How to Remove Baseboards When Installing Flooring

Before installing new flooring, you will need to remove the baseboards to pull up the old flooring. Most baseboards attach to the wall with small, thin nails and occasionally a little adhesive. Removing baseboards is not difficult, but care should be taken so that you do not damage the baseboards or the wall behind the baseboards. Because of the expense of new baseboards, you may want to re-use the existing baseboards after installing the new floors.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Small flat pry bar
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Cut the paint and caulking seal between the edge of the baseboards and the wall with a utility knife. The job will be much more efficient if the utility knife blade is sharp. Also, cut in between corners where the baseboards meet.

2. Start at one corner of the room and insert a small flat pry bar between the top of the baseboard and the wall. You will need to tap the top of the pry bar with a hammer to get the bar behind the baseboard. Take your time when doing this because you do not want to damage the wall behind the baseboard.

3. Pry the baseboard away from the wall until you can see the nail attaching the portion of baseboard to the wall. Move the pry bar down the baseboard and continue prying the baseboard from the wall.

4. Continue prying the baseboard until you can see all the nails attaching the baseboard to the wall. Start at a corner and place the claw end of the pry bar over the nail shank behind the baseboard. Pry the baseboard and nail shank off the wall until the tip of the nail is out of the wall. Continue prying the nail shank and baseboard this way all the way along the length of the baseboard.

References

• Hammerzone: Removing Baseboards
• Home addition Plus: Removing Baseboard Trim