If you're just dead-set against pulling off baseboards, consider adding
base shoe molding along the bottom of the baseboard after you set the tile.
above the floor and then cover the gap with wood
base shoe molding. There are moisture-resistant versions of MDF, but they're hard to find.
Then cover the gap and shims with a
base shoe molding stained to match the bookcase.
Start by prying loose the
base shoe molding and thresholds or carpet strips at the doorways.
On floors without carpet, finish the baseboard by installing the square
base shoe molding along the floor.
You'll also need transition strips at doorways and openings into other rooms and wood base shoe molding to cover the edge of the tile along walls and cabinets.
Remove base shoe moldings, door thresholds and metal carpet strips, then undercut the door casings (Photo 2).
strip of
base shoe molding so much as in those three frustrating days of tedious work.