Install Base Molding Or Carpet First

Or you may be replacing the baseboards but leaving the carpet.

Install base molding or carpet first.

Generally the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. Second drywall would wick up moisture from flooded floors or carpet. 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. Baseboard trim has nothing to do with holding carpeting in place.

Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion. 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. 1 the act of installing the carpet destroys the molding or 2 it looks like shit afterward because of a poor fit between the new flooring and the old molding. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim.

How to install base board trim for carpet areas. First in the event of carpet installation the gap will need to be there for the edges of the carpet to be tucked under. The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation. The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed.

Some professionals may have a strong preference but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet. Believe it or not a crowbar works great to help push the carpet into the gap. 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. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.

Which comes first carpet or baseboard. Hold the first board against the wall level it then temporarily tack it in place. Then touch up base if need be. There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first.

How to install carpet first.