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Installation of a Carpet Z-Bar

A carpet Z-bar is a combination of a threshold and carpet tackless strip. The purpose of a Z-bar is to transition carpet to a solid surface such as wood or tile flooring. After installation, the carpet is secured by the Z-bar and the threshold covers the edge of the wood or tile flooring, creating a safe and visually appealing transition between flooring types.

Things You'll Need

  • Z-bar
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver or drill with screwdriver bit
  • 3-inch wide, clean, mason's chisel
  • Hammer
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the Z-bar with the flat side on top of the solid flooring. Face the side with the teeth toward the carpet.

    • 2

      Attach the Z-bar to the floor by installing screws in the screw holes on the side with the teeth.

    • 3

      Trim the carpet padding to the edge of the Z-bar on the carpet side, using a sharp utility knife.

    • 4

      Trim the carpet so it extends 3 inches past the Z-bar.

    • 5

      Fold the carpet back toward the carpeted room, with the edge of the fold just past the edge of the Z-bar threshold, on the carpeted side.

    • 6

      Place a 3-inch-wide mason's chisel into the fold at the center of the Z-bar.

    • 7

      Strike the end of the chisel with a hammer to push the carpet fold into the Z-bar under the threshold. Continue to the left and right of the original strike until the carpet is installed under the Z-bar.

    • 8

      Trim the upside-down carpet edge that is sticking out from under the Z-bar along the edge of the Z-bar. Be careful not to cut the right-side-up carpet that is installed under the Z-bar.

    • 9

      Strike the Z-bar on the carpeted side to bend it slightly down on the carpet. This secures the carpet to the tackless strip that's incorporated into the Z-bar.