Install Baseboard Or Carpet First

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

Install baseboard or carpet first.

In my house they had to go from carpet to tile and lino. There may be instances where you want to put the carpet down first. 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. A really thick shag carpet can make it difficult to judge how high to place the trim.

Many builders do not install flush to the floor compensating for height of carpet. Which comes first carpet or baseboard. Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. Some professionals may have a strong preference but ultimately baseboards can be installed before or after carpet.

The baseboard goes in first always the carpet installers don t like this if they have to install new thicker baseboard for the customer they have to remove the old tack and install new this is very time consuming and their usually on piece work. The first is to install the baseboards flush to the subfloor prior to carpet installation. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard. Ask your carpet installer their preference to begin the discussion.

If you re in one of these situations follow these instructions to install the trim after the carpet.