Install Base Molding Or Carpet First

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.

Install base molding or carpet first.

There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first. There are three main ways to install new baseboards. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet. Baseboard trim has nothing to do with holding carpeting in place.

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. Generally the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. The reason i feel this way is because nearly every time i ve seen carpeting installed with molding on one or both of the following happens. Hold the first board against the wall level it then temporarily tack it in place.

How to install carpet first. Believe it or not a crowbar works great to help push the carpet into the gap. When glue doesn t secure the carpet tack strips installed on the floor near. The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed.

Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation. Which comes first carpet or baseboard.

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. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. Second drywall would wick up moisture from flooded floors or carpet. Some professionals may have a strong preference but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet.

Then touch up base if need be.