As Earth Day approaches, it’s a great time to consider sustainable options for home renovations. One area to consider is baseboards, which can be a significant source of waste during a renovation project. There’s no need to hire professional home remodeling services! Here are some tips and top materials for installing sustainable baseboards, as well as ways to renovate baseboards sustainably using our series of Trim Pullers. 

Environmentally-Friendly Materials

Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable material that is durable and easy to work with. It grows quickly, making it a more sustainable choice than hardwoods that can take decades to grow. Bamboo baseboards are a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make eco-friendly choices.

Cork is another sustainable option for baseboards. It is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which can be harvested without damaging the tree. This makes it a renewable resource. In addition to being sustainable, cork baseboards are also moisture-resistant and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

Recycled wood is a great choice for those looking to use sustainable materials in their home renovation. It is made from wood that has been repurposed from old buildings or other sources, and using it helps to reduce waste and the demand for new wood. Recycled wood baseboards have the same natural beauty and durability as new wood, but with a smaller environmental impact.

Reclaimed wood is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, bridges, or other structures. It has already been used and is being repurposed, making it a sustainable choice. Reclaimed wood baseboards have a unique character and patina that can add warmth and charm to a space.

Renovate Baseboards and Trim with the Right Tools 

To renovate baseboards or trim sustainably, it’s important to choose eco-friendly materials and minimize waste during the installation process. Our series of Trim Puller’s can help with both of these goals. The Trim Puller can be used to remove old baseboards without damaging the wall or the baseboards, making it easier to reuse or recycle the old material. Check out the Trim Puller and Trim Puller Mini tool on Amazon and Lowe’s. 

To remove baseboards, locate the seal between trim and the wall, then use the Zenith by Danco Trim Puller to break the caulking seal. The Trim Puller should go between the wall and the board to release the seal when applying force.

Once the seal is released, we suggest starting at one end and working your way down when removing the trim. This will allow you to leverage the trim to a complete advantage as it reduces the risk of damaging the trim or wall behind it. Drive the Trim Puller at one end of the trim and pull until completely separated. Being gentle is key as you do not want to snap the trim.

Now, the nails connected to the trim should become loose. In order to repurpose trimming or baseboards, the nails must be removed. The Trim Puller face contains an integrated nail extractor to make the job easier. Once the nails are removed, you can now prepare the boards for repurposing or recycling! You can also try a fresh coat of paint or add the boards elsewhere in your home as decorative features like shelving or crown molding!

Check out the Trim Puller and Trim Puller Mini on Amazon and Lowe’s. 

For smaller or hard to reach area’s the Trim Puller Mini comes in clutch! Similar to the Trim Puller, the tools face is wider and flatter than a traditional pry bar and does not require the use of a shim or spacer, allowing for re-use of trim. The Trim Puller Mini tool is available on Amazon and Lowe’s.

Using simple home remodeling tools and choosing sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, or wood that is recycled or reclaimed, you can renovate your baseboards in an eco-friendly way. This not only helps to reduce your carbon footprint, but it also helps to preserve natural resources for future generations. On Earth Day and each day, consider how you can make sustainable choices in your home renovation projects with a Zenith by Danco tool by your side!