Installing Baseboard Molding Over Carpet

This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications.

Installing baseboard molding over carpet. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. However when installing the baseboard later painting and applying caulk can be a more tedious task to avoid mixing it in the 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.

If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. The idea is that you should. It does fit right over the top beautifully. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet.

My existing baseboard is really narrow not anywhere near as wide as the sample the manufacturer shows. 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. 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.

Then touch up base if need be. When installing baseboards after carpet. You can see here how the back of the molding is carved out to fit right over my existing molding. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should.

Piece for this project. If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting. Here is a picture to show you how it fits over my baseboard.

Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them. The carpet installer can run the tack strip and carpet right up next to the wall. 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.

The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. This technique also leaves more of that handsome baseboard showing above the carpet.

Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate.