Install Moulding Before Carpet

Install subsequent baseboards using this procedure.

Install moulding before carpet.

The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim then roll excess carpet under the trim. 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. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet. However consult with your installer to be.

For things like tile or hardwood you would want to give a to inch clearance for the installers to be able to put the flooring in and be able to slide the edges beneath the baseboards. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. The first cut will mirror the corner cut of the molding already installed. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim.

Oftentimes it is best to install the baseboards after the carpet is installed simply because of these tack strips. For most installers this is not a problem and can be done easily. 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. This is because when installing the baseboards after carpet installation they tend to wedge the carpet in between the tack strips and baseboards like a vice.

Determine the type of corner at the opposite end of the wall then cut the necessary inside or outside angle. 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. Fasten the molding with nails. Then touch up base if need be.

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. When installing baseboards before carpet ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim e g. Measure the length of a wall adjacent to the finished wall. If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet.