We just ripped up our carpeting and have hardwood floors underneath. There seems to be a significant gap (viewable from standing up and looking down but less than an 1/2 in.) between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor itself. Do we need to caulk this, and if so, with what? Or are we supposed to leave it to prevent buckling if the wood expands and contracts? Or do we have to now rip out the baseboards (arg!) and install new ones closer to the floor?
2007-08-26 15:16:29 · 12 answers · asked by Elizabeth H 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I should have mentioned this before but they are a half inch off the ground, and already have a round molding on the bottom of the baseboard. ( I was thinking this baseboard was all one piece because nothing seems to budge on it but are they two?) It does look pretty bad so I do think we'll have to rip them out and move them or replace them but I was wondering if anyone had a less labor intensive, creative idea. By looking at it, it looks impossible to rip off that bottom lip from the board itself without ripping the whole baseboard apart. We're very new at all of this (in case that wasn't obvious!) Thanks for all your help.
2007-08-26 16:17:10 · update #1
use 1/4 round, concave/convex strips of molding, either in the wall color or as close to the floor color as you can create.
Initially the carpet people didn't do the job wrong, but if there was cove base molding...that should have been snug with the hardwood and the carpet butted to it. The better practice when installing hardwood or tile is to remove the cove base and replace.
Steven Wolf
2007-08-26 15:28:29 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hardwood Baseboard
2016-10-20 06:40:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to caulk. Probably need to check with a hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. Find some 1/4 inch strips. That's what finishes and hides the gap that you see from the wood to the baseboard. They probably ripped it up to install the carpet (in order to get the edges to tuck underneath the baseboard) Plus you do not have to rip up the baseboards. As for the buckling and or sliding question: No its not supposed to slide or buckle. There are 3 main ways to install wood floors. 1) Glue down - a method in which industrial strength wood glue is used to secure the wood to the floor. 2) floating floor - this type sets the wood planks on a foam pad underneath; the planks are individually glued to each other instead of the foundation of the house. 3) using wood nails/screw - pretty much self explanatory, this method is out dated usually found in houses with wood flooring over 20-30 years old..
Sources: Carpet installer for about 2 yrs
install carpet, vinyl, wood floors, etc.
2007-08-26 15:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by redguy411 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would hate the dirt catching gap but, DIY Doc is right, use a 1/4 round. DONT caulk it! It will use way too many tubes and look terrible. If you use quarter round that matches the baseboard it will dissapear and look like part of the base. Its very easy to put on and it looks great!
Quarter round comes in many color and sizes, the ones I like they sell at lowes they're prefinished. It's about $5.00 for 8 feet. There are about 8 wood colors and white.
Good luck, Swequin
2007-08-26 16:23:22 · answer #4 · answered by swequin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of times nowadays,when carpet is installed in newer houses the carpenter will raise the baseboards up on the average 3/8 of an inch so the carpet can be tucked under the baseboards.....if makes the carpet have a more finished look........
what you can do is either take the base boards down and then put back up which would probably leave an unpainted place on the wall or what I would do as your first poster suggested put up 1/4 round molding,not shoe,and that should cover it up...............
2007-08-26 15:36:06 · answer #5 · answered by don_vvvvito 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gaps between wall and hardwood floors must be at leat 1/2 inch.This gap helps floor breath.You dont have to rip the base bords just go to Home Depot or some store like that and buy base shoe (quater rounds) it's gonna cover the gaps.
2007-08-26 15:36:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I'm understanding you correctly, you already have "quarter round" molding at the bottom of the baseboard, correct? The quarter round is separate from the baseboard so it can be removed. If you still have a gap, you can consider replacing the present quarter round with a larger quarter round. Measure the largest "gap" and see if you can find large enough quarter round to cover the gap
2007-08-27 01:02:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I think happened is the carpet was installed and then the baseboards where installed. Leaving the gap you speak of. It shouldnt hurt anything other than the way it looks. Move them down and be prepared to repaint ifyou like...Good Luck
2007-08-26 15:30:14 · answer #8 · answered by mlk682 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only one person who posted actually listened to what the poster was saying about their situation. The devils in the details.....They already have baseboards with quater round attached!!!
2015-11-01 21:37:07 · answer #9 · answered by Sheralyn L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had the same problem in my upstairs bedrooms. we got some in-expensive trim and put down against the baseboard. it looks really good and it keeps the spiders out.
2007-08-30 14:07:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