Installing Baseboard Molding Over Carpet

You can see here how the back of the molding is carved out to fit right over my existing molding.

Installing baseboard molding over carpet.

The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate. My existing baseboard is really narrow not anywhere near as wide as the sample the manufacturer shows. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting.

Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. Piece for this project. Then touch up base if need be. The carpet installer can run the tack strip and carpet right up next to the wall.

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. Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. Lay them flat on the floor every few feet and then cut the base to fit rest it on the spacers and nail it into place.

Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate. If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. Try adding painters tape over the baseboard for protection.

This technique also leaves more of that handsome baseboard showing above the carpet. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should. When installing baseboards after carpet. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception.

However when installing the baseboard later painting and applying caulk can be a more tedious task to avoid mixing it in the carpet. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. I ordered one 8ft. Here is a picture to show you how it fits over my baseboard.

When the carpet is installed that is more easily tucked into place beneath the trim. The idea is that you should. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them.

This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications.