Baseborads or Not?

We are remodeling including drywall and new carpeting. I've spoken to many people and half tell me the baseboards must be on to install carpeting. The others say it will just bang up the baseboards and wait until after the installation.

Can someone please help with my dilemma......and hurry, the carpet arrives in a week.

Thank you.

 

Either way the carpet an be installed.It is easier to install the carpet withe them off and a less chance of scratching the stain but it is easier to hang the baseboard before.If the carpet installer "bangs" the baseboard up he is responsible for damages, so chances are they will be careful. My advice...put the base up first.Locignotile@hotmail.com

 

A good installer won't bang up the baseboards from years of experience, but everyone is human and we have our good days and bad days. However, the backing on most carpets will scratch the baseboards like sandpaper. There is a new backing out called "Softbac" Much better on the baseboards while stretching. If they are replacing tackstrip it is preferred the baseboards be on, to determine the correct gap between the tackstrip and baseboards for a clean crisp look. Also if for some reason you have to pull up the carpet, say for a water leak, you will have to pull the baseboards off to get the carpet up if the baseboards are over the top of the tackstrip, sandwiching the carpet. The baseboards should be raised off the floor for a better carpet finishing tuck, also allowing any custom router styles on the baseboards showing and not covered by the carpet nap. I usually tell the customers to go ahead and put the baseboards on, and hit them with the first coat of paint. Then when I'm done to go back and put the second coat on. Taking care and masking off the carpet. If for some reason the installers beat the baseboards with a hammer or cut them with their knives, tell them to replace or pay for replacement/fixing, for their lack of being extremely careful.

 

Thank you both for the quick reply. Sounds like a concenus...baseboards go on.