Do you install baseboard before or after carpet?
Do you install baseboard before or after carpet? We get asked this question a lot, and the answer depends on preference or individual circumstances.
Thankfully, you can install carpet or baseboard first. Either will work. So if you have one already installed, don’t worry. You don’t need to start over.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which to install first. Let’s break it down.
Do baseboards go on before or after carpet?
Baseboard looks great with carpet. It’s a simple and effective way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, if you’re getting ready to install baseboard after carpet (or vice versa), here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Installing before carpet: You need to make sure that you leave enough space between the floor and the baseboard. This can be tricky, so take your time on this part. You also need to be careful of tack strips, and their ability to damage baseboards during the install process.
- Installing after carpet: This is usually the easiest method; however, if you plan on caulking or painting the baseboards, this can cause issues later down the line. Paint splatter or dripped caulking can permanently damage carpet. We recommend painting before installing.