Do flooring companies replace baseboards?
When it comes to updating your flooring, one of the most common questions homeowners have is: do flooring companies replace baseboards? Baseboards flooring are an essential part of your home’s design, helping to cover the expansion gaps around the floor while providing a polished and finished look.
However, when you’re getting new flooring installed, it’s important to know if baseboards will be replaced, removed, or simply adjusted. In this article, we will explore the various scenarios and practices followed by flooring companies, so you can plan your flooring project with confidence.
Baseboards and Flooring: The Relationship Explained
Baseboards play a crucial role in how your floor and walls interact. When installing new flooring, the relationship between the two becomes even more important, especially if you’re upgrading to laminate or hardwood flooring. Whether you’re installing laminate flooring for sale, engineered flooring, or even vinyl, the baseboards often need to be addressed to ensure a clean, professional finish.
So, do floor installers do baseboards? Many flooring companies offer baseboard installation as part of their service, but this may depend on the specific contractor and your project. Some companies may include this in their quote, while others may charge separately for baseboard installation. Do flooring companies install baseboards? In most cases, they do, especially if you’re opting for a complete flooring upgrade. However, it’s always a good idea to clarify this with the company to avoid any surprises.

What Do Flooring Companies Do with Baseboards?
So, do flooring companies install baseboards? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of flooring you’re choosing, your budget, and the condition of your existing baseboards. In general, there are a few common practices:
Removing and Reinstalling Baseboards
Some flooring companies will remove the baseboards during the installation of your new floor and reinstall them afterward. This is often the best option for ensuring a seamless look between the floor and the wall. However, if the baseboards are damaged or outdated, they may need to be replaced entirely.
Undercutting Baseboards
For certain types of flooring, such as laminate or engineered flooring, installers may use specialized tools to undercut the baseboards rather than removing them completely. This allows the new flooring to slide underneath the baseboards without the need for removal, saving both time and money.
Installing New Baseboards
If your baseboards are outdated, cracked, or simply don’t match your new flooring, replacing them with new ones can give your room a fresh and updated look. This process will usually be priced separately from your standard flooring installation quote, so it’s important to discuss this with your flooring company beforehand.
Additional Considerations for Baseboard Installation
Before starting your flooring project, it’s essential to set clear expectations with your flooring company. Here are some important questions to ask to avoid any surprises:
- Will baseboard removal and replacement be included in the quote? It’s important to clarify whether the removal and replacement of baseboards are included in the overall cost, or if it will be an additional charge. Do flooring companies replace baseboards as part of their service? This varies by company, so always ask beforehand.
- Do you need to install quarter round or new trim around the baseboards? Depending on your new flooring and the gaps that need to be covered, you may need quarter round or new trim to complete the look. It’s essential to discuss this with your contractor.
- Are there additional charges for custom trim or tall baseboards? If you’re opting for custom or tall baseboards, there may be extra costs involved. Ask about this early to ensure it fits within your budget.
- Who is responsible for touch-up painting after the installation? Once the baseboards are installed, touch-up painting may be necessary to address any imperfections. Make sure you know whether the flooring company will handle this or if it’s your responsibility.
By addressing these concerns upfront, you can ensure your flooring project runs smoothly and stays within your budget, and you’ll have a clear understanding of whether do flooring companies install baseboards as part of their service.
Additionally, for homeowners wondering, what is the best flooring for a basement? Make sure to explore moisture-resistant options like luxury vinyl or engineered wood, which can handle the challenges of basement environments.

Budgeting for Baseboard Replacement
Adding or replacing baseboards can increase the overall cost of your flooring project. On average, the cost for replacing baseboards can range from 8% to 15% of the total cost of the flooring installation, depending on the type of trim and the size of your home. If you’re considering upgrading to custom mill work or taller baseboards, this could also add significant labor time to your project.
Here’s a helpful table to break down the possible costs of baseboard work:
| Baseboard Type | Cost Estimate | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Baseboard Removal & Reinstallation | 8%–15% of project cost | 1–2 hours per room |
| Undercutting Baseboards | Lower cost, included in floor install | 30 minutes per room |
| New Baseboards Installation | 15%–25% of project cost | 1–2 days depending on size |
| Quarter Round Installation | Additional £0.81–£2.43 per linear foot | 1 hour per room |
Pro Tip: If you want to save on labor costs, you can ask the flooring company to leave the baseboards off until you finish any DIY painting or finishing work. This will help keep the area clean and save time during the final touch-ups.

