Baseboard Molding

Types Of Wood

• Baseboard trim can be made out of a variety of different materials, which significantly impacts its cost. Baseboard that is made out of Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF, is the cheapest, and the next step-up is baseboard made out of pine and spruce. Both are softer woods and dent easily. Baseboards made out of oak have a higher price point, but are much more durable.

Styles

• Baseboards come in different styles. A basic baseboard is one called a ranch base, which is a mostly flat piece of baseboard that has a moderate curve at the top. Square-edge base molding gives homeowners many different options, because it is made from three different pieces of trim. Square-edge base molding has square tops and bottoms, but then has another piece of trim at the top called a base cap, and another piece of molding at the bottom called the base shoe. Both the base cap and base shoe piece can be cut in different patterns and designs, according to the homeowner's preference.

Installation

• Installing baseboard trim requires a number of tools, including a hammer, nail set, miter saw, coping saw and tape measure. A series of cuts are required where the corners of the baseboard trim meet at two walls, and some carpentry skills are required to get these cuts correct. An improper cut will result in a large gap where the two pieces meet. When attaching the baseboard to the wall, you'll need to drive the nails through the baseboard and wall into the stud behind the wall.

Removal

• Sometimes, it's necessary to remove the baseboard trim, whether because it's damaged or you're remodeling. Removal of baseboard trim is significantly easier than installing it. You will need a pry bar, chisel, hammer and 10-inch putty knife. To avoid damaging the wall when you remove the baseboard, place the putty knife so the blade of the knife is flat against the wall and touching the top of the baseboard. Place the tip of the chisel at the top edge of the baseboard and against the blade of the putty knife. Tap the chisel with the hammer, which will force it between the wall and the baseboard and loosen it. Now you can use the pry bar to pull the rest of the baseboard away from the wall.