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.
Not taking them out starts the job faster but then after your install there will be quarter round regret (because of point #1). If you remove the baseboard, you risk damaging the walls. Installing the laminate with quarter round will be much easier and won't damage the existing walls.
Floating Hardwood Floor Overview
In most cases, you can install the flooring without removing existing baseboard, concealing the expansion gap with shoe molding (or quarter-round, which is wider). Or, you can remove the baseboard, lay the flooring, and then reinstall the baseboard on top.
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. Often, removing doors from their hinges helps with installation, too.
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.
While there are benefits to a quick tear out, some components of a room can be carefully taken out and then reused. Baseboards are one of those easy-to-reuse items. With the price of wood products and lumber increasing, removing this trim carefully without damaging for reuse is an easy way to save money.
wait for the floor to cure
Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.
But, it can also be one of the big disadvantages of floating floors if you live somewhere that experiences extremely high humidity. This is also due to the space between the floor and subfloor. If a lot of moisture accumulates in there, it may contribute to warping, pitting, or mold growth.
You should leave a 10mm gap between the laminate flooring and the walls on all sides. The same applies to other solid objects such as doorframes, heating pipes, stoves and radiators that are flush with the floor and furniture.
If you're looking for a quick fix and looks aren't the most important factor, caulk is a great option. You will want to line the floor with blue painter's tape to minimize cleanup. 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.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Generally, a gap of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch is recommended for hardwood flooring, while laminate flooring typically requires a gap of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. It's important to note that the expansion gap should be consistent throughout the room, including around obstacles such as doorways, cabinets, and pipes.
As the laminate acclimates to the humidity and temperature in the room, the fiberboard core becomes accustomed to the environment. Ignoring acclimation can lead to the floor bending, warping, or twisting after installation.
Removing trim or baseboards without damage can be a tricky task, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you are concerned about the paint, the drywall, the wallpaper, the trim, or anything else, you can remove the trim or baseboard safely and easily without damaging anything.
No! Baseboards do not have to be removed to install carpet. In fact, many carpet installers choose to leave baseboards on during the carpet installation process. At the same time, you can also choose to install new baseboards before installing carpet.
Laminate flooring is a floating floor material that isn't attached to the subfloor or underlayment. Laminate installation is much like putting together a large puzzle and should take no more than one day for almost any room.
Whether it's carpet, tile, laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), or hardwood, our flooring makes a statement, so doing it right is important. But when is the best time to install new flooring? The fall months are the ideal time!
Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation:1. Underlayment takes out any minor deviations in the subfloor. 2. Underlayment delivers superior acoustical performance.
Cost to Remove Baseboard
Removing existing baseboards will usually cost between $50 to $100 per hour in labor. This will typically include debris removal, but you may need an additional removal service for around $20.
If your current trim and/or baseboards are poorly installed or damaged, it creates the appearance of the “old and cheap” look. Clean, sleek trim could improve your home's value and by upgrading it will help you sell your home faster and possibly, for more money.