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how much space should i leave under baseboard for carpet

by Dr. Isaac Gulgowski Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Most of them recommend 1 inch to allow room for both pad and carpet. It is also best, if possible, to nail down any tack strip
tack strip
Tack strip also known as gripper rod , carpet gripper, Smoothedge tackless strip, gripper strip or gripper edge is a thin piece of wood, between 1 to 2 metres (3.3 to 6.6 ft) long and about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) wide, studded with hundreds of sharp nails or tacks used in the installation of carpet.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Tack_strip
before installing the baseboard to prevent damage to the baseboard from errant hammer strikes.

Full Answer

How to nail baseboards into the wall?

What is the bottom of a wall?

Do you need to raise baseboards from floor?

Can you put drywall above the floor?

Can you install baseboards before flooring?

Can baseboard be installed on top of carpet?

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How much gap does baseboard need for carpet?

3/8" is a safe, standard gap. If you're using common 3-1/4" or 3-3/4" base trim, use a few scraps of that. It may be 7/16" thick, but that's fine also. Having a gap allows an extra measure of prevention against gaps in case the carpet shifts at all, and certainly makes life easier for the carpet installer.

Should I leave a gap under baseboard for carpet?

If you plan to install your trim, including baseboards, before carpeting, you will need to leave adequate space. A minimum of 3/8" between the floor and the bottom of the trim is typically necessary. However, you may need a gap of up to an inch, depending on what carpet and padding are installed.

How much space do you need under baseboard?

The Standard. If you are just replacing the baseboards without flooring in place, then most contractors will ask you to give them between ⅜ and ½ inch of room between the subfloor and the baseboards. This will allow them the room they need to tuck your flooring underneath the baseboards.

Should carpet be tucked under baseboard?

A general rule for the space needed underneath the baseboard is 3/8 of an inch to one-inch, depending on the pad's and carpet's thickness. This space creates enough room for the carpet to be tucked underneath the baseboard. Before tucking, it must be nailed to the tack strips, stretched, and trimmed.

How do I close the gap between carpet and baseboards?

Gap Between Carpet And Baseboard – What To Do?Caulk the gap between the baseboard and carpet.Adjust or replace the baseboards.Use expanding foam to fill the gap.Add padding under the baseboards.Add molding to the baseboards.

Should baseboards be flush with the floor?

Baseboards should only touch the floor if you have no plans to carpet your floors and if you've already finished installing your other flooring. If you have yet to install the rest of your floor, carpet or otherwise, you'll need to take into account the height of the installed flooring.

Should bottom of baseboards be caulked?

Gaps and cracks around baseboards give insects an easy way into your walls where they can build nests and eat away at the structure of your home unseen. Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out.

What do you do with the gap between baseboard and floor?

Use Caulk to Fill the Gap You will want to line the floor with blue painter's tape to minimize cleanup. 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 do I put between baseboard and floor?

You should fill any gap between your baseboard and floor with caulk. Caulking this gap prevents moisture damage, keeps pest insects from invading your walls, and serves to insulate your home better. Do not leave a gap between your baseboard and tile.

Should you paint baseboards before installing carpet?

Professional Interior Painters always protect the floors You must paint your interior before Installing the carpet.

How far should tack strip be from baseboard?

about ½ inch awaySet the tack strip about ½ inch away from the baseboard to allow space for slipping the carpeting underneath. One row of tack strip is sufficient to hold down most types of carpeting, but for heavily woven Berbers and woolen carpets, it's best to install two rows of tack strips side by side.

Do you paint first or get new carpet first?

New flooring installation and a fresh new coat of paint are often part of any remodeling project. If that's where you currently find yourself, you might be wondering if you should paint a room before or after installing carpet. The answer is that you should paint before installing a brand new carpet flooring.

Why is there a gap between baseboard and floor?

Over time, your home's foundation may settle into poorly compacted, moistened, or shrinking soil beneath it, which can result in gaps between your walls and baseboards. As homes age, their joints and structural components sink and settle.

How do you fill space between baseboard and floor?

Use Caulk to Fill the Gap You will want to line the floor with blue painter's tape to minimize cleanup. 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.

How do you put a rug back under baseboard?

How to Install Carpet Under BaseboardsVacuum the bare floor thoroughly to remove all dust and dirt. ... Position carpet underlay so its edges butt up against the tack strips but do not overlap onto the tacks. ... Unroll the carpet and cut off the excess, so each edge runs to just above the top of the baseboards.More items...

Base board height before carpet spacing - Fine Homebuilding

Depending on the overall height of you base board, either should work just fine. Most pad is 3/8 anyways, as is the tackless. IMHO the high side, with narrow base, which I have in my house looks the best.

