Home Improvement Articles

You might think that you’re pretty good with a saw and a hammer but when it comes to laying carpet, it is an area best left to professionals. If you have the right tools and a partner that is willing to help, you can find out just how easy this job can be.

Doing The Prep Work

Starting with the sub floor, clean it thoroughly, removing any big chunks of dirt. Remove all doors leading into the room. Next, measure and cut tack less strips that fit the length of each wall leaving a small space away from the wall and nail to the floor with the pointed pins facing outward. Make sure the gaps are adjoining in the corners.

Laying the Pad

A pad is necessary to cover imperfections in the floor, insulate and help with sound absorption. Cut the padding to fit the length of the room, butting up the edges to form an even seam. Cover the tack less strip, taking all the way to the edge of the wall and staple every 5 to 6 inches to the floor just inside of the tack less strip.

Preparing the Carpet

You will want to measure to allow for 4 to 6 inches extra along each wall. Turn your carpet over and using a cutting board and a straight edge, cut your carpet along your cutting line that you have made. No doubt you will need to overlap your carpet somewhere in the room and measuring for this step is critical. If using a patterned piece, make sure that the pattern is going to match once down. With plain carpeting, the pile needs to run in the same direction. Overlapping the pieces, fold back and carefully cut so that the two pieces butt perfectly against each other. Secure with adhesive seaming tape and iron with a carpet iron for added strength.

Laying and Stretching the Carpet

You should have 4-6 inches extra along every wall as you put your carpet in place. Starting at one edge, use a Knee Kicker about an inch from the wall to shove the carpet snugly over the tack less strip. This will insure a tight fit along the wall and edges but can be a killer on your knees so you might want to use a pair of knee guards. A carpet stretcher is a must in creating a professional look. By sinking the teeth into the carpet and pressing the lever on the Stretcher, this helpful tool will remove any wrinkles and leave your carpet taunt.

The Finishing Touches

Your carpet now needs to be trimmed all the way around the room. Using a carpet- trimming knife, trim the access and smooth out the rough edges with a stair tool and a hammer. This step will push down the edges between the tack less strip and the wall, leaving a nice, clean look. Laying your own carpet can be a tough job but with the right tools, a plan and the right initiative, can leave your room with a beautiful, professional looking carpet job.

Steve Roberts is always discovering what really works in life, including What Works For Carpet!

Real People answer Real Questions about Carpets at: http://123whatworks.com/carpet/