"Actor123" wrote
Hi all:

I am installing carpeting in two rooms where the current baseboard is
too low for the carpet to be tucked. I am debating between removing
the baseboard and re-installing at the proper height for tucking (not
sure if baseboard will survive being removed so this may involve
installing all new baseboard) or simply running the carpet right up to
the baseboard and not tucking. Its pretty tall baseboard so losing
the bottom 1/2" of it or so isn't a factor at all. We're looking at
installing a medium pile carpet (saxony)

This is a high-end home and I want it to look as such. I've heard
different opinions from the two carpet installers. One says that an
untucked carpet will be noticeable and will not look "high-end", and
thus I should re-do the baseboard. The other says that I will not be
able to notice an untucked carpet at all looks-wise, and the only
possible difference would be in 5 or so years its possible that the
carpet may need to be retacked if it starts to pull up.

Can anyone chime in with their opinion as to which is best. I'd
rather not spend the money to re-do the baseboard if I'm not going to
be able to see a difference.

Find a new installer, you're dealing with a couple of bozos.

I know a guy which is a master installer, meaning he does inlays and all
that fancy stuff you ever seen, along actual wool carpet that sells for
over $300 a yard.

He installed my average carpet, and I questioned him about this. After he
got up off the ground from laughing so hard, he told me not to worry.

He set the tack strips about a half inch from the baseboard, said carpet
"must" be stretched 2" each way, then proceeded to stretch it with a power
stretcher. My carpet has a pattern with lines, so if it wasn't stretched
right, the lines would be wavy. After it was stretched, he cut it, then
tucked between the carpet over the tack strips & baseboard. He then ran a
hammer handle down over the tack strips to so no nails stuck through. The
first room was done about 8 years ago, and still looks as good as when he
did it. The following rooms were done as money would allow.

I consider myself lucky to know such a professional.

Good luck.