Yes, it is possible to install new flooring without removing baseboards. When working with wood flooring, you may need to adjust the height (shim) of the flooring under the baseboards to make the transition smoother.
This can be done by removing the baseboards carefully, adding the necessary shims, then reinstalling the baseboards securely against the wall. You may also need to pull up any existing flooring, such as carpeting or laminate, before installing the new flooring.
For vinyl or ceramic tile flooring, you can actually install it underneath the existing baseboards. After making sure the existing flooring is leveled, tape a plastic membrane onto the subfloor and lay the tile on top.
Then either add or remove grout from the edge of the tile so that it is slightly thicker than the baseboards’ height. Secure the baseboards onto the wall and grout them with tile adhesive to the tile floor below.
This makes the replacement of baseboards unnecessary and provides a seamless transition between the wall and the floor.
In short, it is possible to install new flooring without removing the existing baseboards. However, you may need to adjust the height of the flooring or tile, depending on the type of flooring you are installing.
The right tools and techniques will make the process easier and help you achieve a professional-looking installation.
How do you install vinyl plank flooring on baseboards?
Installing vinyl plank flooring on baseboards is a straightforward process that can be done with a few simple steps.
The first step is to remove any existing floor covering that is in place. This may include taking out hardwood floors, carpet, or linoleum. Make sure to inspect the subfloor for any potential moisture issues or chips in the existing floor covering.
This will make sure the new vinyl plank flooring has a stable foundation.
Once the floor is cleared, begin to apply adhesive to the subfloor. Make sure to apply the adhesive to the entire area and ensure there is enough coverage. Follow the directions on the adhesive you purchase to ensure the best coverage.
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Lay out the vinyl planks in the pattern you desire. Make sure the planks are butted up together and all edges are tight. When you are satisfied with the planks placement, it is time to begin the installation.
With a hammer and tapping block, gently tap the planks into place, making sure to press firmly to ensure the planks are adhering to the adhesive.
Once all the planks have been tapped into place, begin trimming the planks around the baseboards. With a jigsaw, carefully cut the planks within ¼ inch of the baseboards. This will give you enough room for the planks to fit snug around the baseboards.
When the planks are trimmed, it is time to attach them to the baseboards. With a utility knife score the back of each vinyl plank and make cuts along the score line. This will ensure that the backside of each plank will fit and adhere snugly to the baseboards.
Carefully lay each plank against the baseboards and use a fast-setting adhesive to keep them in place. Finally, caulk the perimeter between the floor and the baseboards.
After the adhesive and caulk have dried, your vinyl plank flooring is ready to be used. With the proper amount of time and effort, it is a relatively easy process to install vinyl plank flooring against the baseboards.
Do you remove baseboards before installing laminate flooring?
Yes, baseboards should be removed before installing laminate flooring. This step is necessary, as baseboards and other obstructions around the perimeter of the room can interfere with the installation process.
Taking the time to remove baseboards prior to installation will help ensure that the laminate flooring is laid down properly and in a professional manner. Additionally, removing any baseboards can help identify any existing problems in the existing floor, such as warping, denting, unevenness, or any other issues that may be beneath the baseboard.
It’s also important to check for cracks in the walls and any other areas where there is any space between the baseboards and the wall. Knowing what issues may exist beneath the baseboards before the installation process begins can help alleviate any problems before the laminate flooring is laid down.
Should baseboards touch vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, baseboards should touch vinyl plank flooring. It is important that the baseboards fit snugly against the flooring, as this will help to maintain even expansion and contraction, as well as protect your floors from damage due to impact and wear and tear.
Additionally, a tight fit will provide a finished look and ensure the longevity of your flooring.
When installing baseboards, it is important to remember to leave an expansion gap of at least ¼-inch between the baseboard and the flooring. This gap allows the flooring to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
To ensure a proper fit, it is strongly recommended to install baseboards before the flooring and then make any necessary adjustments during the installation process. This will help to ensure a tight, finished look.
Lastly, it is important to use the proper nails and screws when installing the baseboards. Your baseboard should have pilot holes pre-drilled in it so that you can use the right length of nail or screw to penetrate the baseboard and into the wall, rather than into the vinyl plank flooring.
Should there be a gap between baseboards and the floor?
Generally, yes there should be a small gap between the baseboard and the floor. This gap will allow for the expansion and contraction of the flooring material due to temperature, moisture, and humidity levels in the environment.
It is especially important to have a gap in areas that are prone to extreme temperature changes or areas with high humidity levels, such as a basement. This will help to prevent warping, buckling, and gaps forming between the baseboard and the floor.
The best way to create this gap is to attach the baseboard slightly higher than the flooring. A small gap of about ¼ inch is recommended between the baseboard and the floor to achieve the desired effect.
Caulk can then be used to fill in any gaps and make sure the baseboard remains securely in place on the wall. By doing this, you can ensure that your flooring is protected against any damage due to changes in temperature and humidity.
