What goes down first, carpet or baseboard?

Author: Ms. Jazmyne Wiza  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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.

Do you install baseboard before or after carpet?

Baseboards are typically installed after the flooring is laid. This approach allows for a cleaner finish and ensures that the flooring can expand and contract without being constrained by the baseboards. Installing baseboards after the flooring also helps cover any gaps that may be present at the edges of the flooring.

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.

Should you install baseboards or flooring first?

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.

What goes down before carpet?

Begin by covering the wood subfloor with carpet padding. Tack down the padding with a stapler. Using a hammer, nail down tack strips around the perimeter of the room.

Should I remove baseboards before my flooring installation

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.

What goes down before flooring?

You have the top layer that is your floor covering (Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Carpet, etc.), next you have the underlayment (usually a thin layer of fiber, foam, rubber), below that you have your subfloor (plywood, OSB, concrete), and lastly you have the joists which are the foundation to your floors.

Does vinyl plank go under baseboard?

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.

Do baseboards touch the floor?

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.

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.

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.

Does trim sit on top of flooring?

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.

Should you paint before or after carpeting?

Painting before carpeting can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room. The process allows you more freedom to choose a complementary color palette, creating a cohesive look between your walls and carpet. Color coordination between painted walls and carpeting can dramatically transform the feel of a space.

Do you paint baseboard before or after install?

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.

Should baseboards be installed first or carpet?

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.

Which goes first, baseboard or 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.

How much space do you leave under baseboard for carpet?

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.

Which side of room to start vinyl plank flooring?

If you want to save cost on materials and time cutting, you'll want to lay them in the direction that follows the longer dimension of the room. This way, you'll only need to cut planks that meet the shorter-length walls. Following the direction of the longer-length walls in the room help to make it feel more open.

Do you caulk baseboards to vinyl flooring?

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.

Is it better to remove baseboards when installing laminate flooring?

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.

What happens if you don't put underlayment under vinyl plank flooring?

If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.

What flooring is under carpet?

You may simply find plywood under your carpet or linoleum. Did you really want to keep that old carpet (or whatever it may be)? You can if you want to, but you can also replace it with an actual hardwood floor if that is your desire. Again, it just may bring up the value of the home.

Should you install drywall or floor first?

While the flooring that is laid down after the drywall is installed will correct imperfections in the floor, any small hill in the concrete will cause a full sheet of drywall to be out of level if the drywall is placed directly on the floor.

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