How to Replace a Piece of Corner Baseboard

a corner baseboard

Installing a corner baseboard to your floor or wall can serve several different purposes. First, it will create a finished look for your room. Second, the floor baseboard will protect the wall from damage from vacuum cleaners, mops, and small toys. Protecting does mean damage though -- damage to the corner baseboard. Replacing a piece of corner baseboard is not as hard as you may think. Here are a few steps to replace your corner baseboard quickly and easily.

Remove Damaged Baseboard

Removing the damaged baseboard is your first step. Use a soft cloth and place it along the wall above the baseboard. Use your small pry bar and slide the flat blade between the wall and baseboard. Carefully pry the baseboard off the wall without damaging the board or the wall. Remove the small finish nails by pulling them through the wood with needle nose pliers.

Measure for New Corner Baseboard

There are three ways you can get an accurate measurement for your replacement corner baseboard. The first is to simply lay a length of baseboard in the spot that you removed the previous board. Mark with a pencil the place where you should make the cut.

The second way is just as easy, if not easier. Lay a new piece of baseboard that you are going to use for the replacement flat on a table. Next, place the damaged piece on top of the new board. Place a mark on the new board where the damaged one ends.

The third is more difficult and requires an accurate tape measure. Place the end of your tape measure at the end of the length of wall. Stretch the tape measure out until you get to the edge of the wall where the mitre cut will be. Place this mark on your new board.

Cut Corner Baseboard

Set your baseboard on the mitre saw deck and stand it on its edge. Line up your mark and cut the 45 degree angle. Make sure your angle is going the right direction.

Nail to Wall

Use a finish nailer, with 2" finish nails, and attach the new corner baseboard on the wall. Make sure the nail is driven to a point just below the surface of the baseboard.

Cover Nail Holes with Wood Putty

Use a small putty trowel and cover the nail holes. You only need to use a little dab of putty, but make sure to push it into the nail hole.

Sand and Finish

Use a small hand sander, with 180 grit sandpaper, and run it over the entire baseboard. Do not just sand the putty because you will then have an uneven surface. Sand the entire surface of the baseboard. Wash off the dust and debris from the baseboard and apply the matching finish. This can either be a varnish or paint.