Do you install carpet before or after doors?

Author: Prof. Karley Mann  |  Last update: Sunday, April 13, 2025

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.

Is it better to install doors or flooring first?

Yes, ALWAYS install the floors first, this way your door jambs will sit nicely on the floor. With tile specifally, make sure your door is cut short enough that you're not struggling to get it in place. That is how you will crack tiles. You can probably get away with the marble thresh after the door is installed.

Do you have to remove doors to install carpet?

It depends on who you employ to fit your carpet. Some carpet fitters will remove the door and take a few millimetres off for you. The only potential issue I can see is if you have several layers of paint over the hinges/screws, this can make removing the door a bit of a pain.

Should carpet or baseboards be installed first?

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.

How much gap between door and carpet?

A well fitted door should have a 2mm gap on either side and at the top. The gap at the bottom will depend on the thickness of your flooring/carpet. Plane the door as required, using an electric plane will help you get an even finish, and sand for a smooth finish.

Why You Should NEVER DIY Carpet | How To Prep for Professional Carpet Installation

Do you install 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 baseboards sit on top of carpet?

While both baseboard and carpet installation can technically occur in any order, professionals often recommend installing baseboards first, followed by carpet. This sequence offers several advantages, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process overall.

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.

Does trim go down before carpet?

Most carpet installers will install the baseboards before the carpet. This is why it's important to measure thickness and find the appropriate height gap.

Does a room need to be empty to install carpet?

Yes, to fit your carpet correctly and smoothly, you should ideally have the room empty and free of futniture and remove anything that could potentially be damaged.

What holds carpet down between doors?

Thresholds, t-bars & door reducers are perfect for covering up those gaps between carpets and rooms and to give your floors a seamless finish. Not only that, door bars help keep everything in place, so you don't need to re-lay your carpet over time.

Do you tip carpet installers?

Regardless, if you feel the installers have done a great job and gone above and beyond, it's up to you. You can give them a tip, or reward them with refreshments and snacks. At The Carpet Guys, our flooring installers/contractors work very hard in providing excellent, detail oriented work.

Should you install doors or drywall first?

Installing stained and finished doors prior to drywall would leave them prone to being scratched, dinged, dented and would be very rough on the surface finish of the door. If at all possible wait until the drywall is completed.

Should you install flooring before or after cabinets?

When it comes to the installation part of the remodel, everything needs to be done in a step-by-step fashion, and in an order that makes the most sense. If your remodel also includes laying new floors, most experts agree that it's better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets.

Should flooring go under the door frame?

The strip should be positioned under the door so that it's hidden from view when shut, guaranteeing that only one type of floor covering is visible from either side. If the strip is broader than the door, it should extend into the doorway instead of into the room, ensuring it isn't an eyesore or a tripping hazard.

Should I install doors or flooring first?

Which is better, installing a door or floor first? It's always better to have the floors put in first. You can do the door first but then the floor installer will use a special jamb saw to remove 3/4″ off of the jamb to slide the floor in place. This also at the same screws up the door spacing.

Why do you Sheetrock the ceiling first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

Should you install baseboards or carpet first?

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.)

Are baseboards removed during carpet installation?

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.

How to fill a gap between baseboard and carpet?

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 baseboards go before or after flooring?

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.

Where do you put furniture when installing carpet?

Put your furniture anywhere that isn't getting new flooring, such as a garage, storage shed or basement. You could also use a portable storage unit outside your house so that you can easily access your valuables after the installers have completed the flooring.

Should carpet be laid in a certain direction?

The rule of thumb is that all carpets follow the same direction within the building (if carpet in a bedroom is facing West all carpets in the home should be facing that direction too). The importance of this is greater if carpet is laid in connecting rooms like a hallway and a bedroom for design continuity in the home.

Do you put tack strips in doorways?

Each tack strip should butt up to each other, end to end. Install tack strips so they wrap around door frames. Don't place tack strips across the openings of the doors, though. You don't want to step on the sharp points of the tack strips.

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