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.

Install carpet or baseboard first.

Take it from a 31 year professional installer put down the baseboards first leaving a gap at the bottom for the very best. 1st someday you will be replacing the carpet if you have the baseboards installed on top of the carpet you will have to remove them to pull up the old carpet. There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first. Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet.

Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion. Which comes first carpet or baseboard. Many builders do not install flush to the floor compensating for height of carpet. Nice taller baseboards should frame the room first prime caulk and base coat as above before you install carpet.

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. Carpet installers have to bring large rolls of carpet into your home 12 foot rolls minimize seams in your room not small. If you re replacing carpet first before painting it will be easier for the flooring company. 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. Generally the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. When you opt to install the baseboards first set them 1 4 inch above the floor so you can finish the carpet installation. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard.

Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. Some professionals may have a strong preference but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet. How to install carpet first. Baseboards go in first and then your tackless striping stands about 1 2 out from the baseboard.

The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim. In my house they had to go from carpet to tile and lino. When you remove the excess use cutter made to slide along the wall and then drive the edge of the carpet down into that 1 2 space between the strip and the wall.