make an knowledgeable resolution.
Making ready the Partitions
Earlier than you start putting in new baseboards, it is necessary to organize the partitions to make sure a easy and even end.
Eradicating Outdated Baseboards
Utilizing a pry bar or crowbar, gently take away the outdated baseboards from the wall. Watch out to not injury the drywall or plaster beneath.
Making ready the Floor
As soon as the outdated baseboards are eliminated, examine the wall floor for any imperfections or injury. Fill any holes or cracks with spackling paste or caulk and permit it to dry utterly. Sand the floor easy to create a degree and even base for the brand new baseboards.
Portray or Wallpapering
For those who plan to color or wallpaper the partitions, do it earlier than putting in the brand new baseboards. This may forestall paint or wallpaper from getting behind the baseboards and creating an uneven or messy look.
Cleansing the Floor
Earlier than putting in the brand new baseboards, clear the wall floor completely with a humid fabric to take away any mud or particles.
Eradicating the Outdated Baseboards
With the mandatory instruments and a little bit of persistence, eradicating outdated baseboards is a simple activity. Observe these steps for a clear and environment friendly removing:
1. Take away the Nails or Staples
Begin by finding the nails or staples securing the baseboards to the wall. Use a nail puller or a pry bar to softly work them unfastened. Be cautious to not injury the wall or the baseboard whereas prying.
2. Use a Pry Bar to Loosen the Baseboard
Insert the wedge-shaped finish of a pry bar between the baseboard and the wall in a number of areas. Gently faucet the pry bar with a hammer to loosen the baseboard from the wall.
3. Minimize the Baseboard If Mandatory
In case your baseboards are exceptionally lengthy or have intricate shapes, it’s possible you’ll want to chop them into smaller sections. Use a miter noticed or a hand noticed to make clear, angled cuts. Measure and mark the lower traces fastidiously earlier than sawing.
4. Pull Away the Baseboard
As soon as the nails, staples, and glue have been loosened, gently pull the baseboard away from the wall utilizing your fingers or a pry bar. Keep away from bending or damaging the baseboard throughout removing.
Listed below are some extra ideas for eradicating outdated baseboards:
- Put on security glasses and work gloves for defense.
- Use a cordless drill with a nail puller attachment to hurry up the removing course of.
- If the baseboards are significantly cussed, apply a warmth gun to melt the glue earlier than prying them off.
Measuring and Chopping the New Baseboards
Upon getting eliminated the outdated baseboards, it is time to measure and lower the brand new ones. Listed below are the steps to observe:
1. Measure the size of every wall the place you may be putting in the baseboards.
2. Add 2 inches to the size of every wall to account for cuts and waste.
3. Minimize the baseboards to size utilizing a miter noticed or a handsaw with a miter field.
4. For inside corners:
| **Step** | **Description** |
|---|---|
| a. Maintain a baseboard towards the within nook and mark some extent 1 inch from the adjoining wall. | |
| b. Measure the space between the sting of the mitered finish and the mark you made in step a. | |
| c. Switch this measurement to the opposite baseboard and lower each baseboards on the marked level. |
Putting in the Baseboards
Measuring and Chopping
Measure the size of the partitions the place you may be putting in the baseboards. Mark the measurements on the baseboard materials and lower the items to measurement utilizing a miter noticed or a miter field with a handsaw.
Attaching the Baseboards
Apply a skinny bead of building adhesive alongside the again of the baseboard. Place the baseboard towards the wall and press firmly to safe it. Use a brad nailer to drive 1-1/2-inch brads into the baseboard by the studs within the wall. House the brads roughly 16 inches aside.
Mitering Corners
Once you attain a nook, lower a 45-degree angle on the ends of the 2 baseboards that meet. Dry match the baseboards collectively to make sure an ideal match. Apply building adhesive to the again of the baseboards and press them into the nook. Safe them with brad nails.
Filling Gaps
Any gaps between the baseboards and the wall could be crammed with caulk. Apply a skinny bead of caulk alongside the gaps and easy it out with a humid finger or a caulk instrument.
Ending Touches
As soon as the caulk has dried, you may paint the baseboards to match your wall shade or stain them for a extra conventional look. Defend the completed baseboards with a coat of clear polyurethane or varnish for sturdiness.
Tip: Use a degree to make sure the baseboards are straight earlier than securing them with nails.
| Instrument | Use |
|---|---|
| Miter noticed | Chopping baseboard items to size and angles |
| Brad nailer | Securing baseboards to the wall |
| Caulk | Filling gaps between baseboards and partitions |
| Paint or stain | Ending the baseboards |
Nailing the Baseboards into Place
As soon as the baseboards are lower and mitered, it is time to nail them into place. Use 1 1/2-inch end nails or 2-inch brad nails. Set the nails at a 45-degree angle, about 1 inch aside. Begin by nailing the baseboards to the studs. Then, fill within the gaps by nailing into the wallboard or plaster.
