How to Remove a Floor Baseboard

If you've decided that your old floor needs to go, then one of the first steps in your remodeling process will be to remove old floor baseboards. The purpose of a baseboard is to hold the flooring in place and provide a transition between the floor and the wall. Baseboards are typically held in place with nails and caulk, so removing them isn't too much of a challenge. The one thing to be careful of during this operation is damaging the drywall behind baseboards.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Move any furniture or other objects that may be in front of the baseboards you want to remove.

2. Use a utility knife to cut away any caulk between the top of the baseboard and the wall.

3. Place a chisel on top of the baseboard where it meets the wall.

4. Gently tap on the chisel to drive it between the baseboard and the wall. Continue until the baseboard separates from the wall.

5. Move down the length of the baseboard with the chisel, tapping the chisel in place along the way until the entire span of the baseboard is separated from the wall.

6. Pull the baseboard away from the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a broad putty knife or paint scraper between the chisel and the wall to prevent damaging drywall when removing a floor baseboard.

References

• A Floor Pro; Removing Baseboards; Jim McClain; January 2008