Removing trim, whether to restore it or as part of a repair, is unavoidable in owning a home. But there’s no need to worry — removing trim is one of the easiest DIY projects out there. I’ve removed what seems like miles of trim in my career, so let me give you some pointers on how to do it quickly and efficiently.
When to Remove Wood Trim
Most homeowners remove or replace trim when it starts to look shabby or worn — often as part of a renovation. It’s sometimes the case that repairs require removing trim to access something behind it, though this is rare. Some DIYers and even professionals will remove trim when repainting a room, but that’s only necessary in certain cases.
Tools Needed
You don’t need a lot of specialty tools to remove interior trim. Common household tools combined with a few trim-specific items do the job:
Use a sharp utility knife to score any caulk beads or paint seal between the trim and wall. This allows the trim to release cleanly.Use a sharp utility knife to score any caulk beads or paint seal between the trim and wall. This allows the trim to release cleanly.
A trim puller is specifically designed to remove trim without gouging into the drywall behind it, but careful use of a regular pry bar also works.
Trim is nailed to the wall with thin trim nails or brad nails. If you plan to reinstall the same piece of trim, these nails must be removed.
With these basic tools, you can tackle any type of trim.
How to Remove Wood Trim
Removing wood trim is a straightforward process with three basic steps we’ll describe below.
1. Score any caulk or paint seals around the trim
Use a sharp utility knife to cut through any caulk or paint sealing the trim to the wall. Run the knife along the top edge of the trim to sever the seal completely. This prevents chunks of paint or drywall from ripping off when you pry the trim away.
2. Work a trim puller under the trim to pry it away
Insert the forked end of a trim puller under the edge of the trim piece and gently pry. Pry it away from the wall in small increments, working your way back and forth along the full length of the trim until all the nails are fully out of the wall. Resist the temptation to “peel” it off the wall like you would tape, pulling one end clear and moving down the wall, as it will likely break.
3. Pull the trim down and away from the wall
Once you’ve freed the entire piece of trim from the wall, carefully pull the trim down and away. Remove any nails left behind in the wall, then pull the nails from the trim. Examine the trim and scrape away any bumps of old caulk or dried paint along its back and edges. This leaves clean surfaces for when you reinstall the trim. Also, inspect the wall for any gouges — fill small holes or gouges with spackle before painting or reinstalling trim.
With the trim removed, you can now do your intended repairs or restorations to it.
Removing Different Trim Types
While the removal process is largely the same, small variations exist for removing specific trim types:
Take care around the trim’s delicate corners and mitered joints. Use a utility knife to score any paint and caulk sealing them together before prying.
Crown molding is more complex than standard trim, so it can require extra care in removing it. Be sure to carefully examine the molding and how it’s installed before proceeding with the removal.
Removing certain styles of wainscoting is intricate and labor intensive. Number each piece and photograph the wall before disassembly.
DIY or Hire a Carpenter?
Removing wood trim is definitely a DIY-friendly task. Even removing trim in entire rooms is a relatively quick process. For the average room, I would estimate it takes me 30 minutes to remove all of it. Even if you’re not a professional, most rooms shouldn’t take more than an hour.
For rooms with molding or complex wainscoting, you might consider hiring a contractor to remove it. Depending on the intricacy, complexity, and state of the molding or wainscoting, it requires more skill and experience to remove (especially if you intend to preserve and reinstall it). However, for the confident DIYer, it’s still doable.
So, Is Removing Wood Trim Difficult?
Removing wood trim is one of the easier DIY projects for homeowners. The process requires no advanced skills or special tools. With some basic preparation and care during removal, amateur and experienced DIYers can complete this project successfully. The key is working methodically and being patient as you gently pry along the length of the trim.
Consider hiring a carpenter for complex jobs like removing wainscoting or intricate crown molding (if you’ve never hired a contractor before, check out this article 5 Tips on How To Hire a Contractor.) Their experience allows them to remove trim intact for expert reinstallation.
For standard baseboard or door trim, tackling removal yourself saves money. And even if you break a piece of trim, it’s an inexpensive material, so you’ll only be out a few dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to remove wood trim?
Use a trim puller tool, available at any hardware store. The forked end lifts trim away from the wall evenly and safely.
Do I need to remove all the nails first?
No. It’s incredibly hard to remove trim nails without damaging the trim while the trim is still on the wall. Just pry the trim off the wall and remove the nails after.
How do I take the trim off without ruining the walls?
Cut any caulk or paint seals with a utility knife before prying. Go slowly and pry no more than an inch at a time all along the trim piece until it’s free of the wall.
Can I reuse old trim after removing it?
Usually, yes. Assuming you removed the trim completely intact, you can reinstall it.
