Installing Baseboard Molding Over Carpet

Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting.

Installing baseboard molding over carpet.

When installing baseboards after carpet. Piece for this project. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception.

The carpet installer can run the tack strip and carpet right up next to the wall. My existing baseboard is really narrow not anywhere near as wide as the sample the manufacturer shows. However when installing the baseboard later painting and applying caulk can be a more tedious task to avoid mixing it in the carpet. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate.

This technique also leaves more of that handsome baseboard showing above the carpet. The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor. Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them.

This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications. The idea is that you should. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should. Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate.

Baseboard first set on 3 8 wood lath strips tack less set between 3 8 1 2 inch away padding brought up to tack less and carpet installed and stretched over tack less and tucked under base. Try adding painters tape over the baseboard for protection. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. You can see here how the back of the molding is carved out to fit right over my existing molding.

Here is a picture to show you how it fits over my baseboard. Then touch up base if need be. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

When the carpet is installed that is more easily tucked into place beneath the trim. It does fit right over the top beautifully. Lay them flat on the floor every few feet and then cut the base to fit rest it on the spacers and nail it into place. I ordered one 8ft.

The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed.