Replies

1. 
   ptp | Feb 21, 2009 04:31am | #1

   That seems a bit high. I've always used the thickness of a carpenter's pencil to gauge it - the narrow dimension.

1. 
   Waters | Feb 21, 2009 04:37am | #2

   Carpenter's pencil, Really?

   That's only about 1/4" no?

   Would not even the tack strip fit then?

     

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 21, 2009 04:52am | #3

   The tack strip does not go under the baseboard, they often keep in out a little. The edge of the carpet gets tucked in behind the edge of the tack strip. Many times there is no gap but it's helpful if you keep the base up 3/8" max for typical carpet, 3/4" is way too much. Only the carpet gets tucked, the pad is cut at the tack strip.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   ptp | Feb 21, 2009 04:54am | #5

   You type faster than I do.

2. 
   Waters | Feb 21, 2009 05:19am | #6

   3/8" Max

   Got it.

   No diff for wood subfloor or slab?

     

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 21, 2009 05:42am | #7

   Same thing. The gap under the base helps keep the carpet from pushing against the base and opening up corners or popping nails. If the tack strip is under or too close to the base, the base will get beat up trying to nail the tack strip, especially on concrete.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   Scrapr | Feb 21, 2009 05:54am | #9

   waters

       I've always seen trim carps put a stick of base (or cut off) under the baseboard they are nailing.

    

   That should get you in the area code

3. 
   jimAKAblue | Feb 21, 2009 06:39am | #10

   I've used base too. Usually though, I just eyeball it.

   I goofed once and held it about 1/2, maybe5/8". We then installed berber, which isn't very high. There were some spots where I could see a gap and of course it bothered me till the day I sold it. I hope the new guy isn't bothered as much as I was.

4. 
   Waters | Feb 21, 2009 06:40am | #11

   That's what Ive seen too.  So thought I'd get the ol' BT Vote.

   I'll ask the installers what they want.

   Thanks,

   Pat 

5. 
   Brady T. | Feb 21, 2009 08:27am | #12

   3/8s

2. 
   ptp | Feb 21, 2009 04:53am | #4

   Tack strip is held out from the face of the baseboard and carpet edge is tucked under the baseboard. Putting the tack strip underneath would make it more difficult to stretch the carpet over and hook it. The small reveal reduces the likelihood that you will see a gap between the carpet and baseboard.

2. 
   BUIC | Feb 21, 2009 05:52am | #8

     This has been the subject of discussion before.  Tight to the floor or hold it up?

     Where I'm at, base is usually held to the floor.  I've seen most carpet installers get upset when it's held up.

     They say you should tuck it against the face of the base, which is what "pushes" the carpet back against the angled tacks in the tackless strip, and locks it in place.

     You might want to ask the installer his preference,  if you know who it will be...buic