How To Lay Rubber-Backed Carpet

Rubber-backed carpet, also called cushion-backed carpet, is a popular choice for do-it-yourself remodelers. The reason is that the rubber backing attached to the back of the carpet eliminates the need for carpet pads and tacking strips. Essentially, it cuts the installation work in half. With basic carpet-laying and household tools, you can lay your own rubber-backed carpet in a basement, playroom or enclosed patio.

Pry bar
Measuring tape
Putty knife
Hammer
Scissors
Seam sealer
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all furniture from the room. Take out the old carpet, exposing the natural floor.
- 2
  Measure the room and compare it to the dimensions of the carpet. Note where you will need a seam. Make sure you have enough carpet to have 3 inches extra carpet at each wall.
- 3
  Cut the carpet so the seam aligns both pieces of carpet to run in the same direction for a uniform look. Place a seam sealer at the edge of the carpet to prevent the carpet from fraying.
- 4
  Lay the double-faced tape along the edge of the room and then make 12-inch crosses starting at the center of the room with the tape. The bottom should be attached to the floor, but leave the protective strip on the tape facing the ceiling.
- 5
  Lay the carpet in the room, centering it in place. Let the extra carpet you measured run up the walls.
- 6
  Pull the carpet on the left side of the room back over itself until half of the floor is exposed. Remove the second layer of double-sided tape.
- 7
  Replace the carpet into position over the double-sided tape. Smooth the carpet over the tape from the center out to the walls.
- 8
  Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the right side of the room.
- 9
  Trim the carpet. Place a putty knife at the edge where the carpet meets the wall and use the utility knife to trim the excess carpet.

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