Are you trying to give your own home a contemporary new look? Changing the baseboards is a good way to just do that. Baseboards serve each a practical and aesthetic function, defending your partitions from harm and including a contact of fashion to your décor. Changing them is a comparatively easy and cheap challenge that may make a giant distinction within the general look of your own home. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the step-by-step strategy of changing baseboards, from eradicating the outdated ones to putting in the brand new ones.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 selecting the best baseboards on your residence and making certain a professional-looking end.
Earlier than you start, it is essential to assemble the entire obligatory instruments and supplies. You may want a pry bar, a hammer, a miter noticed, a nail gun, and a tape measure. You may additionally have to buy new baseboards, which can be found in quite a lot of supplies, together with wooden, vinyl, and MDF. After getting your whole supplies, you may start the method of eradicating the outdated baseboards.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 harm the wall or the baseboard itself. As soon as the baseboard is eliminated, you should utilize the miter noticed to chop the brand new baseboard to the right size. Remember to measure the wall fastidiously earlier than reducing the baseboard, as you don’t need any gaps between the baseboard and the wall.
As soon as the baseboard is reduce to the right 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 in opposition to 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 just a little effort and time, you may substitute the baseboards in your house and provides it a contemporary new look.
Deciding on the Proper Baseboards
Materials Issues
When selecting baseboards, think about the fabric they’re comprised of, because it impacts sturdiness and look.
Wooden Baseboards:
| Professionals: | Pure magnificence, heat, and flexibility |
| Cons: | Might be costly, prone to moisture harm |
MDF Baseboards:
| Professionals: | Price-effective, simple to put in, moisture-resistant |
| Cons: | Not as sturdy as wooden, might not present the identical aesthetic attraction |
Vinyl Baseboards:
| Professionals: | Extremely-durable, moisture-proof, low upkeep |
| Cons: | Might have a much less pure look, restricted fashion choices |
Model 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, think about your funds. Baseboards can range considerably in worth, relying on the fabric, fashion, and measurement. Decide a funds earlier than buying to slim down your choices and make an knowledgeable determination.
Making ready the Partitions
Earlier than you start putting in new baseboards, it is essential to organize the partitions to make sure a clean and even end.
Eradicating Previous Baseboards
Utilizing a pry bar or crowbar, gently take away the outdated baseboards from the wall. Watch out to not harm 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 harm. Fill any holes or cracks with spackling paste or caulk and permit it to dry utterly. Sand the floor clean to create a degree and even base for the brand new baseboards.
Portray or Wallpapering
In the event you plan to color or wallpaper the partitions, do it earlier than putting in the brand new baseboards. It will 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 totally with a moist fabric to take away any mud or particles.
Eradicating the Previous Baseboards
With the mandatory instruments and a little bit of persistence, eradicating outdated baseboards is a simple job. Observe these steps for a clear and environment friendly elimination:
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 free. Be cautious to not harm 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 Vital
In case your baseboards are exceptionally lengthy or have intricate shapes, you could want to chop them into smaller sections. Use a miter noticed or a hand noticed to make clear, angled cuts. Measure and mark the reduce 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 palms or a pry bar. Keep away from bending or damaging the baseboard throughout elimination.
Listed below are some further suggestions 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 elimination course of.
- If the baseboards are notably cussed, apply a warmth gun to melt the glue earlier than prying them off.
Measuring and Reducing the New Baseboards
After getting eliminated the outdated baseboards, it is time to measure and reduce the brand new ones. Listed below are the steps to comply with:
1. Measure the size of every wall the place you’ll 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 in opposition to the within nook and mark a degree 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 reduce each baseboards on the marked level. |
Putting in the Baseboards
Measuring and Reducing
Measure the size of the partitions the place you may be putting in the baseboards. Mark the measurements on the baseboard materials and reduce 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 in opposition to the wall and press firmly to safe it. Use a brad nailer to drive 1-1/2-inch brads into the baseboard via the studs within the wall. House the brads roughly 16 inches aside.
Mitering Corners
If you attain a nook, reduce 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 might be full of caulk. Apply a skinny bead of caulk alongside the gaps and clean it out with a moist finger or a caulk instrument.
Ending Touches
As soon as the caulk has dried, you may paint the baseboards to match your wall coloration 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 | Reducing 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 reduce 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.
In the event you’re utilizing a brad nailer, you may have to set the depth in order that the nails do not go during the baseboards. You can too use a nail set to countersink the nails beneath the floor of the wooden.
Suggestions 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 flooring. Observe these steps for efficient caulking:
1. Clear the Surfaces:
Completely clear each the baseboards and the adjoining surfaces with a moist 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. Easy the Caulk:
Instantly run your moist finger alongside the caulk line, smoothing it out evenly. Alternatively, you should utilize 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 moist sponge or fabric.
