Carpet is a fantastic choice of flooring for homeowners who prize comfort and warmth on their floors. But a recurring question I get is whether carpet should go under the baseboards or be placed against them. While there are various opinions on the topic and different practices among professionals, there are a few factors to be considered before making a decision.
In my experience, I feel like carpet should go under the baseboards, as it results in a sleek and seamless transition between the floor and the walls. Aesthetically, it looks cohesive, and functionally, it grants easier access to corners and grooves, allowing you to clean dirt and dust with more ease.
There are a few more pros to installing carpet under the baseboard, but there are also cons that should be considered.
But, before we proceed, I just want to quickly touch on the topic of baseboards.
Also known as skirting, molding, and trims, baseboards are just a piece of wooden or vinyl board that is used to cover and bridge the joint between the floor and the wall surface.
It’s not really essential, but it does enhance the appearance of your home. When installing carpets, you either tuck the carpet underneath the baseboard or skirting or just place the carpet against them.
Reasons To Install Carpet Under The Baseboards
1. It enhances the aesthetic appeal
If you want a smooth and seamless transition between the carpet and the wall, it’s much better to install carpet under the baseboard.
You will achieve clear lines and a separator that is not in any way obstructed by the carpet.
Additionally, a lot of baseboards these days feature intricate patterns and details that give them a distinctive aesthetic appeal that should not be impeded or thwarted by carpeting that folds over or presses against the baseboard.
2. Minimizes the accumulation of dirt
It is a well-known fact that carpet has the propensity to trap more dirt and dust than other types of flooring.
Furthermore, it requires regular vacuuming and steam cleaning to thoroughly remove dirt and stains.
By securing the carpet under the baseboard, it creates a barrier between the floor and the wall that prevents dirt, dust, and debris from getting trapped in those hard-to-reach corners and grooves.
3. It creates a professional finish
The devil is in the details, and when you want to design a home that appears well-structured and modern, you have to prioritize a neat and professional finish to everything.
By inserting the carpet underneath the baseboard, you can eliminate the use of other transitions and trims along the edge of the carpet.
Everything will look more polished and sleek, from the floor to the wall. Also, carpet edges that are fraying or wearing away will be concealed underneath the baseboards.
Reasons Not To Tuck Carpets Against The Baseboard
1. It’s cost-effective
You will need extra material and tools to properly insert carpet under baseboards.
Couple that with the cost of labor, and you’ll have to spend more money than if you were to just leave them against the baseboard.
Also, if you wanted to remove the carpet and replace it with another type of flooring, you wouldn’t have to spend any money or time removing and replacing the baseboard.
2. It provides ease of access
In the event that you need to make any repairs to the carpet, baseboard, or walls, you can easily access the edges since the carpet won’t be inserted under the baseboard.
Additionally, since the baseboards are not in the way, it is now simpler to clean the carpet from edge to edge and corner to corner.
3. It allows you to make changes to the baseboard
Let’s say that the baseboard needs to be refinished or replaced due to scratches, discoloration, cracks, or dents.
You wouldn’t have much issue separating them from the wall and floor since the carpet isn’t underneath.
In some cases, you won’t need to remove them at all while repainting or varnishing them because the carpet can be pulled away to prevent any spills or splashes from staining the carpet.
Final Thoughts
After considering the arguments for both cases, I still lean towards the idea of carpet going under the baseboards. It just appears more modern, clean, professional, and attractive in a home.
I like clean lines and minimal clutter in a home, and sometimes, carpets left above the baseboards tend to look haphazardly placed and untidy when they begin to curl, fold over, or fray.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and you should take all the factors into consideration, like aesthetics, ease of access for repairs or maintenance, and cost efficiency, to make the best decision for your home.
If you want a polished and professional look, install carpet under the baseboards. If you prefer ease of access for maintenance and repairs plus cost effectiveness, I would advise you to place carpets against the wall.
With that being said, I hope you found this article on whether carpet should go under the baseboards to be insightful and practical. Before you leave, check out some of our other helpful resources that I have linked below.
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