For those who’re utilizing a brad nailer, you may have to set the depth in order that the nails do not go right through the baseboards. You may also use a nail set to countersink the nails beneath the floor of the wooden.
Ideas for Nailing Baseboards
- Use a brad nailer or a hammer and end nails.
- Set the nails at a 45-degree angle.
- Nail the baseboards to the studs first.
- Fill within the gaps by nailing into the wallboard or plaster.
- Countersink the nails beneath the floor of the wooden.
- Use a nail set or a brad nailer with a depth setting.
Here is a desk summarizing the steps for nailing baseboards into place:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minimize and miter the baseboards. |
| 2 | Nail the baseboards to the studs. |
| 3 | Fill within the gaps by nailing into the wallboard or plaster. |
| 4 | Countersink the nails beneath the floor of the wooden. |
Caulking the Baseboards
To make sure a seamless and professional-looking end, it is essential to caulk the gaps between the baseboards and the wall or ground. Observe these steps for efficient caulking:
1. Clear the Surfaces:
Completely clear each the baseboards and the adjoining surfaces with a humid fabric to take away any mud or particles.
2. Select the Proper Caulk:
Go for a paintable acrylic latex caulk that has a slight flexibility to accommodate motion.
3. Apply the Caulk:
Utilizing a caulk gun, apply a skinny bead of caulk alongside the gaps between the baseboards and the surfaces. Keep away from overapplying.
4. Clean the Caulk:
Instantly run your moist finger alongside the caulk line, smoothing it out evenly. Alternatively, you should use a caulk ending instrument or a plastic spoon.
5. Take away Extra Caulk:
Wipe off any extra caulk which will have gotten on the baseboards or the adjoining surfaces with a humid sponge or fabric.
6. Permit to Dry:
Let the caulk dry utterly as per the producer’s directions. Sometimes, it takes just a few hours.
| Caulk Varieties |
|---|
| Acrylic Latex |
| Silicone |
| Paintable |
7. Re-apply Caulk as Wanted:
Caulk can shrink or crack over time, so periodically examine your baseboards and reapply caulk as essential to take care of a watertight seal.
Portray the Baseboards
As soon as the baseboards are put in and safe, you may start portray them. Listed below are detailed steps on the right way to paint baseboards:
1. Put together the Baseboards
Clear the baseboards with a humid fabric to take away any mud or particles. If there are any holes or gaps, fill them with wooden filler and let it dry.
2. Sand the Baseboards
Sand the baseboards frivolously with fine-grit sandpaper to create a easy floor for the paint to stick to.
3. Apply Primer
Apply a coat of primer to the baseboards utilizing a paintbrush or curler. This may assist the paint adhere higher and supply a extra even end.
4. Select the Proper Paint
Choose a paint that’s particularly designed for trim and moldings. Select a shade that enhances the wall shade and the general décor of the room.
5. Minimize Within the Edges
Use a paintbrush to fastidiously lower within the edges of the baseboards the place they meet the partitions and flooring. This may assist to stop any paint from bleeding onto the adjoining surfaces.
6. Roll on the Paint
Apply the paint to the baseboards utilizing a curler. Begin from the highest and work your means down, utilizing even strokes.
7. Apply a Second Coat
As soon as the primary coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint. This may assist to make sure a extra sturdy and even end.
8. Superior Strategies for Attaining a Skilled End
To realize a really professional-looking end, take into account these superior strategies:
- Feathering: Use a brush to mix the paint on the perimeters of the baseboards the place they meet the partitions or flooring. This may create a easy transition and get rid of any seen brush marks.
- Backrolling: As soon as the paint has been utilized, use a dry curler to frivolously roll over the floor. This may assist to distribute the paint evenly and take away any extra air bubbles.
- Caulking: Apply a skinny bead of caulk the place the baseboards meet the partitions or flooring. This may assist to seal any gaps and stop moisture from seeping in.
Putting in Base Shoe Molding
Base shoe molding is a small, ornamental molding that’s put in alongside the underside of baseboards. It helps to guard the baseboard from injury and provides a completed look to the room.
To put in base shoe molding, you have to the next supplies:
- Base shoe molding
- Mitre noticed
- Brad nailer
- 1-1/4 inch brad nails
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
Listed below are the steps on the right way to set up base shoe molding:
1. Measure and lower the bottom shoe molding to size. You’ll need to chop a miter joint at every finish of the molding. To do that, set the miter noticed to a 45-degree angle and lower the molding at a 45-degree angle.
2. Apply a bead of caulk to the again of the bottom shoe molding. This may assist to seal the joint between the molding and the wall.