What happens if You Don’t Replace Baseboards?
If you’re wondering, can flooring be installed without removing baseboards? The answer is yes, in many cases. Some types of flooring, like Chevron Engineered Flooring, can be installed while keeping your baseboards intact. This is especially true for thinner materials like vinyl or laminate, which can slide under existing baseboards without the need for removal.
However, even when baseboards are kept in place, there will often be a gap between the floor and the baseboard that needs to be covered. This is where quarter round or base shoe moldings come into play, as they help cover the expansion gap while providing a finished look. Without this trim, your floor might look incomplete, and you could risk allowing dust and debris to collect in the gap, leading to cleaning issues over time.
For a professional and polished finish, it’s important to consider baseboards flooring as part of your overall installation process, and to discuss with your flooring company if do flooring companies replace baseboards as part of their service.
Final Thoughts: Do Flooring Companies Replace Baseboards?
In conclusion, whether flooring companies replace baseboards depends on your specific project, the type of flooring, and your preferences. The best course of action is to discuss your options with your flooring company before the project begins. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what will be done, how much it will cost, and the timeline for completion.
If you’re wondering do floor installers do baseboards, it’s important to clarify this with your contractor, as it can vary by company. If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s floors with Chevron Engineered Flooring or need more information on how baseboards affect your flooring installation, don’t hesitate to contact Flooring Surgeons for expert advice and service.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Baseboards?
The cost to replace baseboards can vary depending on several factors, such as the material, size of your space, and the complexity of the installation. On average, replacing baseboards can cost between £0.81 to £4.05 per linear foot for basic styles. However, if you opt for custom or taller baseboards, the price can rise to £5.67 to £12.15 per linear foot. Keep in mind that installation costs may add another £0.81 to £2.43 per foot in labor.
If you’re adding baseboards during a flooring installation project, this could increase your overall costs by 8% to 15% of the total flooring project, depending on your choice of trim and any additional labor involved.
What Are Common Baseboard Installation Mistakes?
- Not Leaving Enough Space for Expansion: When installing baseboards after laying flooring, it’s crucial to leave a small gap to allow for expansion. If this is overlooked, the floor may buckle or the baseboard may not fit properly.
- Poor Alignment and Uneven Cuts: Misalignment during installation can lead to gaps, uneven edges, or poorly fitted corners. Precision is key to ensuring a professional and clean look.
- Inadequate Securing: If baseboards aren’t secured properly, they can come loose over time. Always use appropriate nails or adhesive to secure them firmly to the wall.
- Ignoring Wall Surface Variations: Walls are rarely perfectly straight. If the baseboard isn’t adjusted to fit the wall’s contours, you may end up with visible gaps, which will affect the aesthetic of your room.
- Skipping Caulking and Touch-Ups: After installation, it’s essential to caulk the gaps between the baseboard and the wall, and touch up any nail holes with paint. Neglecting this step can leave your installation looking unfinished.
Do You Have to Replace Baseboards When Replacing Flooring?
Replacing your flooring does not necessarily mean that baseboards need to be replaced, but it often depends on the condition of the existing baseboards and the type of flooring you’re installing. If your baseboards are damaged, outdated, or no longer match the style of your new flooring, it’s a good idea to replace them. However, if they are in good condition, you may choose to keep them and either remove and reinstall them or undercut them to fit the new flooring. This is often a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire baseboard.
Do Baseboards Need to Be Removed When Installing New Carpet?
Typically, baseboards do not need to be removed when installing new carpet. Carpet can be installed underneath baseboards, especially when tack strips are used. However, if the carpet is being installed after baseboards have already been removed for a different type of flooring, it may require them to be reinstalled before the new carpet is put down. It’s also important to ensure that the carpet lays smoothly without creating any gaps between the floor and the baseboard.
Do Tall Baseboards Make a Room Look Smaller?
While it might seem like tall baseboards would make a room look smaller, they can actually have the opposite effect. Tall baseboards can make a room look more elegant and polished, creating the illusion of higher ceilings, especially in rooms with high walls. However, in smaller rooms, overly large baseboards can overwhelm the space, making it feel more cramped. For smaller rooms, it’s generally best to choose a baseboard height that complements the room’s proportions, rather than going too tall.
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