Installing Floor Molding Before Carpet

When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g.

Installing floor 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. Follow these guidelines to prepare your floor and protect your new carpet investment. 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. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job.

The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. Whether you re installing new carpet yourself or having a professional do it it s important to prepare your floors before installation. When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. In addition the tack strip will be under the baseboards.

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. Take it from a 31 year professional installer put down the baseboards first leaving a gap at the bottom for the very best. Imperfections in your subfloor can lead to problems with your new carpet like gaps or lumps or damage from moisture or odors. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. 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.