Do you install baseboards before or after flooring?
Installing the baseboard moulding is one necessary step once you install the floor. The baseboard moulding can cover the gap between the floor and wall, and it all can protect the wall when you install the floor. But will you install the baseboard after the floor or before the floor? Let us sort out this issue together.
What is baseboard moulding
The baseboard moulding is one moulding product used to protect the bottom of the wall. It can be made from the wood, MDF board, plastic or plaster. There are different sizes, you can choose the size according to your requirement. As one widely used moulding products, there are hundreds of styles and new styles are constantly being added. Below are some basic specifications for wood & MDF baseboard moulding.
Material
The materials of the wood baseboard moulding are natural wood, the popular wood species are the pine, oak, walnut and fir. Of course, there is not requirements on the wood species. The material of the MDF moulding is fiber board, it can be MDF board, HDF board or LDF board.
Surface
The moulding surface can be white primed, that is ready to be painted, you can paint the surface with different color directly. Or there are many choices of pre-finished surface, the laminated and veneered treatments are popular choice. They can offer you so many color and pattern, as long as you have the detailed requirements for reference.
Size
The moulding size can be customized, you can request any size of the moulding products. We can offer a wide range of the size, the max length size is 5.4m (that is the standard size of Australia market), the 16ft length is the common size of the other markets, the width is 1-10” and the thickness is 3/8-2-3/4”
Installation
There are two installation methods, you can install the moulding products with adhesive, or you can install it with the nail. The methods depends on the situation of your wall. If your wall is not suit for the nail, then you only can use the adhesive. But compared with the adhesive, the nail will be more stable.
Install baseboards after the flooring
Most people choose to install the baseboard after the flooring, so this is the most common and recommended method. The reasons are as below:
Aesthetics
The baseboard covers the expansion gap after flooring installation, creating a clean and seamless finish between the wall and floor. It can also prevent dust from settling into the gaps.
Suitability
Whether it is solid wood flooring, engineered flooring, or laminate flooring, installing the baseboard after the flooring ensures smooth edges and concealed gaps.
Flexibility
If the flooring needs to be replaced in the future, the baseboard can be removed first. If handled properly, it is unlikely to be damaged and can be reused, while also minimizing damage to the wall.
Install baseboards before the flooring
This method is not chose by the people, but it can be used in some specific situations—for example, when the floor height is fixed, when the interior design requires it, or when installing the flooring could damage the walls or be difficult. In such cases, installing the baseboard first can be more convenient for protecting the walls.This method has some drawbacks
Easy to leave a gap
If the baseboard is installed first, then installing the flooring, the expansion gap on the floor edges cannot be covered by the baseboard and will need additional treatment.
High maintenance cost
If you install the baseboard before the flooring, you may need to remove the baseboard when you want to replace the floor, that will increases the cost.
How to install baseboards after the flooring
Install the flooring
You need to cut the floor according to the room size, then install the floor firstly, please remember to make sure to leave an appropriate expansion gap between the floor and the wall.
Install the baseboard
After the floor is installed, you can use baseboard moulding to cover the gap between the floor and the wall. You can install and fix the baseboard with glue or nails.
Caulking treatment
If needed, you can use the caulk between the baseboard and the wall or between floor to improve appearance, prevent dust, and make the joints more secure.
What other mouding products you may need
- Shoe moulding: In order to cover the gap between the baseboard and the floor better, you can install a shoe moulding at their joint where their meet, it will create a more polished appearance.
- T-moulding: When installing the floor, T-moulding is an essential moulding product. There are various designs, they can be used at the connection between different types of flooring, or cover the gap.
- Wall panel: When you finish the installation of the floor, you can choose to install wall panels. This will make your room look more complete,and also can protects the walls.
Summary
Unless there are special interior design requirements, in most cases the flooring should be installed first, followed by the baseboard. This ensures both a neat appearance and easier maintenance later.