6. Enable to Dry:
Let the caulk dry utterly as per the producer’s directions. Usually, 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 obligatory to keep up 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 paint baseboards:
1. Put together the Baseboards
Clear the baseboards with a moist 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 flippantly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a clean floor for the paint to stick to.
3. Apply Primer
Apply a coat of primer to the baseboards utilizing a paintbrush or curler. It will 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 coloration that enhances the wall coloration and the general décor of the room.
5. Minimize Within the Edges
Use a paintbrush to fastidiously reduce within the edges of the baseboards the place they meet the partitions and flooring. It will 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 approach down, utilizing even strokes.
7. Apply a Second Coat
As soon as the primary coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint. It will assist to make sure a extra sturdy and even end.
8. Superior Methods for Reaching a Skilled End
To attain a very professional-looking end, think about these superior strategies:
- Feathering: Use a brush to mix the paint on the sides of the baseboards the place they meet the partitions or flooring. It will create a clean transition and remove any seen brush marks.
- Backrolling: As soon as the paint has been utilized, use a dry curler to flippantly roll over the floor. It will 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. It will assist to seal any gaps and forestall 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 harm and provides a completed look to the room.
To put in base shoe molding, you’ll need 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 set up base shoe molding:
1. Measure and reduce the bottom shoe molding to size. You will have to chop a miter joint at every finish of the molding. To do that, set the miter noticed to a 45-degree angle and reduce the molding at a 45-degree angle.
2. Apply a bead of caulk to the again of the bottom shoe molding. It will assist to seal the joint between the molding and the wall.
3. Place the bottom shoe molding in opposition to the wall and nail it into place. Use the brad nailer to drive 1-1/4 inch brad nails via 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. It will assist to seal the joints and forestall drafts from coming in.
6. Use a moist fabric to wipe away any extra caulk.
7. Enable the caulk to dry utterly earlier than portray the bottom shoe molding.
Troubleshooting Baseboard Alternative
1. Baseboard Not Becoming Snugly Towards Wall
Trigger: Wall not degree or baseboard not reduce sq..
Answer: Use a degree to verify the wall. If it is not degree, use shims to create a good floor. If the baseboard will not be reduce sq., use a miter noticed to make a clear reduce.
2. Gaps Between Baseboard and Flooring
Trigger: Flooring not degree.
Answer: Use a degree to verify the ground. If it is not degree, use a self-leveling compound to fill within the gaps.
3. Baseboard Buckling or Warping
Trigger: Moisture or humidity.
Answer: Examine for leaks within the wall or flooring. 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: Examine the nails or screws holding the baseboard in place. If they’re free, drive them in additional. You may additionally want so as to add further nails or screws.
5. Baseboard Broken Throughout Elimination
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 harm the wall or the baseboard itself.
6. Reducing Baseboard at Fallacious 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. Be sure 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 massive.
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. It will make it simpler to put in the baseboard and forestall 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 can too use adhesive to assist maintain the baseboard in place.
10. Not Matching the Baseboard to the Current Trim
Trigger: Utilizing the fallacious sort of baseboard or not reducing it to the identical size as the prevailing trim.
Answer: Be sure that to make use of the identical sort of baseboard as the prevailing trim. Additionally, measure the size of the prevailing trim and reduce the brand new baseboard to the identical size.
How To Substitute Baseboards
Changing baseboards is a comparatively easy residence enchancment challenge that may be accomplished in just a few hours. By following these steps, you may give your own home a contemporary, 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 harm the wall or the baseboards.
- Measure and reduce the brand new baseboards. Measure the size of the wall the place you wish to set up the brand new baseboards. Then, reduce the brand new baseboards to the right 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 clean out the caulk.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Substitute Baseboards
How a lot does it value to interchange baseboards?
The price to interchange baseboards will range relying on the scale of your room, the kind of baseboards you select, and the labor prices in your space. Nonetheless, you may count on to pay between $1 and $5 per linear foot for supplies and labor.
Can I substitute baseboards myself?
Sure, changing baseboards is a comparatively easy residence 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 an expert.
What’s the greatest sort of baseboard to make use of?
One of the best sort of baseboard to make use of will rely in your private preferences and the fashion of your own home. Nonetheless, a few of the hottest kinds of baseboards embrace:
- MDF baseboards are comprised of medium-density fiberboard. They’re light-weight and straightforward to put in, they usually are available in quite a lot of types.
- Wooden baseboards are comprised of actual wooden. They’re extra sturdy than MDF baseboards, however they’re additionally costlier.
- Vinyl baseboards are comprised of PVC. They’re waterproof and straightforward to wash, they usually are available in quite a lot of colours and types.
