Contractors are frequently required to install carpeting during the renovation of a residential or commercial property. It’s something you have probably done before, but you might not actually know how to install carpet the right way. If done properly, it’s not that difficult to create an attractive room.
What you Need to Get Started
Tools
- Tape measure
- Hammer stapler
- Blades and knives
- Straightedge
- Knee kickers
- Carpet stretcher
- Carpet tuckers
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
- Chalkline
Materials
- Staples
- Masking tape
- Tack strips
- Carpet pad
- Carpet
How to Prepare
Preparation is key to ensure your carpet installation goes smoothly. You and your team should concentrate on doing these four things before deciding how to install carpet in a room.
- Finish painting and dry-walling
- Move all furniture out of the way
- Remove interior doors if necessary
- Thoroughly clean the surface
2 Common Methods
The two most common installation techniques are to glue the carpet directly to the floor or to glue the carpet to padding that is attached to the flooring.
No Padding
If you elect not to use padding, smooth the floor first to prevent imperfections from showing. This type of flooring does not typically move around as much, even when crossed by a wheelchair or cart.
It is recommended for:
- Ramps
- Flooring transitions
- Large areas
The drawbacks are less comfort, insulation and durability.
Padding
Although this process requires more time, it often produces better results. This more-expensive method is often chosen, because it increases comfort and extends the life of a carpet.
How to Install Carpet in 11 Steps
It can be quick and simple to install carpeting if you understand and follow these simple steps.
- Remove the old surface
- Clean the subfloor
- Remove the doors
- Install tackle strips
- Stretch and staple carpet pad to the floor
- Trim the pads’ edges
- Measure and cut carpet
- Lay down new surface
- Glue the seams
- Attach and trim the edges
- Stretch the carpet
3 Things you must Avoid
If you are not careful, it is also very easy to ruin a carpet even before it is even installed.
Don’t:
- Expose carpet to dirt and moisture
- Bend or fold the new flooring
- Stack heavy objects on the carpet
By learning how to install carpet the right way, you will have the ability to create a new look for any room that will surely please your clients.