How to Remove Baseboards and Trim

When remodeling, trim and baseboards must often be removed.

Whether you are installing new flooring or just replacing the trim, you'll first need to remove what's already installed. To remove old trim, all you need are a few tools and a little time.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Wood shim
• Flat pry bar
• Masking tape
• Marker

Instructions

1. Run a utility knife down the length of the baseboard or trim, cutting through any caulk.

2. Hammer a wood shim or thin scrap piece of wood between the trim and the wall. The wood shim will serve as protection for the wall against the metal pry bar.

3. Wedge your pry bar between the trim and the wood shim.

4. Pry the trim off of the wall by pulling against the board. Move your shim down the trim as you pry different areas of the trim loose.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan on putting the trim back on the wall, label each piece with masking tape and a marker so you remember where each piece goes when it comes time to replace it.

References

• YouTube.com: Denver/Boulder Hardwood Installer In Colorado Shows You How to Remove Baseboards