But if you'd rather leave this job to the pros, look for a
Professional carpenters, contractors, and handymen have the skills and experience to complete this project quickly and effectively the first time. They also have the right tools and supplies on hand, whereas you might need to buy or rent tools to complete the project yourself.
The labor cost to install baseboards is $5 to $7.75 per linear foot. This will take up a vast majority of your overall project cost.
While installation of baseboard trim isn't hard, cutting and measuring the angles can be tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. This is a project where "measure twice, cut once" will save you time and effort.
You don't need to replace all the baseboards, but you would need to pull them all off, cut out the bad sections, and then reattach and phase in new matching baseboard, caulk in, and paint.
With patience and attention to detail, most homeowners can install their own baseboards. Our guide takes you through the entire installation process, from preparation to finishing touches, ensuring you end up with a professional-looking outcome.
How much baseboard do I need for a 2,000-square-foot house? In a 2,000 square-foot home, you may need around 250 to 300 linear feet of baseboard. The combined perimeter baseboard length will be about 180 linear feet. Internal walls will increase that figure by another 100 linear feet to a total of 280 linear feet.
Painting your existing trim and molding is a significantly faster solution. A professional painting team can complete the project efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your refreshed space sooner.
The cost to replace trim is $759 on average, or between $321 and $1,199, depending on the type and material. The cost to replace trim is $759 on average, with costs ranging from $321 to $1,199. While it can seem like a minor detail, trim can have a major impact on a room's aesthetic.
Vinyl Baseboard
Because it's scratch and stain-resistant, vinyl works well in mudrooms, garages, hallways and playrooms. It's also fairly easy to install, making it a simple weekend project you can do on your own.
Rounded or Stepped Baseboard
This is the most popular baseboard profile used in homes. The top of the trim has a rounded shape that tapers into the wall. The trim of these types of baseboards looks best in modern homes because of its relatively short profile and simple design.
If your house has a simple layout with an average of 8 rooms, each approximately 10x12 feet, the calculation would look like this: Each room has 2 lengths of 10 feet and 2 widths of 12 feet, totaling 44 feet of baseboard per room. Multiply this by the number of rooms (8), leading to around 352 feet of baseboard.
Typically, handyman work involves small jobs, quick repairs, or work valued under a certain dollar amount, but the laws and definitions vary by state. Contractors differ from handymen in that they are involved in major work such as commercial or residential contracting, which usually involves a bidding process.
Day one will be measuring, purchasing, and painting. Day two will be cutting, installing, and caulking. Then, day three will be painting and finishing. Of course, it can take longer than this if you have a big project, but three days is a good estimate assuming you work efficiently and don't make any major mistakes.
According to a real estate professional survey by Metrie, 97% of respondents indicate that moldings and trim increase house value.
It's not too difficult to replace, but you do need to be able to use a miter saw. The old trim is easy to pull off with a pry bar. Then, cut the new trim to size and nail it in place. When you're finished, stain or paint the trim to match it with the rest of your house.
Straight and unadorned baseboards
Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year.
As popular and classic as white or off-white for trim might be, some designers are calling the look dated and suggest you consider an alternative.
If the paint on the baseboards is in good condition, it may not need extensive prep work. However, sanding the surface helps the paint adhere to it. The new colour won't last as long if you skip this vital step.
There is no universal baseboard height standard but typically you'll see baseboards in several common heights: Most common: 3-¼", 5-¼", 4-¼" Less common: 3-⅛", 4", 5", 5-½"
To calculate the total length of baseboard trim needed, multiply the length of the room by 2 and add it to the product of the width of the room multiplied by 2. This formula assumes that the room is a rectangle and does not account for doors or windows.