Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 30, 1999 10:50am | #1

   *
   Hello Arn,

   I usually leave a 3/8" gap under the baseboard trim when installing. I have strips that I cut from 3/8" plywood that I use. I lay the strips down on the slab (or wood floor) and set the trim on top of the strips. I tack nail the trim, then I remove the strips of plywood. I then go back and finish nailing the baseboard.

   The 3/8" gap allows the carpet installers to tuck the edge of the carpet under the trim. This gives a nice finish to the carpet.

   James DuHamel

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 30, 1999 10:54am | #2

   *Yeah, 3/8" here too. I like to leave the door jambs and casing up too. Professional courtesy. - jb

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 30, 1999 08:56pm | #3

   *Ditto, you'll just have to see if that will cause you any problems where your old and new baseboard might meet. I drop down to 1/4" for commercial glue down without pad.Joe

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 31, 1999 08:42am | #4

   *I usually cut some small pieces of 9/16 base 3/4 to 1" long from scraps after I cut base for the first 1 or 2 rooms. I place these small pieces about every 6' around the perimeterof the first room and then move them to another after nailing. Most all carpet goes over 1/2" Rebond pad around so it hides the gap and leaves max base above the carpet. I always check to be sure the carpet and pad are 3/4" or more.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 31, 1999 08:55am | #5

   *3/8"????have to agreed with kcoyer about the 9/16. Most of the one piece base today is 9/16" and a few scraps cut to that lenght will work great with the carpet.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 31, 1999 10:53am | #6

   *I must be missing something here...If we are comparing apples to apples, then 9/16" seems like an awfully large gap for tucking the edge of carpet into. Since the tack strip is attached outside of the baseboard trim, and the padding is butted up to the outside edge of the tack strip (not over the top of it), all that is left to tuck is bare carpet. 9/16" just seems like an awfully big gap to tuck the carpet into and still get a nice, snug fit. I understand that shoe molding or quarter round is installed at the baseboard/carpet seam (in most cases anyway), but it still seems like an awfully large gap. Am I missing something here?I also agree about leaving the jambs and casings loose as a professional courtesy. James DuHamel

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 31, 1999 09:05pm | #7

   *No James your not missing much. Actually I usually go 7/16" but would not be comfortable with more than that. Your analaysis is correct about what is available to fill the gap. I've rarely seen base shoe installed above carpet when modern 1 piece base is used.Joe

4. 
   Guest_ | Nov 04, 1999 08:13am | #8

   *Ditto on 3/8". Carpet doubled over and tucked under the base works good. L. Siders

2. 
   gc_ | Nov 11, 1999 04:57am | #9

   *
   i use 7/16 osb

3. 
   Guest_ | Nov 13, 1999 08:04am | #10

   *
   3/8" with padded carpet and baseboard after carpet for commercial glue down here.

4. 
   arn | Jan 04, 2000 11:32pm | #11

   *
   In the near future, I will be installing base board in a recent addition. The rooms will be carpeted after the baseboard is installed. Should I raise the base board slightly (so it isn't buried by the carepet)? How much? If it helps, the other (existing) rooms are either hardwood or tile on the floors.