Install Baseboard Or Carpet First

If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet.

Install baseboard or carpet first.

The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation. How to install carpet first. Generally the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception.

A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. Which comes first carpet or baseboard. This could result in a tight fit based upon how close to the wall the tack strips are placed normally the old tack strips are not replaced when installing new carpet. Many builders do not install flush to the floor compensating for height of carpet.

In my house they had to go from carpet to tile and lino. The baseboard goes in first always the carpet installers don t like this if they have to install new thicker baseboard for the customer they have to remove the old tack and install new this is very time consuming and their usually on piece work. There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard.

Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet.