Paneling and Trim - Installing baseboards all the way down to subfloor?

Hi guys,

Hope you can help me out on this.

The carpet guys asked me to install the baseboards all the way down to the sub floor. I know on most new construction this is the way it is done, but isn't it better to leave a gap to allow for the carpet to be tucked in under it?

I asked him if he was sure that i should install the base boards down to the subfloor and he kept saying yes, even when i asked him isn't it a better finish to have the carpet tucked under...

Is it easier one way or the other for the carpet installer, and is he just trying to get out of doing more work?

Welcome to the forums! I never install base on subflooring when carpeting is going in. BUT, your installer requested it, and if you don't do it according to his plan, it could very well cause problems. Not sure what they would be. He will actually be doing more work than he would if he had the"tuck" room. Don't understand it, either.

I agree with Chandler. I wouldn't have done it that way...then I'm no pro at installing carpet.

However, that's the way it was done at my house. They will install tackless just a bit away from the baseboard and install the carpet right up against it.

I asked the sales guy i worked with at the carpet store, he said that for the plusher carpet we can leave a 3/8 in gap. But in one of the rooms we're using a pretty low profile carpet which is about 3/8-1/2 inch thick and he said i should install it all the way down to the concrete slab.

I guess I have to take their advice, though i'm not sure that I agree...

I agree with Chandler. As a home builder, I have always installed the baseboard 3/8" up from the floor, for the tuck under, no matter what kind of carpet. On a few I have had the carpet put in and then put on the baseboard. I think they must be going to glue the tack strip to your floor first. Just my opinion. Good Luck

As a designer, I would definitely run your baseboards all the way to the subfloor. If you have a good carpet installer, they will be able to run the tack strips properly and tuck the edges of any carpet (regardless of thickness) and get a nice tight fit to the base. I am going through this right now-- I have had a contractor insisting that 3/8" is the way to go, but I really think you get a better look with no gap. Designers and builders don't always agree!

Designer K, welcome to the forums! That's why designers don't build and we don't design. It is a symbiotic relationship and we never cross that line. Thanks for the comments, and keep 'em comin'.

Designer K, welcome to the forums! That's why designers don't build and we don't design. It is a symbiotic relationship and we never cross that line. Thanks for the comments, and keep 'em comin'.

As a professional installation company employee at most 1/4" max. I used mine to run speaker wires.
The reason your installer want's it down to the subfloor is that no floor is level and the cutt pile of the carpet will hide these defects..You need to make sure that the moulding weather shoe or base is level for looks and if you are the homeowner to your taste...

Have A Great Day!!

I think we can surmise that a possible good compromise is to consult with the flooring installer before you install trim. We're sitting here assuming it all, and a good communication with them would solve problems that could show up regarding height.

I agree that it's best to consult the carpet intaller or supplier first!...... but I've painted 100's of new homes and I don't recall one that the base wasn't raised. The base was almost always installed and painted before carpet. Occasionally a low pile carpet was used and nobody told the carpenter - in those cases, shoe mould was installed after carpet installation.