New Carpet over hardwood with existing baseboards

denovo

I have older hardwood floors, and am planning to have new carpet installed throughout most of the house. The existing baseboards are in good shape, and I want to keep them as-is. The baseboards currently sit tight and flush down against the hardwood, so there is no gap or room to tuck the carpet edges underneath the baseboards.

Will I be able to get good edges if the new carpet pushes up against the baseboards without tucking underneath? I'd really rather not remove the baseboards for the carpet install, and I'm worried that if I try to cut a 3/8" gap along the bottom of the baseboards to make room for a carpet tuck, that it won't come out perfect, and I'll be disappointed.

Any word on whether or not the carpet installers should have any trouble just installing right up to the baseboards and leaving me with a nice finished edge?

Thanks
Ben

joecaption

You could just add 1/4 or shoe moulding to cover the gap.

rusty baker

No problem. Carpet is supposed to be tucked to the baseboard and was for years before some builder got the idea to raise them. I prefer to tuck to the baseboard instead of under it. It is easier when a trimmer is used. Tack strip has a bevel on the back side that is there to lock in the carpet edge when it is tucked in.

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