How to Remove a Baseboard in One Piece
Follow these simple steps to quickly and easily remove a baseboard.
Photo: Jeanie Hevener
If your next remodeling project requires you to remove the baseboard, you'll only need three tools and chances are you already have them.
Things You'll Need
Hammer
Utility knife
Painter's tool
Start off by running the blade of the utility knife along the top and bottom edges of the baseboard. This will break the seal of the paint along the top and also the seal of any caulking along the bottom.
Next, place the blade edge of the painter's tool at the top edge of the baseboard where it meets the wall. Then tap the handle of the painter's tool with the hammer a few times. You will feel the baseboard start to loosen from the wall.
Photo: Jeanie Hevener
Rock the the painter's tool in a side to side motion first. Then gently rock the painter's tool toward you. Do this every few inches along the entire length of the baseboard.
Photo: Jeanie Hevener
Once you have loosened the entire length of baseboard, place the painter's tool near each nail that is still attaching the baseboard to the wall and pry the painter's tool toward you. Do this at every nail. The baseboard will eventually come completely free from the wall.
Photo: Jeanie Hevener
Congratulations, you've just removed the length of baseboard with no damage!
Carefully remove the old nails with the hammer and plyers. The baseboard can now be sanded, repainted, and reinstalled.