Baseboard height for carpet? | AVS Forum

I'm not a carpet installer first of all. When I've done it in the past for my own rooms, I leave 1/4" and have never had any problem with nice tight tucks.

baseboard height for carpet install? | Woodworking Talk

I always use scraps of base if it is about 7/16" thick( not 3/4") that are about 4" long as spacers. I rest the base on those pieces. The carpet layers will nail their tack strip close to your base and use a tool to ram the carpet into that tight space and under the base.

Baseboard Moulding Height Off of Floor - Preparing for Carpet....

I'm with Vic, it should be raised a little off of the floor, generally 1/2" but it helps to know what carpet you intend to use. If you set the base too high and there is a gap between the carpet and the base - you'll want to install shoe moulding or quarter round

What height to set baseboards before carpet is installed?

3/8-5/8" but most 1/2" Reasoning: you have padding and carpet. With a plush carpet and pad you might be at almost an inch or even over. you don't want the tuck to be so tight that it looks like the carpet is being smashed under the baseboards.

Remove baseboards before carpet installation? - DIY Home Improvement Forum

I am going to be having new carpet installed in 4 bedrooms. Should I remove the baseboards before installation? I am also thinking about replacing with some nicer baseboards. Do the installers need baseboard in place in order to install the carpet? If so, how high should I place the new...

What size pad should I use for a base board?

Depending on the overall height of you base board, either should work just fine. Most pad is 3/8 anyways, as is the tackless. IMHO the high side, with narrow base, which I have in my house looks the best.

What is carpet underlayment?

Ahh! A juxtaposition of terminology. Underlayment (underlay) is a second layer of floor material that is installed over the sub-floor. Up until recently it was the common way to build. Carpet pad has always been carpet pad in my area, it is available in different weights, 6 pound and 8 pound being the norm. For a few extra bucks I go with the 8#. It stands up longer and gives a more luxurious feel. Baseboard is usually installed before the pad. The pad is cut to fit against the tack strips. The pad is great to kneel on but the tack strips aren't. Keeping the base off the floor helps the carpet installers to tuck the perimeter. 3/8" is the maximum needed. I've never seen a gap under the baseboard in a carpeted room. I have seen many gaps when the base is installed after a hardwood, tile or vinyl floor has been laid. The wider the baseboard, the larger the gaps, due to shrinkage or crooked material/floors.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

Can you put shoe moulding back on the baseboard?

Don't put the shoe moulding back....carpet right to the baseboard......

Do you need to mould a wall?

No U don't. Moulding is to cover the transition between the wall and the floor.

Do we trim baseboards?

We trim (install baseboard,etc.) in hundreds of new homes every year. We install the baseboard tight to the subfloor, the Professional carpet installer cuts,trims and kicks tight to the baseboard. He (she?) isn't counting on a specific manner of baseboard installation.

What is the best height for baseboards?

The best height for baseboard when carpet is going to be installed is 3/8". Why? Raised base makes it easier for the carpet installer to install ANY thickness of carpet and the edges look better. A thick carpet will tuck nicely along the baseboard and so will a thin low profile carpet such as a berber or thin looped carpet. Many people will change their carpet without repainting or remodeling. If you install baseboards up too high and install a thick carpet then there is no problem. But when you replace the thick carpet with a low profile carpet then the baseboards will be too high. Repairing this situation requires removing the baseboards, reinstalling them lower and then having to repaint (at least) the portion of the wall right above the baseboards.

How much space is a plush carpet pad?

you have padding and carpet. With a plush carpet and pad you might be at almost an inch or even over.

What does 1/4 gap mean on carpet?

My local carpet store asked for 1/4" gap, meaning put 1/4" spacers on the floor and then install baseboard. Their reasoning is that thicker carpet can be trimmed if it can't be jammed under, but the other way looks ugly with a gap.

How tight should a plush carpet be?

With a plush carpet and pad you might be at almost an inch or even over. you don't want the tuck to be so tight that it looks like the carpet is being smashed under the baseboards. The carpet should look like it is just flowing under. Note that most floors aren't exactly flat.

Why do carpets have gaps?

Having a gap allows an extra measure of prevention against gaps in case the carpet shifts at all, and certainly makes life easier for the carpet installer.

How thick is a 3/8" gap?

3/8" is a safe, standard gap. If you're using common 3-1/4" or 3-3/4" base trim, use a few scraps of that. It may be 7/16" thick, but that's fine also. Having a gap allows an extra measure of prevention against gaps in case the carpet shifts at all, and certainly makes life easier for the carpet installer. Share.

How often should you measure a gap in a floor?

