Installing Floor Molding Before Carpet

1st someday you will be replacing the carpet if you have the baseboards installed on top of the carpet you will have to remove them to pull up the old carpet.

Installing floor molding before carpet.

Baseboards are often installed before flooring since they must be finished in place with either stain or paint and this is much easier without worrying about staining the hardwood tile or carpet. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet.

When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. Whether you re installing new carpet yourself or having a professional do it it s important to prepare your floors before installation. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. Take it from a 31 year professional installer put down the baseboards first leaving a gap at the bottom for the very best.

The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be. However consult with your installer to be. When you re installing baseboards over vinyl wood or plastic laminate floors the best way to handle gaps between the drywall and the flooring is to shim the gap with narrow blocks of 1 2 in wood.

Follow these guidelines to prepare your floor and protect your new carpet investment. In addition the tack strip will be under the baseboards.