Installing Base Molding Before Carpet

If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall.

Installing base 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. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. This means that if the installation company needs to re stretch the carpet at a later date they may need to loosen some of the baseboards in order to pull the carpet up. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate.

When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. However consult with your installer to be. Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate.

However that s not best for you. Yeah it s easier for the installer to put it down with the base boards off. 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. Once the carpet and the baseboards are in place you can tuck the edges.

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. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. 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.