In my experience, baseboard can either be installed before or after the tile, but if it is installed before, the baseboard is installed at the level the tile will be, leaving a gap below the baseboard to accommodate the tile. Once the tile is installed, quarter-round (or door-stop for a smaller profile) is used to cover the gap.
Can tile be installed directly to baseboards?
Running tile up directly to baseboards can cause visual issues with grout build-up, the height of the baseboards, and the paint on the baseboards. What Happens if Your Baseboard Trim is Installed Before Tile? Typically, carpenters or baseboard installers will account or the flooring to run under the baseboard.
Should you install baseboards first or walls first?
The argument for installing baseboards first is primarily due to how much easier it is to paint the walls and trim without worrying about the new floor. By installing and finishing the baseboards first, there is no need to tape down plastic sheeting to protect new floors.
Should baseboards be replaced before or after flooring?
But baseboards have to be figured into a flooring project whether they’re being replaced along with the flooring or not. Baseboards are usually installed before flooring with a reservation gap left at the bottom of the baseboards for the flooring to be slid underneath.
Do I need to caulk between tile and baseboard?
Also, the joint between the tile and baseboard MUST BE CAULKED. Otherwise, you risk the floor creating a phenomenon called "tenting". All it takes is 1/16" of movement from the perimeter with no give in that joint for expansion, and your floor can lliterally lift off the subfloor, peaking in the center by as much as 8".

Do you install baseboards before or after flooring?
Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.
Should I remove baseboards before installing tile?
When replacing a porcelain tile floor, the baseboards should be removed. If care is taken during the removal process, the old baseboards can be reinstalled. Using the old baseboards saves money and ensures a precise match to the existing baseboards in the home.
Can you tile a floor without removing baseboards?
You can lay tile without removing baseboards, but this will create a less attractive product. Baseboards are designed as a finishing product to give your home a clean, polished look and hide gaps between the walls and floor. In adding baseboards first, you're diminishing their purpose.
Should there be a gap between baseboard and tile?
Should There Be a Gap Between Your 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.
Does flooring go under baseboard?
Baseboards are usually installed before flooring with a reservation gap left at the bottom of the baseboards for the flooring to be slid underneath. The gap left under baseboards for flooring is dependent on the width of the flooring being installed.
How do you tile around baseboards?
0:002:31How To Install A Tile Bullnose Baseboard- SIMPLE & EASYYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's actually being used as a baseboard. So let's do that first we're going to do the floor oneMoreIt's actually being used as a baseboard. So let's do that first we're going to do the floor one first and then we're going to come down and we're going to do the wall one to match up to the floor.
Do I need Quarter round for tile floor?
Account for when your tile will need to wrap around corners, where it will meet the tub, and/or when it will meet the floor. When your tile meets the wall or when it's wrapping around another wall that's perpendicular to it, we recommend using a bullnose or quarter round trim.
Do you put shoe molding on tile?
7:0010:44You're a "HACK" if you use 1/4 ROUND TRIM or SHOE MOLDINGYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown you can certainly put baseboard in before you put the tile. Down but then just. Understand you'MoreDown you can certainly put baseboard in before you put the tile. Down but then just. Understand you're going to have a grout line along here. But there won't be any gap.
Is it better to remove tile or tile over?
If the floor has numerous loose or missing tiles, it might be better to remove the old tiles because the weak bond beneath them could weaken the new tile floor. If you opt to remove the old tiles, scrape and grind away hardened thinset to level the underlayement before laying the new tiles.
Should baseboards touch 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.
Do you caulk baseboard to tile floor?
The only time silicone caulk is used in baseboard installations where they meet tile is for the purpose of extreme protection against movement or for areas where bacteria is a concern. Commercial kitchens as well as public areas such as malls or airports use silicone for the wall-baseboard-to-floor-tile transition.
Should baseboards be caulked at floor?
Protect Your Baseboards' Beauty and Longevity Worse yet, the damage can creep up into the wall. Dirt and grime can accumulate in the gap at the bottom edge of the baseboard and eventually leave the floor looking grungy even after you mop. Caulk at the bottom of the baseboard reduces the risk of this happening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
How high should baseboards be installed without flooring?
