Trying to figure out if you have to remove the baseboards before installing your new laminate flooring can be confusing. This is especially important because it might save not only a lot of time but also money.
You can install Laminate flooring without removing the Baseboards if there is enough space. It’s, however, recommended in case there is not enough space to install a quarter-round molding to have the best results. Or to remove the Baseboards as a last resort.
Installing laminate flooring can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re not sure if you need to remove the baseboards before installing laminate flooring, you’ve come to the right place.
Do Baseboards Have to Be Removed to Install Laminate Flooring?
If you have enough space, you don’t need to remove your baseboards to install new laminate flooring, this is also the case if you plan on installing in A Herringbone or in H-Pattern. However, if you lack space or don’t feel comfortable doing it with baseboards in place, you’ll need to install a quarter-round molding. This will help you conceal the spacer gap and ensure that the laminate flooring stays in place.
What Tools Are Needed to Remove Laminate Flooring Without Removing Baseboards?
If your laminate flooring had enough time to settle, and you wish to remove it without causing any harm to your baseboards goes smoothly, you need to collect a couple of tools. For a simple project, the tools mentioned below are what you need to get the work done.
Often, floor planks have sharp and pointy edges, which could cut your skin and cause bleeds. In addition, there is also the risk of chips breaking and flying off. Thus, you need protective gear on your eyes and hands to ensure that you don’t sustain any injuries.
Moreover, unexpected splinters, nails, and screws make boots and other heavy footwear a smart idea.
You don’t need a special type of utility knife because a basic one can help you get the work done. All you need to do with this knife is cut through the paint on the trim.
A drywall knife is nothing more than a flat-edged tool. Make sure that it’s six inches in size to get rid of the trim easily.
A flat bar helps you get rid of the first planks. Be sure to pick one with a flat end and an end called J.
This tool is quite important as it can help you pound in nails that may be protruding, as well as pull them out.
If there are some nails that you cannot remove, you can use side cutters. This allows you to take them out from dangerous points.
- Felt marker
A felt marker could help you remember where your pieces will go or in which sequence you want to remove them. This can help you align all your laminate floorboards to be put in place or removed.
- Screwdriver
You will need a specific kind of screwdriver that goes with the screws you have. Be sure to keep several types at hand because you never know when you may need them.
A chisel can help you pop your laminate planks out of place.
If your floorboards have been glued to the ground, then a floor scraper will come in handy to scrape off the glue and take them out with ease.
In case your floorboards have been glued together very tightly; then it is possible that they will not come off with a floor scraper. For this purpose, you will need a heat gun and loosen up the residual glue.
Of course, you cannot leave the dust and dirt as it’s; you will need to clean up after you are done.
Should I Remove Baseboards Before Installing Laminate Flooring?
Before you can know whether or not you should remove baseboards to install laminate flooring, you need to know what baseboards are.
Baseboards are installed right along the bottom-most part of your interior walls, next to the ground. Their purpose is to conceal any joints between the floor and the wall. They also bring about a visual appeal and beautify a place.
If there is enough space, you don’t need to remove your existing Baseboards. Below are the benefits of removing and keeping Baseboards when installing laminate planks.
| Benefits of Removing Baseboards | Benefits of Keeping Baseboards |
| You can bring variety in the height or style of the baseboards. | You don’t have to put in time and resources. |
| You can add to the visual appeal of your space by remodeling your floors from start to finish, including the baseboards. | 2- If you don’t attempt to remove your baseboards, you will not compromise on their integrity. |
| You can cover the expansion gaps that laminate floors require. | |
| You can re-position the baseboards more efficiently in case they were not appropriately laid at the installation time. |
Following are some drawbacks to removing and keeping baseboards
| Drawbacks of Removing Baseboards | Drawbacks of Keeping Baseboards |
| You will have to invest ample time and resources into this process. | 1- You will be unable to change the height or style of your baseboards. They may not even match the overall aesthetic of your space. |
| You may also have to hire a professional if you don’t know how to pull this task off. | |
| If your baseboards are rigidly attached to the ground, then the removal process could lead to damage. |
How Do You Install Laminate Flooring Over Existing Baseboards?
Follow the steps below, and you can install laminate flooring over your existing baseboards successfully.
Step One: Clear out the room
The first thing you need to do before installing laminate flooring over baseboards is to clear out the room. Make sure to remove all the furniture so that you have ample access to the entire space. Get rid of anything fragile present on the walls as well.
Step Two: Lay the underlayment
Now, you need to start with laying down the underlayment on your entire floor or where you are planning to place your lam floorboards. Bring in your utility knife to cut out the underlayment and ensure that it fits with ease around the obstructions.
Step Three: Bring in the floor spacers
Place the spacers across the left wall of the room and butt the first laminate floor plank. Make sure that the tongue is facing the wall so that you have the right-sized gap between the laminate planks and baseboards.
Step Four: Wrap up the first course
Now, you need to custom-fit the last piece. Put the laminate flooring on the ground with its face up and cut it down to length. Once this is done, you can successfully lay down the last plank of the first laminate course.
Step Five: Carry on with the process
With this down, now you can make your way onto the next course. Repeat the process mentioned above with every course you begin until you successfully reach the other end of the room.
Step Six: Clean up after yourself
Voila! Your laminate planks have been installed on your existing baseboards. However, it would be best if you cleaned up afterward. Use a vacuum to remove any dust and chips.
If there is any part of the process that is unclear to you, feel free to go through this visual guide.
FAQs
Do I Have to Use Quarter-Round When Installing Laminate Flooring?
No, you don’t have to use a quarter-round, but it’s the preferred way. If you want another option, you can always go for shoe molding. Whether it’s a quarter round or a shoe molding, you can conceal any gaps between the floorboards and the wall. However, the two are not the same, and the former is mainly chosen as the go-to method for this type of installation.
Is There Any Effect of Installing Laminate Flooring Without Removing Baseboards?
Yes, installing laminate planks without removing existing baseboards will have an impact. The positives to this decision are that you will not have to spend time, effort, and resources on replacing the baseboards and ensure that their integrity is not compromised.
On the other hand, if you choose to keep the older baseboards, you will be unable to customize them according to the look of your room.