How easy is it to remove a 2ft section of skirting board?

Question

I bought a wardrobe that is slightly too big for the space (I measured the wall but didn't take into account the skirting board - duh!).

I just wondered how easy it would be to remove a 2ft section of skirting board so the wardrobe will fit. I cant take the wardrobe back because its a flat pack Ikea one.

I'm not very good at DIY and do have a tendancy to mess things up. How do you cut the board when it is still attached to the wall?

Thanks

Answer 1

Well, it would be easier to tell you how to go about it, if you'd post a photo.



If by 'skirting board' you mean base trim, or cove, then the basic premise will be to pry it loose with a small prybar.



Often, there is paint, or caulk along the top edge of the trim, against the wall, so it is handy to use a utility knife (razor) to cut the paint seal first. Then, slip a stiff putty knife down behind the trim, and pry forward with it. Get the trim worked out just a bit, and you can use a prybar for quicker removal. It's a good idea to put a thin material (cardboard, or a small piece of wood for example) behind the prybar, so you don't scuff up the wall itself.



http://www.creativehomeowner.com/images/chele169fig3.jpg

http://www.kwickkleen.com/catalog/images/2904-5600.jpg?osCsid=02d4350c9439d5910b060a071a2b5365

http://greatnecksaw.com/images/product_images/preview/125ST.jpg



Then you can decide how you want it cut, and reattach it to the wall.



Have Fun



Additional:



Well, it IS possible in some cases to saw the wood in place -- again, it would have helped if you had provided a photo.

There are a couple of tools you can use to make a relatively clean cut - I say relatively, because it will not be as good as removing the trim, and using a miter saw.

You can try using a hand saw, something with a short length would be best, and you must be careful with it, or you can damage the wall itself. Something like one of these -

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19722&filter=hand%20saw

or a 'hardback' saw (often used with miter boxes in trim work - 'old school style')

If you want to spend a little money on a power tool, then you might look at something like these -

http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/MULTI-MASTER/Fein-MultiMaster

The way this tool works is it moves the tool head side to side, as opposed to rotating, or forward and back, like other tools. This makes it very handy for work in tight locations.

The other option, and one that is slightly less expensive, would be the Dremel rotary tool, with a cutter. You can find Dremels at many locations these days, including stores like WalMart.



Feel free to email me, if you have any further questions



Good Luck

Answer 2

Yes, you can saw through the skirting-board whilst it is still fixed to the wall, but its hard work, especially to do it reasonably neatly. My best advice is to drill a series of vertical holes into the skirting-board where you want to cut it off, starting as close to the floor as possible. You can protect the floor by sliding some waste material, thick plastic, thin wood etc. underneath the skirting at the point of the line of drilled holes. These must be the smallest drill you can manage eg 2 or 3 mm in diameter, with each hole almost touching the one above and below. Perhaps starting with an even smaller drill size, then opening out the hole with the 2 or 3 mm drill would be best. Then use a sharp hacksaw blade snapped off and fitted to a pad-saw handle to cut through the remaining timer between the holes you've drilled, continuing all the way up the board until you have cut it through entirely. Then you can prise it off the wall, maybe needing to use a chisel if it is secured by wall plugs etc. Perhaps these instructions will put you off, but its reasonably straightforward, just needs persistance. Good luck.

Answer 3

I assume that the wardrobe will be going into a recess wherby it will be touching wall at three sides ? ... as the section you require to remove will therefor be the short lengths near the corner joint , prying it out from the wall is a no brainer ... If the wall is made of plaster board , try cutting a slot in the wall to insert a hand saw blade ( tenon preferably ) .. then cut straight down the skirting ( you will be cutting through the " ground " behind also , but you will be able to remove the skirting with due care ...hope this helps

Answer 4

How To Cut Skirting Board

Answer 5

The best thing for you to do is measure how much you have to cut,once you have marked it use a tenor saw,

You can saw the skirting with it till attached to the wall,it wont be easy good luck

Answer 6

I think the easiest way and the way I do it would be cut a little piece out of the wardrobe so it fits over the skirting

Answer 7

You don't. You take the skirting board off the wall, cut it, put back the bit you want, make good the damage and paint it. Get a tradesman in before you wreck the place.

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

take off the whole section of skirting,cut to length then put back the piece you need.