I am putting together some new wardrobes and am about to put them into place. The instructions say to attach them to the wall, which I would like to do to keep them from tipping over.
The problem is that I (like almost everyone else probably) have baseboard moulding running along the bottom of the wall, keeping the wardrobe slightly out from the wall. Unlike in the US where this type of moulding is nailed in, but like most I have seen in Switzerland, mine moulding is attached with screws. I thought I would be able to remove them easily, but after trying a small piece this doesn't seem to be the case.
Has anyone removed their baseboard moulding before? Did it cause any damage? Any ideas for securing the wardrobes without removing the moulding?
Can't you just use whatever you would use to secure the wardrobe to the wall and lengthen it with metal wire? My guess is it would take a lot of force to tip over a closet anyhow so I don't think you have to bolt it to the wall.
Try and find something to take up the gap. (piece of wood or hollow tubing), then find longer screws to allow for the extra distance.
To remove the baseboard, they may damage paint, wall paper, etc, so be careful. Sometimes the screws are 2-3 inches long and the inserts come out too in some cases. There should be no problem to take it off though.
Thanks for the replies. So it sounds like it is do-able, but might cause damage. Fortunately, I wouldn't have to cut the pieces if I did remove them because the wardrobes will cover the whole wall.
Since these mouldings seem to be pretty standard size, I might try to buy a short section to use as a spacer. It should be exactly the right thickness.