How often should you replace baseboards?

Baseboards in high-traffic areas would benefit from annual repainting to maintain a crisp appearance, while other areas, like guest rooms and offices, can look good even 5 years later.

When should you replace your baseboards?

Designed to hide the seam where wall meets floor, baseboards give any room a finished look. If your trim is showing wear and tear, painting is always an option, but the prep work is important and can be time-intensive. Replacement is your best option if they're water-damaged, stained or warped.

How long do baseboards last?

Longevity. Standard baseboard heaters normally serve their owners for about 15 to 25 years before wearing out and failing. The exact life expectancy rises and falls depending on several factors, such as quality, average outdoor temperatures, and thermostat settings.

How much does it cost to redo baseboards?

When you consider materials and labor, it typically costs $5.70 to $8.95 per linear foot to install baseboards. If you need your existing baseboards removed, expect to add another $50 to $100 per hour in labor costs. For a home with a 144-foot perimeter, the average cost to replace baseboards is $1,280.

How often should baseboards be painted?

Paint your baseboards every two to three years to maintain their appearance. Door and window trim and crown molding are safely out of reach and don't require paint as often. However, if you don't clean these areas periodically, dirt and dust can degrade the paint over time.

The 4 Fatal DIY Baseboard Mistakes!

How do you refresh baseboards?

Should I repaint baseboards?

If the baseboards have not yet been installed, you should always paint the baseboards before installation. Minor damage to the paint finish will occur during installation, but this is expected. With most of the painting already done, you'll only need to do a small amount of touch-up after installing the baseboards.

Do new baseboards add value to a home?

Trim has the potential to add lots of charm and personality to a room — and it also has the potential to make a room look old and tired, particularly if the trim itself is damaged or poorly installed. This is one upgrade that can work wonders for the value of your home without a large investment!

Is it hard to replace baseboards?

While the installation of the baseboard trim itself isn't hard, the cutting and measuring of the angles can be a bit tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. A homeowner can easily learn how to install baseboards with this easy-to-follow project guide.

Do modern houses have baseboards?

Even though simple baseboards are a hallmark of modern design, there's no reason that you can't incorporate a more traditional baseboard style into your modern home.

Should baseboards match throughout the house?

Should baseboards look like the other molding in the room? Dixon says there are many arcane rules behind choosing and installing molding. In general, however, the design should tie in with the room's other trim. “All the trim should be part of the same family, with similar detail and proportions,” he says.

Do painters clean baseboards?

Cleaning baseboards is typically done by the homeowner on a regular basis, or the painting contractor's professional painters. Easiest way is to take a damp wiping cloth or wet sponge, removing any dust and or foreign matter that always seems to collect on top, next to the wall, near the floor.

Do baseboards make a difference?

Something that is small but can truly make a difference in your home is trim and baseboards. If your current trim and/or baseboards are poorly installed or damaged, it creates the appearance of the “old and cheap” look.

Do you install flooring or baseboards first?

Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.

Does molding increase home value?

Crown Molding can lead to increased home value and a positive ROI depending on how much you have invested in the project. Many homeowners want easy projects that will increase their resale price, and you can do that by adding crown molding.

What is the labor cost to install baseboard?

Labor Cost to Install Baseboard Trim

The labor cost to install baseboards is $4.90 to $7.75 per linear foot. Baseboard materials are pretty inexpensive (only about $0.80 to $1.20 per linear foot). Labor makes up most of your price.

Can you replace baseboards without removing carpet?

You do not need to remove the carpet in order to replace and install a new baseboard. The process of installation is effectively the same when installing over an existing carpet. You may just want to take a few extra steps to protect the carpeting.

How much does it cost to install and paint baseboards?

A typical baseboard installation with paint should cost approximately $3.50 per linear foot and around $3.25 per linear foot without paint. For the average 10 x 10 foot room, it should cost around $500 for the baseboards and any additional trim for one window and one door.

How much does it cost to replace trim in whole house?

Average Trim Costs

The national average cost of installing trim in a house is $1,312, with a typical range between $607 and $2,062. The cost at the low end is $200, and the high-end cost is $5,200. Trim and molding are woodwork elements that embellish a home's floors, walls, and ceilings.

Is Crown Moulding outdated?

Crown molding has been around for centuries and it will continue to be a touch of elegance for centuries to come. It is not going out of style. However some people have a preference for it while others will never notice it until it's not there.

Should I replace my trim?

Your Trim Is Damaged/Rotted

In order to detect rotted trim, simply take your finger and push down on it. Wood trim should never be soft to the touch. If you notice a soft spot, chances are it isn't isolated to one area and it's time to replace your home's trim.

Should you paint baseboards or walls first?

Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.

What color is best for baseboards?

When it comes to trim, baseboards, doors, moldings, etc. a white paint color is the most popular choice. It provides a beautiful contrast to the wall color, really making it pop.

Should I sand baseboards before painting?

Yes! You need to sand your baseboards first. This way, you start with a clear surface without any imperfections. First, use coarse, 80-grit sandpaper and then move on to either 100 or 120 grit.