Do I install carpet or baseboard first?

Author: Ms. Syble Johnson  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

By installing baseboards before carpet, you create a clear boundary between the flooring and the walls. This makes it easier to replace or update your carpet in the future without having to remove or adjust the baseboards.

Is it better to install baseboards before carpet?

Installing the baseboards first makes it much easier to stain and paint your baseboards because you don't have to worry about getting any stain or paint on the brand-new carpet. If you choose to install your baseboards first, be sure to: Leave a gap for the carpet. (Use a spacer if you need to.)

What goes first, baseboard or flooring?

Baseboards ought to be removed first. Flooring goes in BEFORE baseboards. New build or old, doesn't matter. If there is existing flooring and baseboards then these need to be taken out first. Not layered over. Traditional look or not.

Does trim go down before or after carpet?

Standard construction procedure is to always install trim/ base first then run flooring up to it. That way you can change flooring in the future without removing the baseboards.

Can you lay carpet without removing baseboards?

Although it is possible to stretch them without removing the baseboard, i would not recommend it. It is much easier to stretch the carpet without the baseboard in place, and you will eliminate the possibility of damaging the baseboard during the process.

Should I remove baseboards before my flooring installation

How to install baseboard after carpet?

If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. If you are not intending to install quarter round, or base shoe, the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet.

Does carpet go under door trim?

The process I use takes advantage of the fact that the installers like to tuck the carpeting under the door jambs and the baseboard, which gives the installers a bit of a “fudge factor.” If you leave a jamb 1/16 inch short on a wood floor, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

How to fill a gap between carpet and baseboard?

Use Caulk to Fill the Gap

You'll want to use a paintable latex silicone caulk to fill the gap. Once the caulk is dried, paint the caulk to match the baseboards.

Do you hang doors before or after carpet?

The standard procedure is to install carpet after the doors and trim are installed. If you were installing vinyl or tile, you would do the same, but hold off on any quarter round trim until you're done. The important consideration, particularly for pre-hung doors, is how high to install it above the subfloor.

Do you trim up or down to go fast?

Bump the trim button up, and you'll notice the bow rise, the steering will feel lighter, and the boat speed will increase.

Can you install new flooring without removing baseboards?

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.

Should baseboards touch hardwood floors?

No, lay your flooring next to the baseboard, leaving room for expansion. This avoids buckling.

Do you install baseboard or door trim first?

The trim that surrounds a door frame is called casing, and it's always installed before baseboard and chair rail because they have to butt against it. Casing is also the easiest type of molding to install because the joinery is simple, making it a perfect first project.

Do you install flooring or baseboards first?

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.

How to push carpet back under baseboard?

Push the Edges Under the Baseboard

Use a wide-blade carpet chisel and force the edge of the carpeting into the space beneath the baseboard molding. Be careful not to scratch or dent the molding.

Should you install carpet or drywall first?

If you're planning on installing both drywall and flooring, it's generally a good idea to install the drywall first. That way, any mess or debris from the drywall installation won't damage your new flooring. Plus, it's easier to cut the drywall to fit around the edges of your flooring than the other way around.

Should you install base before or after carpet?

Installing baseboards before carpet minimizes the risk of damage to both the trim and the carpet, ensuring a cleaner and more polished finish.

What is the first step when installing carpet?

Installing & Laying Carpet
  • Step 1: Choosing the Right Carpet Type for You. ...
  • Step 2: Replacing Existing Carpet. ...
  • Step 3: Laying the Underpad. ...
  • Step 4: Laying the New Carpet. ...
  • Step 5: Match Up Carpet Seams. ...
  • Step 6: Stretching and Attaching the Carpet. ...
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Do cabinets go before or after carpet?

Here are the main advantages of laying flooring first: Installation is easier: When you start with your flooring, you usually fit it to the entire kitchen area. This means it doesn't need to be cut around your cabinetry and should be quicker and easier to install. This, in turn, could save you on installation costs.

How high off the floor should baseboards be installed for carpet?

In the majority of cases, the gap between the baseboard and the floor will be between 3/8” and 1/2”. However, if you're working with a thicker carpet and/or padding, this gap could easily be as wide as a full inch. This being said, many experts believe 1/2” is more than enough space for any carpet thickness.

Should I caulk the bottom of baseboards?

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.

What is scribing baseboard?

Scribing is a practice where a carpenter fits a finish element to an irregular or uneven surface. One common scribe is fitting baseboard to a hardwood floor. A second common application for scribing is fitting a cabinet to a wall when the wall is not perfectly plumb.

Can you pull up carpet without removing baseboards?

Carpet Removal Tip: Most carpet doesn't run underneath baseboards. But if you're one of the unlucky few with carpet under your trim, you'll have to remove them first.

Do closet doors go before or after carpet?

In general, it is a good idea to install your carpet before you hang your internal doors. This applies to bifold doors as well.

What layer goes under carpet?

Carpet padding is a type of foam cushion used underneath carpeting. Without the right padding, a new carpet may not lay as well or can be uncomfortable. Choosing the correct padding thickness will depend on your carpet's style and purpose.

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