The downside of updating a space is that older fixtures and features often stand out like a sore thumb. When a homeowner realized that their wainscot paint job made their baseboard look shabby and dated, they called Ask This Old House for help. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gladly obliged, bringing a new solution for these old problems.
Installing New Covers Over Old Baseboards
- Measure the length of the baseboard to determine how much material you’ll need. Also, measure the height of the baseboard in order to choose the correct type of baseboard cover you’ll need.
- If the baseboard will be exposed, consider splicing them in the middle of the baseboard (If the baseboard will be covered, it’s okay for the seam to be slightly off-center). Divide the width of the baseboard in half and use that measurement to mark the baseboard cover to length. Cut it to length with the circular saw or tin snips.
- Slide the baseboard cover pieces over the baseboard. Attach splice plates to hide the ends of the baseboard covers by hooking the bottom of the cover ends and then rotating the cover upward until it snaps in behind the covers.
- For baseboards that continue through the wall, remove the knockout from the end cap so it can slide down into place. If necessary, trim the height of the end cap by following the guides at the bottom.
- If the moldings at the base of the floor need trimming, install the end cap and mark the molding. Use an oscillating multitool to trim the board to size.
Heat Efficiency Tip: For maximum heating performance, consider sliding a piece of sheet metal behind the baseboard radiator before installing the cover. According to This Old House Magazine, a reflector placed behind the radiator helps redirect heat outward into the room rather than letting it absorb into the wall.
Replacing Baseboard Covers
- Start by locating the existing wall studs. Use the stud finder and tape measure to locate and mark the wall at these respective studs along the way.
- Turn the brackets sideways to tuck them in behind the baseboard and slide them into place.
- Use the impact driver or drill to drive screws through the brackets and into the studs. The heating element should sit on top of the lower arm of the bracket. Install brackets as needed.
- Measure and cut the top and bottom plates to size using the tin snips and tape measure. Install the top cover plate into the brackets. Install the bottom plate into the bracket by placing the bottom lip into the bracket and then snapping it into place.
- Install the cover plate onto the brackets, with the back of the cover plate sitting behind the top plates installed in the last step. Measure and cut the plates to size with the tape measure and tin snips.
- Install the splice plates between the cover ends to hide any gaps. They typically hook at the top and then snap into place at the bottom.
- Install the end caps accordingly.
Don’t Skip the Expansion Clips: As Richard Trethewey explains, copper finned baseboard expands lengthwise as it heats up. Manufacturers include plastic release clips designed to stick onto the heating element and press against the brackets, preventing a crinkling noise as the pipe expands. Be sure to install these clips before snapping the cover plates into place.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, advises not to overtighten the bracket screws: “You don’t want to over tighten these. You want enough for the cover to fit in there, and you don’t want to break the bracket.”
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey cautions that thick rugs or heavy padding placed near baseboard radiator covers can diminish heat output by restricting the gap at the bottom where cool air is drawn in. “So it means that the gap at the bottom where the air goes into the baseboard is a little diminished, so it could mean a little less heat output,” he notes. If you have a heavy rug nearby, consider switching to a lighter pad to maintain full heating performance.
Products and Services
- System Installed in Basement
Snap-on baseboard covers
End cap
Splice plates
All the above products can be found at Home Depot.
