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Floor Installation Guide: Baseboards or Flooring First?

floor installation

A great number of people install their own flooring and one of the biggest questions they have is which comes first – baseboards or flooring. There’s no iron-clad rule that’s applicable in all situations. Much depends on the type of flooring that’s being installed.

Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it’s much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.

floor installationNo matter whether baseboards or flooring is installed first, it’s essential that a gap of at least 1 inch is left between the baseboard and the floor. It’s part of the building code and is done for practical purposes.

The gap allows for airflow that aids in decreasing the potential for moisture seeping into the drywall. Once moisture comes in contact with drywall, it opens the door for damage to the home that can foster mold growth and even compromise the integrity of the structure. A gap also allows for expansion of wallboard that will occur over time.

In the case of carpeting, there are multiple reasons for installing baseboards first. When the carpet is installed, it provides a cleaner appearance. Carpeting edges can be tucked under the baseboard for a neater look. When baseboards are installed first, it eliminates the potential for paint drops on the carpet or the stain seeping through.

When it comes to laminate or hardwood, having the trim already in place can actually make the flooring more difficult to install, particularly when individuals reach the other side of the room. For anyone remodeling an existing room with baseboards, it’s a good idea to remove the baseboards if they’re old, worn or damaged before installing any type of flooring.

For over 30 Years Kuhn Flooring has been providing superior quality flooring products and installations to Coral Springs as well as all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners. We are the #1 Flooring Company in South Florida. Kuhn Flooring is equally qualified as we are committed to delivering 5-star service to all our customers in South Florida.

We encourage you to use the contact form below to get started with a free estimate on your next flooring project. Or simply call us at: (954) 344-4838

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Kuhn Flooring Gallery has been providing quality flooring products and installations to Coral Springs as well as all of South Florida since 1966. Our goal is simply to provide our customers with the highest quality flooring materials and installations at the most competitive prices possible.
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