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!
LVP should be installed UNDER the baseboards so that it can ``float'' (expand and contract). It's super common here for people to tear out the old flooring, or lay the LVP over the old hard surface and butt it up to the baseboard and install quater round to hidw the gaps, inn oreder to save money, and time...
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.
Ideally, you want to address a gap between your baseboard and flooring before your flooring is installed.
Most contractors prefer to install the baseboards first. However, it can be done the other way around, and there are arguments to be made for both choices. Installation is simpler for whoever installs first.
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.
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.
Cabinets should generally be installed before vinyl plank flooring. You should install flooring after installing cabinets because floating floors need room for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
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.
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.
It's easier to use glue for a DIY baseboard application than using nails. Gluing only requires an adhesive for application without additional tools. Gluing is an inexpensive method for attaching baseboards without additional labor costs.
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.
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.
Framing should ideally be done before flooring as well, but drywall is up to you. It is traditionally installed before flooring, but does not have to be. Designer Amy Pigliacampo proved in her Boulder home that installing drywall after flooring can be beautiful.
Note: 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.
No matter whether baseboards or flooring is installed first, it's essential that a gap of at least 1 inch is left between the baseboard and the floor.
Bottom: Gaps between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor happen because floor joists sag and foundations settle. If the gaps are wide enough, they allow air infiltration and seriously impact your home's energy consumption.
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.
The purpose of covering up this gap is to prevent dust and moisture from accumulating in your floor and baseboard trims, which can result in further damage. Keep in mind that caulk should only be used on nonporous floorboards. Read on to find out how you can caulk between baseboards and laminate.
The last finishing step after the floor is completely installed is the trim. In order to avoid frustrating last-minute issues, plan for trim and molding in advance as part of the overall installation.
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.
Paint the Trim and Baseboards
In most cases, we recommend painting your trim before your walls. Let the paint dry, then tape off the trim and move on to the walls. Using high-quality semi-gloss paint will protect the wood as well as leave a pleasing shine to your trim and baseboards.
Caulk is one of the most effective ways to fill the gap between carpet and baseboards.