Instructions for How to Install Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Determine the square footage of the room by measuring the length and width. To make for easier calculations and give a bit of extra carpet for doorways and thresholds, round up to the nearest full foot measurement.

Remove any molding from the walls around the room with a hammer or pry bar to get the carpet close to the walls. Check the floor for any squeaks by walking around the room heavily to locate any sounds. Insert additional two-inch screws into the subfloor and joists to anchor them tighter and eliminate the noises.

Lay tack strips around the perimeter of the room. Position the strips so that there is a 3/8 inch space between the wall and the edge of the tack strip. Snap a chalk line along the floor to act as a guide. The pointed arrows on the strip must point to the wall and each strip should be butted tightly up against the one before it to create a continuous line of strips along the floor. Use one-inch finishing nails to secure them to the subfloor.

Start laying carpet pad in one corner of the room just inside the tack strip and begin unrolling it along the longest wall. When you reach the end, trim the pad to fit within the strip there. Create a second row butted right up against the first and cut it to fit within the strip as well. Use carpet seam tape to connect the two pieces together completely and place staples every two feet in the center of the pad to hold it in place.

Bring the rolled carpet into the room in a roll and position it along the longest wall with the leading edge near the wall. Place the leading edge squarely in place with an additional inch rising slightly up the wall. Roll the carpet out to fill the space and cut the carpet at the far wall, also leaving at least an additional inch there.

Use a plastic paddle to press the edge first laid down on the floor to help press it down and against the tack strip. Walk along the edge to help press the carpet down against the tacks. At the other end from the first strip, use a power stretcher or a manual knee kicker that stretches the carpet and tightens it over the strip. Use the plastic paddle to push the carpet down over the strip at the other end of the wall.

Move to another wall and do the same thing to that and the opposing wall until it is stretched tightly at all four walls. Trim the carpet with a utility knife around the walls so it fits in place around the perimeter of the room. Be sure to leave any excess necessary for doorways and thresholds.

Vacuum the carpet starting at the center of the room, working your way out to the walls. This will help keep the carpet stretched while also cleaning away any stray carpet fibers or other debris brought about during installation. Replace the baseboard trim around the room to hide the edge of the carpet and also give the room a finished look.