Should baseboards be installed before flooring?

Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.

Do you install baseboards before or after vinyl plank flooring?

As a general rule, baseboard is installed after the floor is installed, which makes covering the vinyl planks easy. However, door casings and jambs are often installed before a floor, which means you need to undercut the jambs/casing.

Does flooring have to go under baseboards?

Can You Install Flooring Without Removing Baseboards? Installing hardwood floors without removing the baseboards is possible, and it's a suitable option for other types of flooring as well. If your baseboards have been glued to the wall and would cause damage if you tried to remove them, it may be best to leave them.

Do you install baseboards before or after tile?

The short answer is, in the majority of cases, tile should always go under baseboards. Baseboards provide cover for uneven walls, hide the end cuts for tile, and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to a room by connecting it all.

Should baseboards be flush with the floor?

For the most part, you will want the baseboard to be flush with your flooring so that it covers up the edges, which can really improve the aesthetics of your home. You will need to take the type of flooring into consideration because of the height difference in types of flooring.

Should I remove baseboards before my flooring installation

How far off the floor should baseboard be installed?

As discussed above, baseboards are typically installed between 3/8" and 1" from the floor to accommodate carpet. Baseboards are often mounted level with the bottom edge of the drywall, which is kept 1" from the floor. This keeps both the drywall and the trim up out of the way of any spills or water leaks.

Why is there a gap between my baseboard and floor?

Gaps between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor usually occur because floor joists sag and foundations settle over many years. In some cases, these gaps are wide enough that they allow air infiltration and can seriously impact your home's energy consumption.

What goes first trim or flooring?

Baseboards are usually installed before flooring with a reservation gap left at the bottom of the baseboards for the flooring to be slid underneath. The gap left under baseboards for flooring is dependent on the width of the flooring being installed.

Should baseboard touch tile floor?

Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you've already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you'll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.

Is it better to install baseboards before carpet?

Baseboard Installation

Baseboards are often installed before flooring, since they must be finished in place with either stain or paint and this is much easier without worrying about staining the hardwood, tile or carpet.

Do baseboards sit on top of hardwood?

Wood flooring expands and contracts due to variances in temperature and humidity. Due to the expansion, Easiklip and other solid hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend a 15 mm (1/2 in.) gap between the floor and the wall. The molding sits on top of the floor and flush baseboard to the wall to cover the gap.

Which comes first baseboards or carpet?

Which comes first, carpet or baseboard? Generally, the installation of carpet or baseboard is easier for whoever installs first. Some professionals may have a strong preference, but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet. Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion.

Do you put laminate under baseboard?

For convenience, proper floor installation, and to save money, remove the baseboard during the installation process and reuse it with the new flooring. Since most types of laminate are not secured to the subfloor, the baseboard will help hold it securely into place.

Should baseboards be caulked?

Caulk is a flexible material that allows the wood to move without breaking the seal. Thus it is advisable to caulk the top and bottom of the baseboards with the right caulk that will compress and stretch according to the movements of the baseboard.

Do you put caulk on bottom of baseboards?

If there is more than an eighth of an inch of space between your floor and the baseboard above it, yes, it is a good idea to caulk the area. However, if the floor has carpeting, it is not a good idea to apply caulk to the gap.

What height should baseboards be?

Here is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches. As a designer, I love adding height for drama. And the taller baseboards create a modern yet elegant finished look.

Can I put baseboard on top of laminate flooring?

Baseboards should be installed after laminate. Most (all?) Laminate is a floating flooring system which means it doesn't actually attach to the subfloor (friction holds it in place once all the pieces are set together.

Should I remove baseboards before installing LVP?

For ease of installation, it is always best to remove the trim that makes contact with the floor. This includes baseboards, base shoe moldings, and case moldings around doors.

Do carpet installers install baseboards?

Your average carpet installer is capable of replacing the baseboards, but there is always the risk of damage when trying to remove it. This is why most contractors try to avoid it at all costs.

How far should baseboard be off the floor for carpet?

The best height for baseboard when carpet is going to be installed is 3/8". Why? Raised base makes it easier for the carpet installer to install ANY thickness of carpet and the edges look better.

Do you paint baseboards before or after installation?

If the baseboards have not yet been installed, you should always paint the baseboards before installation. Minor damage to the paint finish will occur during installation, but this is expected. With most of the painting already done, you'll only need to do a small amount of touch-up after installing the baseboards.

How do you fill the gap between baseboard and carpet?