How to Salvage Molding and Trim for Reuse

Wooden trim and molding can set off doors, windows and walls and provide the finishing touch to a room. Although you can purchase custom-made molding, using salvaged trim is an easy way to save time and money. In older buildings and homes, where original woodwork is often difficult to match, salvaging trim may be the only way to maintain uniformity throughout the structure.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: About 30-45 minutes for a 6- to 8-foot piece of trim or molding.

Here’s How to Salvage Trim and Molding

1. Begin working at the end of a piece of trim or molding. If one end appears loose, start working there. Wear gloves and goggles as a safety precaution.
2. Slip a small crowbar between the trim and the wall. If the crowbar won’t fit, try using an old kitchen knife instead. If it doesn’t slide in, position the knife between the trim and wall and gently tap the handle of the knife with the hammer.
3. Jimmy the trim toward you, taking care not to damage the wall. As the trim or molding begins to move, you should be able to see where it is nailed into the wall. Slide a large crowbar into the space until it rests on top of the nail and slowly rock it back and forth to loosen the nail. The trim will probably move about an inch away from the wall during this first try. Do not yank the trim away from the wall or it may snap, and do not attempt to pull it away from the wall completely.
4. Repeat this process along the length of the trim or molding. Take care not to exert too much force or the trim may snap.
5. After the nails have been loosened, start at the end again and continue using the crowbar to pull the trim farther away from the wall.
6. Repeat this process along the length of the trim or molding until it comes off the wall.
7. Once the trim has been removed, use pliers or wire cutters to snip any nails that are protruding.

Tips for Saving Molding and Trim

• Older homes often have a few gaps between the molding and the wall or ceiling because the walls aren’t flush. You can start at the gap and work your way toward the closest end, loosening the trim gradually as you go. Do not try to pull the trim away from the wall completely during the first try or it may snap.
• Using a crowbar may damage the wall. If it does, touch up the area with joint compound after you are finished.
• Window and door trim are easiest to remove. Once it begins to pull away from the wall, you can continue to pry it off from either side.
• If the nails are long and it is difficult to remove the trim completely, try sliding a pair of pliers between the wall and the trim and snipping the nails.
• If the trim snaps during removal, save the pieces. You may be able to cut them down and reuse them in another part of the house.

What You'll Need to Remove Trim and Molding

• Crowbars, one large and one small Hammer
• Old kitchen knife
• Gloves
• Pliers or wire cutters
• Safety goggles