The standard height that most baseboards are installed without flooring is 3/8ths of an inch. This leaves plenty of room for the carpet to be shoved up underneath the edge of the baseboards during installation. Some carpet installers may ask for a 1/4th inch gap for baseboards.
What is baseboard flooring?
Baseboards are an important part of finishing flooring that many home renovators may not consider when they’re trying to plan a project. But baseboards have to be figured into a flooring project whether they’re being replaced along with the flooring or not. Baseboards are usually installed before flooring with a reservation gap left at ...
What is the gap between baseboards?
The gap left under baseboards for flooring is dependent on the width of the flooring being installed. Baseboards are an important part of flooring installation, and without them, any flooring installed will look cheap and unfinished. Read on to learn more about how to install baseboards to be flush with new flooring.
Why is baseboard important?
Putting in baseboards and other forms of trim are crucial for setting new flooring off. Without properly placed, cleaned, and painted baseboards, new flooring can make old walls look worse.
Why do you tack down the floor?
Tacking the flooring down under the baseboards helps prevent the carpet from being pulled up. It also prevents any moisture from getting between the carpet and the subflooring. This installation process is crucial for the prevention of damaging mold and mildew in the home.
Why does paint peel off baseboards?
Dirt and grime on baseboards can cause the paint to peel up if it gets painted over. When you’re removing baseboards before you put in new flooring, attention to detail can mean the difference between reusing baseboards and being forced to get new ones.
Can you cover baseboards with painter's tape?
Covering baseboards with painter’s tape after cleaning them can keep them from getting paint from the walls on them, and there are usually ways to adjust the flooring (or your choice of flooring) so that it stays flush with the bottom of the baseboards. Following this process guarantees there is no gap left.
Why do you need to install baseboards first?
The argument for installing baseboards first is primarily due to how much easier it is to paint the walls and trim without worrying about the new floor. By installing and finishing the baseboards first, there is no need to tape down plastic sheeting to protect new floors.
When replacing carpeting, should you have baseboards installed?
When replacing or adding carpeting to your home, it is better to have the baseboards installed first. This is because they can be installed and finished, with either paint or a stain, without worrying about spilling on the new carpet. Once dried and secure, the carpet can be sized, cut, and tucked under the gap to make clean edges around the room.
Why do you put baseboards before carpet?
Before Carpet. In addition to protecting drywall from moisture damage, the reason to install a baseboard before the carpet is so that the end result will look neater. Once the carpet is laid and cut, the edges are tucked under the trim for a clean finish. Another key reason to install the trim first is to be painted or stained without worrying ...
What is baseboard made of?
What Are Baseboards? Typically made from vinyl, plastic, or wood, baseboards are long boards used to hide the gap where the wall meets the floor. They are more aesthetically pleasing and used to protect the wall from damage caused by shoes or vacuum cleaners.
Why do we need gap in baseboards?
The gap, in this case, is to prevent damage to the drywall caused by moisture. Even the smallest spill onto drywall can seep in and compromise the wall’s integrity. In the event of larger spills or floods, the gap will help to prevent too much damage. This gap is the reason most homes use baseboards.
What is the wall that is secured to the subfloor?
During construction, most walls will have either a piece of lumber or metal frame on the floor. These are secured with nails to the sub-floor (the base floor onto which you will install carpet, hardwood, or laminate).
Do you need baseboards before or after flooring?
Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after. This article will explore why baseboards are necessary ...
How thick is tile?
Tile, backer board, and materials typically range from 3/8’’ to 1’’ inch thick in height when installed. In the situation that your baseboard trim is higher than your tile, you may need to install a quarter round solution to cover any gaps. ← Older Post.
Do you put tile under baseboards?
The short answer is, in the majority of cases, tile should always go under baseboards. Baseboards provide cover for uneven walls, hide the end cuts for tile, and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to a room by connecting it all.
Can you leave baseboards installed under subfloor?
If the baseboards are the appropriate distance above your subfloor, you can leave them installed and simply install your tile directly under them. Unfortunately, you may need to remove a patch of baseboards to determine the distance between the baseboards and subfloor. Consider finding a small stretch of wall to remove a baseboard.