Baseboard trim before or after carpet - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

mtheisen0814 · 07-16-2007, 09:34 PM

I'm doing a full basement remodel, and am not sure what would be better to do... install the baseboard before the carpet install and have the installer tuck the carpet under the baseboard, or do the baseboard after the carpet install, I've seen it both ways. Any advantage for one over the other, if so, what?

Bummie · 07-16-2007, 10:03 PM

Baseboards first... then the carpet layers can tuck it under. It helps to hold the carpet down on to the smooth edge.

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm · 07-16-2007, 10:44 PM

I have always done baseboards first. Just cut 3/8 strips and lay the the boards on top when doing carpet. (3/4 for hardwood)

Mike Finley · 07-16-2007, 10:51 PM

Good - baseboards first, set on sub-floor - pad and carpet but to baseboards. (best method for rentals)

Better - baseboards first, set 3/8 above subfloor or whatever required depending on carpet and pad, carpet tucked under base when installed.

Best - carpet installed first, base applied last over carpet for absolute best look.

747 · 07-16-2007, 11:57 PM

for a subfloor in that basement i would seriously consider this.

http://www.deltafl.com/

Chris Johnson · 07-17-2007, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 747

for a subfloor in that basement i would seriously consider this.

http://www.deltafl.com/

Expensive, but it does work, also requires a bit of work if the concrete is not too level

tedn332 · 07-17-2007, 10:27 PM

carpet layers around here like to tuck it under the base; use a piece of base as a spacer under your baseboard which will give it 1/2 inch gap. Carpet guy will be okay with this.

only126db · 07-19-2007, 08:32 PM

Well depends on size of base and thickness of padding and carpet....If you are going with a 2" base and your carpet and pad is gonna be 1" thick you will have problems with your door stops. So take that into consideration, with 3" or taller base I'd go base first, smaller base you will need to hold it up off the floor or do it after carpet.

theartisan · 07-19-2007, 09:31 PM

when the carpet is tucked the backing can, and usually does at some point, scratch the base.

I did a remodel recently and my carpet layer had no problem with me putting the base on after the carpet and pad was down.

He said it was better for him b/c he didnt have to worry about dinging the trim when putting the strip down (masonry) or tucking so it went quite fast.

wishlist · 07-19-2007, 09:39 PM

I've done it both ways, just to see what I liked better and from what I've seen tucking it looks better and I think holds better. I am not a carpet installer by any means. I did a few basements last winter and did the carpets myself just to not sub it out.

**Teetorbilt** · 07-19-2007, 09:46 PM

Base first, the carpet guys have their own 'tricks of the trade'. Also keeps caulk and paint problems off of the new carpet, everybody makes mistakes/has accidents. Flooring is always last except for hardwood/laminates, I hate the 'shoe mould' look. Tile should have a grout line equal to the field of the tile.

csheafer · 05-28-2008, 06:21 PM

Yeah, it's easier for the installer to put it down with the base boards off.
However, that's not best for you.
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! In addition, the tack strip will be under the baseboards.
Take it from a 31 year professional installer, put down the baseboards first leaving a gap at the bottom for the very best results.
Touching up the baseboards is normal after an installation but it is usually not an issue.

neolitic · 05-28-2008, 06:32 PM

I was ready to flame the OP
for such a newbie question.
Never even thought of doing
base over carpet by deliberate
choice!

Absolutely stunned to see
so many who would even
consider it normal?

Sheafer has it right,
and he's the only guy
who could possibly benefit.

Mike Finley · 05-28-2008, 07:09 PM

Wow, this is old.

Trimcat · 05-28-2008, 07:37 PM

I think the carpet should be one of the last things you do on the project period. After trim, paint, tile, other types of flooring, etc. The least amount of construction traffic on the carpet, the better. If you are using a berber type carpet, I would set the base about 3/8" off the sub floor. With thicker carpet and pads usually 1/2" works perfectly.

Quiglag · 05-28-2008, 07:58 PM

I hate doing base over carpet. Here are the reasons:

1. I have to cut in another area/room/outside, and bring the base in. (waste of time)
2. Floors are always uneven, sometimes you will see gaps under the base. Tall hardwood base doesn't bend very well. Carpet guys will float the floor up to match with tile/wood floors and this leaves more gaps.
3. Having to worry about spilling glue etc on the carpet.

Though the plus is a clean floor to work on

buletbob · 05-28-2008, 08:19 PM

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. then touch up base if need be. The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed

KillerToiletSpider · 05-28-2008, 08:40 PM

I'd wait till the furniture was in there, since you wouldn't have to install it behind the furniture, which would reduce material cost.

orson · 05-28-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedn332

carpet layers around here like to tuck it under the base; use a piece of base as a spacer under your baseboard which will give it 1/2 inch gap. Carpet guy will be okay with this.

1/2 inch is too high, 3/8 is safer. Learning to space it with your pinky finger is priceless.

neolitic · 05-28-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Wow, this is old.

Well....
Well at least I do read all
of the posts.
Now if only I read all of
the dates.