Installing Base Molding Before Carpet

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.

Installing base molding before carpet. The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. 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.

When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

This is because when installing the baseboards after carpet installation they tend to wedge the carpet in between the tack strips and baseboards like a vice. If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. Once the carpet and the baseboards are in place you can tuck the edges. However that s not best for you.

For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. 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. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be.

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.