Install Carpet Or Baseboard First

Once the carpet and the baseboards are in place you can tuck the edges.

Install carpet or baseboard first.

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. Carpet installers have to bring large rolls of carpet into your home 12 foot rolls minimize seams in your room not small. Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion. Nice taller baseboards should frame the room first prime caulk and base coat as above before you install carpet.

The carpet guys believe installing flooring first would be the most cost effective and stress free solution and here is why. When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet. The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation.

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. Generally the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. If you re replacing carpet first before painting it will be easier for the flooring company.

A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. Some professionals may have a strong preference but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet. Many builders do not install flush to the floor compensating for height of carpet. Take it from a 31 year professional installer put down the baseboards first leaving a gap at the bottom for the very best.

There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first. If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet. Which comes first carpet or baseboard. How to install carpet first.

When the carpet is install use a stretcher to get the carpet attached to the tackless. In addition the tack strip will be under the baseboards. Baseboards go in first and then your tackless striping stands about 1 2 out from the baseboard. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception.