How far off the floor should baseboard be installed for carpet?

When installing carpet, you'll notice a slight variance in baseboard height, which is typically between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. An easy way to space baseboard off the floor for carpet is by using precut 1/4-inch shims as spacers, which will provide a consistent height throughout the room.

Just so, should you install baseboard before or after carpet?

No, baseboards do not need to be removed. When installing baseboards before carpet, ask the installer how large of a gap to leave between the floor and the trim (e.g., ½''). The carpet installer can run the tack strip up to the trim, then roll excess carpet under the trim.

Subsequently, question is, how do you fill the gap between baseboard and carpet? Caulk. If you're more concerned about dirt collecting or insect infiltration than looks, consider using caulk to fill the gaps beneath your baseboards. Line the floor with blue painter's tape first to minimize messes, then apply a paintable latex silicone caulk to the gap.

People also ask, how high should baseboards be?

Baseboard is typically taller than casing is wide, and about as tall as the crown. The taller the crown, the taller the baseboard should be to maintain visual balance. 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.

Should I paint trim before installing?

There is no need to paint it before the install, because by the time you install it, do the caulking, fill nail holes,etc you will have to re-paint it anyway.

25 Related Question Answers Found

Do you hang doors before flooring?

In that case, it can require more time and work to get the doors installed and to have the casing and jambs look 'seamless' against the new flooring. There are these installation options: 1.) Install the pre-hung doors before the flooring.

How do you install baseboards without nails?

Cut the blocks and tuck them into the gap every few feet. There's no need to nail or glue them into place; just install the baseboard right over them, tight against the floor molding. It's best to keep the nails at the bottom of the base above the gap so they go through drywall, not air.

Do you have to remove baseboards to install vinyl flooring?

For ease of installation, it is always best to remove the trim or casing that makes contact with the floor. Ideally, this includes baseboards, door trim and casings, and quarter-round. Often, removing doors helps with installation, too.

Do you install doors before 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.

What type of baseboards are in style?

Baseboard Styles and Profiles

Plain Baseboard Styles. Requirement MDF baseboard can be really basic.
Vinyl Baseboard Styles. Archiexpo.
Baseboard Profiles.
Back-Profiled Baseboard.
Major Trim Profiles.
Three-Inch Rounded or Stepped Baseboard.
Flat Baseboard Molding.
Sculpted Mid-Height Baseboard Trim.

How tall should baseboards be with 8ft ceilings?

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.

Does baseboard go down before carpet?

Baseboard installed on top of carpet should be installed at approximately the same height, with this exception: If you are not intending to install quarter round, or base shoe, the baseboard should be installed snugly on top of the carpet. Nail the baseboard only into the wall, never the floor.

Do baseboards need to match door trim?

Five or six inches would be more in scale. If you are using beefier 3 ½ or 4 1/2-inch door trim, 8- or 10-inch baseboards are more appropriate. Keep in mind, also, that the outside edge of the door molding has to be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the baseboard.

What size door trim should I use?

Most trim pieces graduate in 1/4-inch increments. Standard door and window trim is typically 2 1/4 inches in width, baseboard is about 3 inches, and crown is about 4 1/2 inches.

Should Trim be lighter than walls?

Paint the trim the same color as or a lighter shade than the wall color to make the walls feel like they are receding. Shorten a room.

Do you remove baseboards when installing tile?

When replacing a porcelain tile floor, the baseboards should be removed. If, however, the old baseboards are either outdated or damaged beyond repair, installing new moldings to match or creating a new look with a different profile will freshen up the style while accentuating the new porcelain tile floor.

How do I choose the trim for my house?

Tips for Choosing Interior Trim

Use Trim Consistently. Your home will look best if all the trim work conforms to a single architectural style.
Make Sure All Trim Elements Go Together. Within any style of trim, there are a number of choices.
Develop Your Craftsmanship.
Keep It to Scale.

How much room do you need under a door for carpet?

As a general rule. Holding the jambs up 1/2" -3/4" where there is carpet is our rule in new construction. Door slabs are usally 1" up from bottom of jamb on prehungs. So with 1/2" pad and up to 1/2" carpet, that'll leave a 3/4" gap, below the door.

Should there be a gap between baseboard and floor?

No floor and molding will be completely level over really long rubs and shoe covers the gap. It's been said to death, but that's what 1/4 round (or base shoe) is for. It hides the gaps between the baseboard and the floor. You can find something nice that goes with the feel of the house to put in there.

What can I use to fill gaps between floor and wall?

An exterior-based caulking is sufficient.

Remove the baseboard, if present, to expose the gap between the subfloor and the wall face.
Clean dust or debris from the gap between the wall and subfloor, using a vacuum fitted with a slant nozzle.
Insert a tube of caulking into the caulk gun.

How much space should be between baseboard and floor?

Space each nail 16 to 24 inches apart across the entire length of the baseboard when securing. Remove the spacers from under the installed baseboard and reuse them to space and fasten additional pieces of baseboard until the entire room is complete.

Should I caulk baseboard to floor?

Caulk is useful for sealing small, thin gaps between baseboards and the floor or wall. It's not, however, appropriate for protecting the baseboard itself, which must be painted to provide protection from water damage and wear and tear.