Installing Baseboard Trim After Carpet

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

Installing baseboard trim after carpet.

Coping an inside corner joint. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications. Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet.

The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor. No baseboards do not need to be removed. Then touch up base if need be. As a contractor i always install the baseboards before carpet.

If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should. All paint is to be done before carpet installation to avoid dirty boots and shoes on new carpet and to avoid any paint spatter. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them. Install the carpet install the carpet all the way against the wall.

Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. We use 3 8 blocks to keep the baseboard up off the subfloor while we tack it on so the carpet installer can tuck it under. You don t need to leave any gaps. The first cut will mirror the corner cut of the molding already installed.

Scarf and butt joints. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet. Baseboard first set on 3 8 wood lath strips tack less set between 3 8 1 2 inch away padding brought up to tack less and carpet installed and stretched over tack less and tucked under base.

Determine the type of corner at the opposite end of the wall then cut the necessary inside or outside angle. Measure the length of a wall adjacent to the finished wall. Preparing to install baseboards. Fasten the molding with nails.

The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. However consult with your installer to be sure they have no concerns. The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed.

Safety tips for installing baseboard. If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet. Install subsequent baseboards using this procedure.