Note that most floors aren't exactly flat. So make sure you are measuring this gap every few feet so that it doesn't become too big or little.

How thick is a base for carpet?

I always use scraps of base if it is about 7/16" thick ( not 3/4") that are about 4" long as spacers. I rest the base on those pieces. The carpet layers will nail their tack strip close to your base and use a tool to ram the carpet into that tight space and under the base. The object here is to give the carpet layers that space, but it can't be higher than the thickness of the carpet. Usually, about 7/16" will work.

How much space do you need for a Berber carpet?

If Berber carpeting is used go with about 3/8" space. Regular cut pile carpet use a scrap piece of base about 9/16".

Why raise the base of a carpenter?

Raising the base is helpful to the finish carpenter since it usually does away with any slight variations in the subfloor that may not be apparent. It also allows a bit of fudge room if there is any variation in the width of the base so you can keep the tops aligned.

Can you use a carpet pad with a scrap piece of base?

Carpet pad has nothing to do with it. Using a scrap piece of base will work out fine.

Does base up or down matter?

Base up or down don't matter. Just makes it easier for the installer.

Can you trim carpet with a trimmer?

Most installers won't care one way or the other. It is easier to trim with a carpet trimmer if the base is on the floor. It is best if the base is down before the carpet goes in. Putting the base on top of the carpet can cause problems.

How to nail baseboards into the wall?

Set the level on the top edge of the baseboard and adjust it until the bubble is centered in the indicator. Nail the baseboard only into the wall, never the floor. Keep your nails less than 1 1/2 inches from the floor to nail into the edge of the wall sill, rather than anchoring to drywall only.

What is the bottom of a wall?

The bottom of most interior walls is formed with either a two-by-four lumber sill, lying flat against the floor, or its metal framing equivalent. These pieces are nailed to the subfloor and joists, making them permanently secured. Above this, the wall studs rise vertically with their butt ends on top of the sill.

Do you need to raise baseboards from floor?

The baseboard at the bottom of a wall should always be installed slightly raised from the floor's surface. There are two reasons for this gap, which is generally required by building codes. First, in the event of carpet installation, the gap will need to be there for the edges of the carpet to be tucked under.

Can you put drywall above the floor?

In some cases this will not be possible, since not all drywall is spaced above the floor in residential construction, although ideally it should be. In these cases it is best to follow the carpet manufacturer's recommendations for baseboard mounting. Most of them recommend 1 inch to allow room for both pad and carpet.

Can you install baseboards before flooring?

Baseboard Installation. Baseboards are often installed before flooring, since they must be finished in place with either stain or paint and this is much easier without worrying about staining the hardwood, tile or carpet. Cut the baseboard to the correct lengths using a handheld cutting tool. To accommodate finished flooring, ...

Can baseboard be installed on top of 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.

1.Videos of How Much Space Should I Leave Under Baseboard for C…

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30 hours ago  · Contractors typically leave 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch of space under the baseboard to tuck the carpet. This ensures any carpet thickness will fit, even after renovations are …

2.How Far Up Do You Put a Baseboard Before Carpet Is Laid?

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/far-up-put-baseboard-before-carpet-laid-99235.html

33 hours ago How much room do you need for carpet under baseboard? Most of them recommend 1 inch to allow room for both pad and carpet. It is also best, if possible, to nail down any tack strip …

3.Base board height before carpet spacing - Fine …

Url:https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/base-board-height-before-carpet-spacing

20 hours ago How much space do you need under baseboard for carpet? Most of them recommend 1 inch to allow room for both pad and carpet . It is also best, if possible, to nail down any tack strip …

4.What height to set baseboards before carpet is installed?

Url:https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/86597/what-height-to-set-baseboards-before-carpet-is-installed

17 hours ago  · Baseboard is usually installed before the pad. The pad is cut to fit against the tack strips. The pad is great to kneel on but the tack strips aren't. Keeping the base off the floor …

5.How large of gap to leave from baseboard to floor if …

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/forum/paneling-trim/248144-how-large-gap-leave-baseboard-floor-if-carpet-installed.html

36 hours ago  · 0. 3/8" is a safe, standard gap. If you're using common 3-1/4" or 3-3/4" base trim, use a few scraps of that. It may be 7/16" thick, but that's fine also. Having a gap allows an extra …

6.baseboard height for carpet install? | Woodworking Talk

Url:https://www.woodworkingtalk.com/threads/baseboard-height-for-carpet-install.35064/

11 hours ago  · 1/2" is normally used for padded carpet on wood floors that will be getting a tack strip. Since you mentioned this is in a basement, it makes me wonder if you will be glueing the …

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