3. Place the bottom shoe molding towards the wall and nail it into place. Use the brad nailer to drive 1-1/4 inch brad nails by the molding and into the wall. House the nails about 6 inches aside.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the remainder of the bottom shoe molding.
5. As soon as the entire base shoe molding is put in, caulk the joints between the molding and the wall. This may assist to seal the joints and stop drafts from coming in.
6. Use a humid fabric to wipe away any extra caulk.
7. Permit the caulk to dry utterly earlier than portray the bottom shoe molding.
Troubleshooting Baseboard Substitute
1. Baseboard Not Becoming Snugly Towards Wall
Trigger: Wall not degree or baseboard not lower sq..
Answer: Use a degree to examine the wall. If it isn’t degree, use shims to create a fair floor. If the baseboard isn’t lower sq., use a miter noticed to make a clear lower.
2. Gaps Between Baseboard and Flooring
Trigger: Flooring not degree.
Answer: Use a degree to examine the ground. If it isn’t degree, use a self-leveling compound to fill within the gaps.
3. Baseboard Buckling or Warping
Trigger: Moisture or humidity.
Answer: Test for leaks within the wall or ground. If there aren’t any leaks, use a dehumidifier to cut back the moisture within the air.
4. Baseboard Coming Free
Trigger: Nails or screws not pushed in correctly.
Answer: Test the nails or screws holding the baseboard in place. If they’re unfastened, drive them in additional. You might also want so as to add extra nails or screws.
5. Baseboard Broken Throughout Removing
Trigger: Utilizing the fallacious instruments or strategies.
Answer: Use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to softly take away the baseboard. Watch out to not injury the wall or the baseboard itself.
6. Chopping Baseboard at Mistaken Angle
Trigger: Utilizing the fallacious measuring instrument or reducing on the fallacious angle.
Answer: Use a miter noticed to chop the baseboard at a 45-degree angle. Ensure that to measure the angle fastidiously earlier than reducing.
7. Not Utilizing the Proper Nails or Screws
Trigger: Nails or screws are too small or too giant.
Answer: Use 1¼-inch end nails or 1½-inch drywall screws to put in the baseboard.
8. Not Pre-Drilling Holes
Trigger: Nails or screws are too troublesome to drive in.
Answer: Pre-drill holes for the nails or screws earlier than driving them in. This may make it simpler to put in the baseboard and stop it from splitting.
9. Not Utilizing a Caulk Gun or Adhesive
Trigger: Gaps between the baseboard and the wall.
Answer: Use a caulk gun to fill within the gaps between the baseboard and the wall. You may also use adhesive to assist maintain the baseboard in place.
10. Not Matching the Baseboard to the Current Trim
Trigger: Utilizing the fallacious kind of baseboard or not reducing it to the identical size as the present trim.
Answer: Ensure that to make use of the identical kind of baseboard as the present trim. Additionally, measure the size of the present trim and lower the brand new baseboard to the identical size.
How To Change Baseboards
Changing baseboards is a comparatively easy dwelling enchancment challenge that may be accomplished in just a few hours. By following these steps, you can provide your house a recent, up to date look.
- Take away the outdated baseboards. Use a pry bar to softly pry the baseboards away from the wall. Watch out to not injury the wall or the baseboards.
- Measure and lower the brand new baseboards. Measure the size of the wall the place you wish to set up the brand new baseboards. Then, lower the brand new baseboards to the proper size utilizing a miter noticed or a hand noticed.
- Set up the brand new baseboards. Apply a skinny layer of caulk to the again of the brand new baseboards. Then, press the baseboards into place on the wall. Use a nail gun or a hammer and nails to safe the baseboards to the wall.
- Caulk the baseboards. Apply a skinny bead of caulk across the edges of the baseboards. Use your finger or a caulk instrument to easy out the caulk.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Change Baseboards
How a lot does it price to exchange baseboards?
The associated fee to exchange baseboards will fluctuate relying on the scale of your room, the kind of baseboards you select, and the labor prices in your space. Nonetheless, you may anticipate to pay between $1 and $5 per linear foot for supplies and labor.
Can I change baseboards myself?
Sure, changing baseboards is a comparatively easy dwelling enchancment challenge that may be accomplished in just a few hours. By following the steps outlined above, it can save you your self the price of hiring knowledgeable.
What’s the finest kind of baseboard to make use of?
The most effective kind of baseboard to make use of will rely in your private preferences and the type of your house. Nonetheless, a number of the hottest forms of baseboards embrace:
- MDF baseboards are produced from medium-density fiberboard. They’re light-weight and simple to put in, and so they are available in quite a lot of types.
- Wooden baseboards are produced from actual wooden. They’re extra sturdy than MDF baseboards, however they’re additionally dearer.
- Vinyl baseboards are produced from PVC. They’re waterproof and simple to scrub, and so they are available in quite a lot of colours and types.
