Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.
The industry standard in the US is flooring first:Tile,laminate,wood,vinyl ect. Finish with base boards. 1/4 round at cabinets in place. Just trying to help!
Don't want to deal with removing baseboards? You can leave them in place, but you will need to leave a ¼” gap between the baseboard and flooring, to account for expansion over time. You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap.
Assuming you are using standard MDF/wood baseboards, I would installed them first. You can then cut the transitions so they are flush against the baseboards. I would recommend cutting to size and painting the baseboard first on saw horses before installing.
Flooring installers can install your flooring without removing your baseboards, but each case is different. The process will be different for various floor coverings and can require additional steps we'll talk about in this post.
Most flooring applications do not require you to remove existing baseboards. However, you may choose to remove the baseboards and replace them at the same time as flooring installation if you want to switch to a different baseboard height or change the style to match the overall look of your remodel.
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. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.
Ideally, you want to address a gap between your baseboard and flooring before your flooring is installed.
Caulking is required if there is a gap of at least one-eighth of an inch between the flooring and the baseboard. This helps to protect them from moisture and dust. Caulk should ideally be applied to solid surfaces such as stone, wood, and other similar materials for the best results.
Use an underlayment or moisture barrier to cover the floor before adding the hardwood. These offer benefits including sound dampening and protection against spills.
Base shoe or quarter round is the thin, narrow piece of trim that runs along the bottom of the floor and hides the gap between the wall and the floor.
Underlayment is not required if the vinyl flooring will be laid over a cushion-backed vinyl floor or a tile floor below grade. In all other applications, however, you should use one, such as covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring without cushion, and concrete floors.
I bought both the standard and mini Danco Zenith trim pullers. They are a great tool for getting behind the baseboards and prying them loose without breaks or damage to the board or drywall that might occur with a prybar or hammer claw. The sharp edge is good for breaking through caulking and paint.
Why Experts Recommend Baseboard Installation First. While both baseboard and carpet installation can technically occur in any order, professionals often recommend installing baseboards first, followed by carpet.
Many experts say that it's wise to paint the trim before you install it.
Carpenters or trim specialists are professionals who work with wood and trim elements. Their expertise in handling measurements, cuts, and finishing makes them a great choice for baseboard replacement projects.
before installing vinyl plank flooring can result in an uneven and unprofessional finish. Removing baseboards before you start allows for a cleaner installation and ensures the flooring extends beneath them, creating a clean look.
When installing over a concrete subfloor, a felt underlayment is the best choice. Felt does a fantastic job of insulating the flooring from the cold concrete. It will also provide shock absorption. This will help absorb the impacts of everyday foot traffic, making the flooring more comfortable.
For all vinyl edges exposed to the toilet flange or shower edge, you must properly seal them using silicone caulk. This will help avoid water from building up underneath the floor and potentially leading to not only mold issues but also weakened flooring from water saturation.
Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.
A baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.
What Color Caulk Should I Use for my Baseboards? The typical color for baseboards is white, as this creates a clean, attractive contrast and frame to the wall. If your baseboards are white, use white caulk as well. Make sure to use an indoor, paintable caulk with long-term elasticity.
Key Thought: For wall lovers, install baseboards first to shield them during hardwood floor installation—it saves walls and effort. But if precision's your jam, lay the floors before baseboards for that gapless, seamless look.
Typically, carpenters or baseboard installers will account or the flooring to run under the baseboard. This floor is commonly hardwood floors, tile, or carpet. With that said, the gap they leave will vary based on their instructions or what they anticipate the flooring type will be.
One of the signs that you may have a foundation settlement problem, is when your baseboard trim is pulling away from your floor. A home settlement issue is caused when the soil beneath the foundation changes and shifts. When soil becomes too wet, it will heave and swell. When soil becomes too dry, it shrinks.