Installing Base Molding Before Carpet

If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

Installing base molding before 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. However consult with your installer to be. Once the carpet and the baseboards are in place you can tuck the edges. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet.

Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward 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. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g.

Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate. 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. Yeah it s easier for the installer to put it down with the base boards off. 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.

If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. 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.

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.