Installing Baseboard Molding Over Carpet

If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should.

Installing baseboard molding over carpet.

Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. This technique also leaves more of that handsome baseboard showing above the carpet. When the carpet is installed that is more easily tucked into place beneath the trim.

However when installing the baseboard later painting and applying caulk can be a more tedious task to avoid mixing it in the carpet. The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor.

When installing baseboards after carpet. It does fit right over the top beautifully. Here is a picture to show you how it fits over my baseboard. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting.

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. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job. Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet.

Try adding painters tape over the baseboard for protection. My existing baseboard is really narrow not anywhere near as wide as the sample the manufacturer shows. 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. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet.

I ordered one 8ft. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate. Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate. The idea is that you should.

Piece for this project. Then touch up base if need be. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet.

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.