Installing Baseboard Molding Over Carpet

The only thing that is different than any other baseboard installation is the small rise above the base floor.

Installing baseboard molding over carpet.

If adding baseboards after carpet is laid it should be installed at the same height as without carpet. Drill 1 16 inch holes every 16 inches through the baseboard angled downward toward the wall plate. My existing baseboard is really narrow not anywhere near as wide as the sample the manufacturer shows. These can be reused over and over again so hold onto them.

Baseboard first set on 3 8 wood lath strips tack less set between 3 8 1 2 inch away padding brought up to tack less and carpet installed and stretched over tack less and tucked under base. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. However when installing the baseboard later painting and applying caulk can be a more tedious task to avoid mixing it in the carpet. Carpet installers prefer to cut the carpet a little long and tuck the excess into the gap for a neater job.

If the molding is slightly long trim it at angled 1 16 inch increments from the end to fit the wall. The carpet installer can run the tack strip and carpet right up next to the wall. Try adding painters tape over the baseboard for protection. 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.

Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height with this exception. Here is a picture to show you how it fits over my baseboard. Once the trim is fastened remove the short baseboard pieces and move these along as you install the baseboard. Hammer tack nails through these holes into the wall plate.

Nail the baseboard in place with the sticks resting only lightly on the surface of the carpet. Do not push down on the baseboard so that it presses into the carpeting. Then touch up base if need be. Fit the molding to the wall flush against the carpet.

The trimmer is not going to make a special trip back to install the base after carpet is installed. This is the basic method for baseboard installation for carpet applications. The idea is that you should. If you are not intending to install quarter round or base shoe the baseboard should.

Lay them flat on the floor every few feet and then cut the base to fit rest it on the spacers and nail it into place. When the carpet is installed that is more easily tucked into place beneath the trim. Piece for this project. You can see here how the back of the molding is carved out to fit right over my existing molding.

When installing baseboards after carpet.