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Should You Install Baseboards Before Or After Flooring? [Confusion Cleared]

Baseboards are an integral aspect of the flooring installation process. When installing the baseboard, it’s normal to get confused about whether to install it before or after flooring. 

But today, we’ll clear this confusion once and for all!

Should you install the baseboards before or after flooring?

Baseboards are typically laid before flooring, with a reservation gap at the bottom. This allows the flooring to be slid underneath. The width of the flooring being fitted determines the gap left under baseboards for flooring.

This is just a peek through to what you’re looking for! But you can get the details if you go through our article thoroughly!

Let’s hop into it right away!

Should You Install The Baseboards Before Or After Flooring?

Well, the baseboard has to be installed before the flooring. Baseboards are often installed prior to installation of flooring, with a reserved space at the bottom of baseboards. This makes it easier to slide the flooring below. 

This also helps to put carpet over tile without damage.

The width of the flooring being fitted determines the gap left under baseboards for flooring. Baseboards are a crucial aspect of the flooring installation process. Without them, any new flooring will appear cheap and unfinished.

Why Install The Baseboards Before The Flooring?

Baseboards are laid before flooring for a lot of reasons. The first is that the baseboards must be painted to match the room’s trim. If at all feasible, avoid any paint when installing a new carpet. 

And after the room walls have been painted, the flooring is normally the last thing to be installed. On the new floor, wood filler and caulk are similarly simple to get by. 

You can also set the baseboard height without carpeting to layover. Otherwise, leveling the baseboards against the luxurious carpet can be challenging.

Things To Consider While Installing Baseboards Before Flooring

The flooring company normally follows up with the installation of baseboards on the walls. Before the flooring provider arrives to install the carpet, the homeowners must also install the baseboards. 

It’s a good idea to check with the company to see what height the baseboards should be put at. The carpeting firm must be able to roll the carpet out flush against the wall’s edge. 

But a rounded baseboard should not be in the way. If the baseboards are not spaced correctly, the carpet’s border may be visible. One of the main functions of the baseboard is to conceal the carpeting’s edge.

It also keeps moisture out of the space between the carpet and the subfloor. This installation procedure is critical for preventing mold and mildew damage in the home. So, you need to calculate BTU for the baseboard.

Cast iron baseboards are widely used. So, you need to calculate the baseboard

How High To Set Baseboards Before Installing Flooring?

3/8ths of an inch is the normal height for most baseboards put without flooring. This leaves huge space for the flooring to be pushed up. For baseboards, some flooring contractors may need a 1/4-inch spacing. 

This allows for thicker carpets and padding to be installed. Trimming down a tall piled carpet is easier for the flooring installation. 

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But concealing the gap created by a baseboard that was installed too high is difficult. For instance, a height above the carpet pile.

Putting unclean baseboards back over new flooring without having them cleaned is not a good idea. Because this will simply emphasize how beaten and filthy they appear. It might also lead to heat that sounds like running water.

When To Install The Baseboards After Flooring?

Sometimes the baseboard may need to be installed after flooring. Several types of flooring may require the removal of existing baseboards. Some types of carpet, or laminating floors are an example. 

The subflooring and foam beneath the carpet are also removed when new carpeting is put in. 

Baseboards are more than just a decorative feature. The carpet will not be pulled up if the flooring is nailed down under the baseboards. 

Because the baseboards will almost always need to be moved. This stage is frequently preceded by the removal of the baseboards. If the baseboards are restored along with the flooring, they are also removed

How To Install The Baseboards?

To install the baseboard, begin by determining the length of your longest wall. You may have a piece of baseboard molding that extends beyond the length of the wall. In such a case, this initial wall can be finished with just one baseboard. 

Carefully measure and cut the baseboard end at a 90-degree angle to go directly into the perpendicular wall on either side. If you need two pieces for the first wall, use a scarf junction to connect them. 

Two 45-degree cuts on different boards are joined together in a scarf joint. Cut and place the two boards if possible. A stud position can be used to secure the scarf joint to the wall.

Then cut an inside corner joint. Cut a back bevel cut of roughly 1/16″ along with the profile. With your files, remove the remaining back bevel. Continue measuring, cutting, and installing the baseboard. 

Mark the spot on the outside corner where it would meet the other piece. Fill up any holes or gaps in the baseboards with wood filler. 

Let the wood filler dry properly before lightly sanding away any excess. Finally, fill the crack between the baseboard and the wall with caulk. And your baseboard installation is done

That’s all we had regarding installing baseboard before or after flooring. We hope you find this article helpful.

FAQs

Question: Do the baseboards come in contact with the floor?

Answer: If you don’t want to carpet your flooring, baseboards should merely touch the ground. You must have already finished putting the other flooring in that scenario. However, you may not have finished installing the rest of your flooring, whether it’s carpet or not. In that situation, you’ll need to account for the installed flooring’s height.

Question: Why is there a gap between the floor and baseboard?

Answer: A gap could be forming for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that the contractors who built your house lacked experience. Perhaps your floor joists are rotting as a result of too much moisture, causing your floors to sag. Separating baseboards from walls is another early symptom of foundation slippage. 

Question: What to do if there is a huge gap between the floor and baseboard?

Answer: You need to fix the gap between them as quickly as you can. To begin, fill the gap with caulk. Then, between the baseboard and the floor, apply more molding. After that, you should insulate the space. The baseboards should then be replaced. You might want to use a specialized product. If you find it difficult to resolve the problem, make sure to take assistance from an expert.

The Final Words

Now you know if you have to install the baseboards before or after flooring! We believe our information would be helpful enough for you to understand!

We hope you will go through the instructions thoroughly!

Best wishes!