Carpet Installation Guide

Because the process of carpet installation is complex, it is usually left to a trained professional. When you purchase carpet, the seller will provide you with recommendations as to who can do the installation or they may assign someone for you. However, if you want to try to do your own carpet installation, there are some very specific things to know so you end up with a perfect result.

Carpet Pads

The easiest option to consider relating to carpet installation is to choose carpet that already has a quality pad attached. Otherwise, you would have to install the padding, followed by the carpeting, which makes the process even more difficult. In fact, you will find a number of good carpet types that have quality but lightweight padding, making the installation process much easier to manage.

Tools and Materials

Once you have the carpet purchased, you will also need several tools to include a utility knife, several blades, putty knife, pry bar, hammer, measuring tape, and household scissors. Keep in mind that if the carpet installation will involve a seam, then it would also be helpful to work with a chalk line and then a cutter known as a cushion back or straight edge used specifically for this purpose. Additionally, to make sure the seams are secure and hardly noticeable, you also want to purchase seam sealer adhesive.

Preparation

Start by getting accurate room measurements, which would also include inside closets, around doors, etc. With your room measurements, purchase carpeting that is six inches larger so you have some room to work with. Make sure the room is completely empty, that any quarter round molding is removed, doors taken off, etc. Now, if you already have baseboards down, these can stay but if not, new baseboards can be installed after the carpet has been laid. Once the room is ready and the carpet purchased, the following steps will help in getting the results you want.

Use Tape

Going around the room's perimeter, place double faced carpet tape down. In addition, you want to put down 12x12-inch crisscrosses every four feet down the middle of the room. Make sure the protective cover on the tape remains in place at this time.

Lay Carpet

Next, put the carpet down. Make sure it is centered while leaving about two to three inches of excess moving upwards.

Fold Back

Now, the carpet piece would be folded back in half. The tape's protective cover would then be replaced and the carpet put back in place. Do the other half of the carpet piece the same way. Once both pieces are down on the tape, smooth the carpet out so there are no wrinkles or bubbles.

Trim Excess

If there is any excess carpeting, use the putty knife to creat3 a 90-degree crease at the wall and floor joint, trimming the carpet with the utility knife. Go around the entire room doing this process.

Create Seam

If you need to create a seam, make sure the second piece of carpeting has the design, texture, or run going in the same direction so you end up with perfect looking carpet.

Connect Pieces

You would then apply a bead of the seam adhesive going on the edge of the carpeting, pressing the two carpet pieces together and firmly. If you end up with any adhesive on the top of the carpet, you can use a clean cloth with nonflammable solvent.

Final Steps

Once the carpet is smoothed down and in place, you can then reinstall the baseboard and return the furniture to the room.