Baseboard Molding - Installing over all floor types

Installing baseboard often depends on the flooring

With many different flooring options today, planning your baseboard trim installation requires some planning
and forethought.

-Unfinished hardwood floors are usually laid before baseboards are applied. This allows for pre-sanding to occur right up
to the wall without risk of damaging base boards


-Prefinished wood floors are generally laid after baseboards are installed and special care must be taken to protect the finished
floor when installing shoe molding. If the pre-finished floor was installed first, be sure to lay down some protective paper as not to damage the floor finish.


-Vinyl flooring is typically installed after baseboard molding. Shoe molding is used to cover the staples that hold down vinyl floor covering.


-Ceramic tile can be installed before or after baseboards. It all depends on the look desired and you won't need to install shoe molding. If you
are butting ceramic tile up against the baseboard, be sure and grout this area also.


-Carpet is almost always laid after baseboard molding is installed and painted. Usually a 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap is left below the baseboard to allow the carpet
to be tucked beneath.