What comes first flooring or baseboards?
The material choice for flooring often dictates what comes first when installing flooring and baseboards. Generally, baseboards should be installed after the flooring has been laid; however, if you are installing an engineered hardwood floor, you might need to install the baseboards first.
If you plan to lay down a hardwood floor, solid or engineered, it is highly recommended to install the baseboard before laying the floor, as solid hardwood floors need room to expand and contract. Engineered wood also needs space, so that the floor can go from room temperature to weather temperature without lifting the baseboards.
The best way to ensure that the baseboards and flooring fit perfectly, is to install the baseboards first before installing the floor. Additionally, this allows for trim such as t-molding, quarter rounds and thresholds, to be installed in between the flooring and the baseboards, which will give your room the ultimate finished look.
How far off the floor should baseboard be installed?
The height at which baseboards should be installed can vary depending on the preference of the homeowner. Generally speaking, baseboards should be installed approximately one inch away from the floor.
This will allow for a neat transition between the wall and floor, creating the illusion of a larger, more spacious room.
Baseboards should be installed directly on the wall and along the entire length of the room. If the baseboard is too high, it may be difficult to open and close doors, or even worse, damage their frames.
If the baseboard is too low, then it may not be functional and won’t serve its purpose to protect the walls from minor bumps and scratches.
When installing baseboards, measure the wall and then cut the baseboard accordingly and nail it in place. Once it is in place, caulk any gaps between the baseboard and the wall. Lastly, patch and paint the baseboard to match the color of the walls and trim.
Following these suggestions will guarantee that the baseboards are installed properly and look great.
How do I remove baseboards without damage?
Removing baseboards without any damage can feel daunting, but it can be done with the right tools and technique. But if done properly, your baseboards can come off without a hitch.
The first step is to look and see if your baseboard is nailed to the wall or nailed to the floor. If it is nailed to the wall, you’ll need to start at one end and use a pry bar or putty knife to carefully start prying it off the wall away from the studs.
You may need to cut the caulk seal between the baseboard and the wall with a utility knife before prying at it. Once the nails loosen, carefully remove the baseboard, set it aside, and pull the nails out of the wall with your pliers.
If the baseboard is nailed with a nailer to the floor, you’ll need to be extra careful when pulling it off to ensure you don’t damage the floor. Start at one end and begin to pry it away from the floor.
If you hear the nailer pulling away from the baseboard, then you will need to cut the caulk seal with a utility knife before continuing to pry. You can then pull the nailer off the floor with a pair of pliers and use a hammer to carefully tap out the nails from the floor.
Once you have the baseboards off, you can set them aside and discard of them as you please. If you take your time and follow these steps carefully, you can remove your baseboards without any damage.
How much does it cost to remove baseboards?
The cost to remove baseboards depends on many factors, such as the material of the baseboard, the type of removal involved, and the size of the area. If you are removing baseboard molding from a wall, the cost can range from around $0.50 to $2.
00 per linear foot, depending on the material used. If you are removing baseboards from large areas, such as a full room or large space, the cost will increase depending on the complexity and size of the job.
Generally, labor and material may cost around $0.50 to $2 per linear foot for a full room or large area. scrap pieces of baseboard molding, the project will likely cost around $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot.
If professional installation services are required, the cost may be substantially higher.
How much space do you need between laminate and baseboard?
Ideally, there should be a 1/4-inch gap between the baseboard and the laminate. This will provide enough space for the laminate to expand and contract from changes in temperature or humidity, which can cause the laminate to buckle if there isn’t enough room for this expansion.
This 1/4-inch space will also allow for the installation of quarter-round or shoe molding to hide the gap, if necessary. Additionally, the subfloor must be level and free of debris, such as dust and dirt, to ensure enough clearance for the laminate to be properly installed.
If you are installing laminate against an existing baseboard, you should remove it to ensure the best possible fit and most even appearance.
Do flooring companies replace baseboards?
In most cases, flooring companies do not replace baseboards. This type of home improvement work is typically handled by a handyman, contractor, or a painter that specializes in trim work. Baseboard replacement requires a level of precision, so it is important to hire a professional that has the specific experience and tools necessary to get the job done right.
Before hiring someone, be sure to ask for references to validate their experience and the quality of their work. It’s also important to get quotes from a few different contractors so that you can compare rates and find the best deal.
What is the final step to install a floating vinyl plank floor?
The final step to install a floating vinyl plank floor is to seal the seams. After cutting and fitting the vinyl planks into place, you will need to use a vinyl sealing agent to ensure that water and other liquids cannot penetrate through the seams.
This will also help to protect the planks from dirt and scratches. Additionally, you can use door strips along the perimeter of your floor to ensure that the planks remain firmly in place. Once the sealing is complete, your new floating vinyl plank floor is ready for use.