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A: It is not absolutely necessary to remove baseboards to install new hardwoods, but remember that wood floors require an expansion gap of 1/2 inch along the surrounding walls to accommodate expansion and contraction with changes in moisture and humidity.
Do you have to remove baseboards to install flooring?
Most flooring applications do not require you to remove existing baseboards. However, you may choose to remove the baseboards and replace them at the same time as flooring installation if you want to switch to a different baseboard height or change the style to match the overall look of your remodel.
What happens to baseboards when installing hardwood floors?
When installing wood flooring you are required to leave an expansion gap of approx the thickness of the flooring around the edges of the room. When attaching the base shoe/quarter round, nail the molding into the bottom of the existing baseboard and not into the flooring itself.
Is it better to remove baseboards when installing laminate flooring?
For convenience, proper floor installation, and to save money, remove the baseboard during the installation process and reuse it with the new flooring. Since most types of laminate are not secured to the subfloor, the baseboard will help hold it securely into place.
Do you install baseboards before or after hardwood flooring?
Baseboards are often installed before flooring, although it depends on the type of flooring being used. It is necessary for carpeting to have the trim in place, allowing the edges to be tucked under and out of sight. However, for hardwood or laminate, it is easier to install the trim after.
Should I remove baseboards before refinishing hardwood floors?
As a general rule, we recommend leaving your base and shoe on when having your floors refinished, especially if it is painted. The only time that we would really want you to remove your base or shoe is if your floors have been refinished multiple times and the base was left on during that process.
How far should baseboard be off the floor?
If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.
Do you trim or floor first?
The answer to the question is, “do the floors first!” Here’s why: Removing and replacing flooring or carpeting is dirty work. If you paint first, and then do floors, there is a good chance that a lot of dirt, dust, sawdust or tile/stone dust will end up on your freshly painted walls and trim.
Should you remove baseboards before tiling?
When replacing a porcelain tile floor, the baseboards should be removed. If, however, the old baseboards are either outdated or damaged beyond repair, installing new moldings to match or creating a new look with a different profile will freshen up the style while accentuating the new porcelain tile floor.
Should I remove old hardwood before installing vinyl plank?
Most problematic is the maintenance they require and their fragile nature. No matter how well-maintained, hardwood flooring will need refinishing to restore it occasionally. If you’ve been graced with authentic hardwood flooring, it isn’t even necessary for you to remove it before installing LVT!Jan 6, 2021.
When should you replace baseboards?
Designed to hide the seam where wall meets floor, baseboards give any room a finished look. If your trim is showing wear and tear, painting is always an option, but the prep work is important and can be time-intensive. Replacement is your best option if they’re water-damaged, stained or warped.
Does vinyl plank go under baseboard?
Installing vinyl plank flooring requires removing the baseboard and you need to leave some space between the baseboard and the flooring to allow for expansion. To fill this space, you can buy some quarter-round pieces in a complementary color.
Should baseboards match floor or trim?
If you plan to let the wood show, you should choose trim of the same species and color as your flooring. Another option is to paint the baseboard and shoe molding before installation. This frees you to select a complementary color without worry about matching the flooring.
Do carpenters install hardwood floors?
Carpenters erect a building’s wood frame, including subflooring, sheathing, partitions, floor joists, studs and rafters. Within carpentry, floor layers install carpeting, hardwood flooring, decorative flooring, soft tiles and “linoleum type” products made of vinyl and rubber is the work of floor layers.
Can hardwood be installed over hardwood?
Installing a new hardwood floor over an existing hardwood floor is a good decision. The existing hardwood floor can act as a solid and secure subfloor that will work well. If there are any high spots, they should be sanded down so that you have very little variation in height from one part of the floor to another.
Should I refinish my hardwood floors or replace them?
In almost every case it is preferable to refinish rather than replace hardwood floors. A quality hardwood floor can be sanded down and refinished at least six times, and up to ten times before you need to replace it.
Is it worth refinishing hardwood floors yourself?
If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish, you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. But, even if your floors need a complete makeover, refinishing hardwood is a very manageable and rewarding do-it-yourself job that can save a lot of money.
