Rugs, Carpets and Carpeting - Carpet over hardwoods/Question about baseboards

I am having carpet installed over my hardwoods (because of a few permanent stains) . I am also replacing the baseboards. My question is, should I inset the baseboards back into the hardwoods like they were previously? Or should I raise them up enough so the tack strip and rug can fit under the baseboard??

Since the baseboards are already there and it would be a big chore to remove and replace them, I would remove any shoe molding or quarter round and install carpet up to the baseboard.

It's such a pity to have to cover hardwood flooring when it is all the rage. It seems everyone is tearing out their carpet and refinishing their hardwood. For severe stains, it is possible to do repairs. Affected boards can be pulled out and replaced by some pulled from inconspicuous areas, such as from inside the closet and under the bed. New boards would replace those. Then, the floor could be refinished. Too, sometimes stains can be bleached to lighten and floor stained a dark color to camouflage stains. And, area rugs can hide alot of sins.

Hardwood flooring adds value to a home. Again, it is a pity to cover one of your most valuable assets.

Thanks Twelvepole, I am replacing the Baseboard anyways (needs updating ;) ) So what would be the better way of the two.

And yes I know it's a shame to cover the Hardwoods (Cost of repair was more then my budget :( ). I am only carpeting the living room, hall and stairs. The 3 bedrooms will remain Hardwoods and will eventualy be refinished.

If replacing baseboards, raise them. It will give you a more finished look. When I installed baseboards on new construction. I took a few little pieces of baseboard and laid them along the wall to provide a gap the thickness of the baseboard. That way the installers had a place to tuck the edge of the carpet.

Sorry that your budget could not allow for restoration of the hardwood flooring. I love hardwood flooring.

Great, Thanks again!