Why Use a Carpenter in Etobicoke to Remove and Replace Baseboards?

Are you wondering how you’re going to install that new carpet or hardwood floor with your baseboards in place? Often, this type of job is best left to a carpenter in Etobicoke. Learn more about what baseboards do for your home and understand how to remove and replace them safely.

What Is the Function of Baseboards?

You may have heard baseboards referred to as trim, moulding, or skirting boards. All of these words are simply used to refer to the carpentry that masks the area where the floor and wall join together. It may surprise you to know that they’re not just cosmetic. Consider these functions of baseboards:

• They cover the crack between the wall and the floor, which most people find aesthetically pleasing.

• They protect this vulnerable area from dirt and debris.

• They keep any spilled liquid from reaching the wall itself. This is important because water that gets inside your drywall can cause moisture damage as well as mould.

When Would Baseboards Need To Be Removed or Replaced?

It’s not a common chore to take your baseboards on and off — but occasionally, it may be necessary. If you’re installing a new floor or engaging in repair services in Etobicoke that affect the gap between the wall and the floor, your contractor may inform you that he or she needs to remove the baseboards.

How Will My Contractor Remove the Baseboards?

Baseboard removal is deceptively simple as the job can be tedious and time-consuming. You run the risk of damaging your baseboards, your flooring, or your walls if you try to pry them off by force.

It’s often easiest to hire a professional who has years of experience doing this type of work so that your baseboards (as well as your new flooring, if you’re planning to install that, too) remain in their original condition. Your contractor will likely remove the boards by following these steps:

• Checking how the boards are sealed to the wall: If there’s caulk, glue, or any other type of adhesive, the baseboards may need to be cut from the wall with a knife before they’re taken off. 

• Removing the correct side first: If your baseboards have mitred corners, they fit together evenly and either one can be taken out first. Coped baseboards, on the other hand, are made to fit together where they join at the corner. It’s important not to just rip them away from the wall for this reason. Coped baseboards can split if you do not first remove the attached side.

• Prying the baseboards away from the walls: Now it’s time to remove the boards! Your contractor may use a few different tools to pry the boards away from the wall and remove their nails.

After your floors are reinstalled and your baseboards are painted (if necessary), your contractor will replace the boards in the correct order and use a nail gun to secure them to the wall.

What Should I Do To Maintain My Baseboards?

Baseboards need to be cleaned every once in a while so they do not gather a layer of dust. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe them down. If you need help filling holes or repainting your baseboards, we can help you with that in addition to larger jobs that involve removing or reinstalling them.

Work With a Licensed Carpenter in Etobicoke

Do you need repair services in Etobicoke? Get in touch with our licensed handymen for professional remodelling and repair services. As each of our contractors holds over ten years of experience in his or her field, you can rest assured that your baseboards — as well as the rest of your home — are in good hands. Contact us today to get your estimate!