Installing Baseboard Trim After Carpet

Preparing to install baseboards.

Installing baseboard trim after carpet.

Scarf and butt joints. All paint is to be done before carpet installation to avoid dirty boots and shoes on new carpet and to avoid any paint spatter. No baseboards do not need to be removed. Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet.

Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. Determine the type of corner at the opposite end of the wall then cut the necessary inside or outside angle. You don t need to leave any gaps. Install subsequent baseboards using this procedure.

Coping an inside corner joint. Measure the length of a wall adjacent to the finished wall. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. Safety tips for installing baseboard.

Install the carpet install the carpet all the way against the wall. This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications. The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. 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.

Fasten the molding with nails. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting. They will need to be careful not to damage the baseboard when installing the. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception.

When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should. However consult with your installer to be sure they have no concerns.

The first cut will mirror the corner cut of the molding already installed. As a contractor i always install the baseboards before carpet. The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor. Then touch up base if need be.

These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them. 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. If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet.