Installing Baseboard Trim After Carpet

Safety tips for installing baseboard.

Installing baseboard trim after carpet. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor. No baseboards do not need to be removed. Measure the length of a wall adjacent to the finished wall.

Preparing to install baseboards. Determine the type of corner at the opposite end of the wall then cut the necessary inside or outside angle. Fasten the molding with nails. Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard.

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. However consult with your installer to be sure they have no concerns. 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.

Scarf and butt joints. The first cut will mirror the corner cut of the molding already installed. Coping an inside corner joint. All paint is to be done before carpet installation to avoid dirty boots and shoes on new carpet and to avoid any paint spatter.

Install the carpet install the carpet all the way against the wall. As a contractor i always install the baseboards before carpet. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. Tools and supplies to install baseboards.

Then touch up base if need be. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting. Install subsequent baseboards using this procedure.

This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications. We use 3 8 blocks to keep the baseboard up off the subfloor while we tack it on so the carpet installer can tuck it under. You don t need to leave any gaps. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet.

They will need to be careful not to damage the baseboard when installing the. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily.