How to Remove Interior Molding
Interior molding, or baseboard, runs along the bottom portion of inside walls, framing a room. Molding comes in many widths and differing heights. Some homeowners may wish to replace the molding, choosing a different style than their current one. Without the correct tools during removal, the drywall may become dented, needing repair. Use the proper tools and techniques to remove the molding and prevent damage to interior walls. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Small and thin pry bar
- Hammer
- Wood shims
- Large thin pry bar
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Instructions
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Slice along the top of the molding with a sharp utility knife. Position the tip of the blade on the wall at the very top of the molding. With medium pressure, slice along the wall the entire length of the molding.
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Wedge a thin pry bar between the wall and the molding. Place the edge of the pry bar at the top of the molding. Gently tap the handle of the pry bar with a hammer, allowing the pry bar to get behind the molding.
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Push the handle of the pry bar away from the wall slowly. Place wood shims into the pockets of space between the wall and molding. Space the wood shims 2 to 3 inches apart. Continue to work along the length of the molding, pushing it away with the pry bar, and placing wood shims into the open spaces.
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Place a larger flat pry bar into the space between the molding and the wall. Pull the handle of the pry bar toward you, removing the molding from the wall. Repeat by placing the pry bar at the next section of molding to loosen from the wall, until the entire baseboard is removed.
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Tips & Warnings
Removed molding may have small nails sticking out, so discard of properly to avoid anyone stepping on the nails.
References
- Photo Credit living room shot image by Tracy Horning from Fotolia.com
