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.
If you're installing the baseboards pre-carpet installation, we recommend leaving a 1-inch gap between the wall and the floor for the pad and carpet. This is more than enough space for the carpet installation without leaving too much room for dirt and debris.
1 Answer 1 The type of carpet can affect the height of the baseboards. I usually set the gap at 3/8'' this is normally sufficient but some really thick carpets need a full 1/2''.
However, the question remains: Do you install the baseboard before or after the carpet? Well, it depends. 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.
Most recommend installing beforehand and leaving an approximately 1-inch gap above the subfloor.
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.
You don't need to leave a gap underneath the skirting boards. If you're having a carpeted floor then fit the skirting boards first. If you're laying down a wooden or laminate floor then fit the skirting boards afterwards.
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.
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.
The average thickness of carpet and underlay combined is around 18mm. This is based on a standard 9mm underlay and a short pile carpet, such as a twist or Berber. Yet it should be noted that the thickness of both carpet and underlay varies greatly, meaning there's no definitive answer to the question.
When is Caulking Between Floor and Baseboard Necessary. 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.
Here is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches. As a designer, I love adding height for drama.
Baseboard first, about 1/4-1/2” off the subfloor. Don't do it after. If you replace the airo with a thinner carpet in a few years you'll be left with a gap. Can't think of a benefit to doing it after except your baseboard will seem a tiny bit taller.
If the carpet won't budge with sheer force, cut a small square out of the corner with your utility knife. Then, you can pull on the larger section and begin to rip up the carpet. Carpet Removal Tip: Most carpet doesn't run underneath baseboards.
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.
A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.
How high should baseboard be off the floor? 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.
Generally, silicone is most effective for small to medium-sized gaps, typically ranging from ⅛ inches to ½ inches. Attempting to seal large gaps with a single application may result in collapse or shrinkage. When facing wider gaps, epoxy-based sealants or specialized gap-filling products may be a better choice.
Caulk is one of the most effective ways to fill the gap between carpet and baseboards.
Base Board First!
It's definitely an easy thing for installers if carpet first. However, that is not the best for you. You will be replacing the old carpet someday. Now you already have the baseboard installed on the top of the carpet, you will have to remove them to pull up the old carpet.
Cut carpet padding sheets and attach them to the subfloor with staples or double-faced tape. Unroll the carpet over the padding, cut it to fit, then hook it onto the points of the tack strips.
The gripper pins are extremely sharp and you should take care not to cut yourself. Position each carpet gripper approximately 10mm away from the skirting board, with the pins facing up and pointing towards the wall. This allows just enough space for the carpet to be tucked in around the edges.
Filling the gaps between skirting boards and floor boards can be done using Bona Gap Master or Osmo Interior Gap Sealer. Both of these wood fillers are flexible and can be sanded smooth once fully dry, making them a better option than mastic based bathroom and kitchen sealers.
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.