I have seen some posts here that mention installation of base molding on a newly installed floor before the first sanding is done. This would be a big advantage for me because then I could paint the house before sanding/finishing and I would not have to be super careful about damaging the floor. I will be using base shoe.

Just wanted to make sure that it is OK to do this. I am going to have a pro sand my floors.


Thanks

I would have the floor sanded, before the molding is installed.

The best order of work/install would be;
1) Install doors and baseboards but NOT baseshoe.
2) Paint everything you want painted.
3) Install wood flooring and sand and finish.
4) Install pre-painted baseshoe and touch up paint.

If you put the baseshoe in before the floors are sanded, the finishers will either ask you to remove them OR will bang them up pretty good, along with getting the finish on them. If you are now painting AFTER the floors are laid, you will need to cover them. Just because you are having them sanded doesn't mean you can/should get paint all over them.

I prefer to install the floor, set the doors and run all the trim except shoe mold, sand & finish the floor and then run the shoe. Sand and finish after all mechanicals are done and before carpet.

Hey Jack,
We had a discussion here awhile back about this exact thing with all the installers voicing their preferences. Alot of us liked having the doors and casings set so we could know exactly where to end the floor (like splitting door openings and installing headers at floor termination) But there is more than one way to "skin a cat". It would be easier from a floor installation point of view to not have to undercut casings and jambs. Then it makes it more difficult for the finish carpenters to do their work. It's all a trade off.