Do it Yourself Carpet Laying

Pulling Up an Old Carpet

• If your old carpet needs to be torn up, slice it into strips using a utility knife. This will help you to pull the carpet up in pieces from the tackless strips to which it's attached. If you're lucky, the carpet will come up easily, but it may not. Be prepared for some time spent on your knees tearing the old rug up.

  Remove all remaining materials, including old tackless strips and the carpet underpad, which should come up quite easily.

Preparing the Surface

• Before you lay your new carpet down, you need a clean, clear surface. If there are any remaining nails, glue, mildew or dirt from your old carpet, clean it thoroughly and use sandpaper to grind it evenly. The surface should be completely dry before you proceed.

  Next, install new tackless strips around the perimeter of the room. Tackless strips are small pieces of metal or wood lined with pins, which will attach to your new carpet. Line the strips with the pins facing the outer wall. Later you will install molding around your room perimeter, so as you lay your strips, remember to leave space for these pieces.

Laying the Underpad

• Install the underpad first. An underpad provides a moisture barrier for your carpet, protecting it from damage, as well as a cushioning layer to keep your floor softly padded. Tack the underpad to the tackless strips at 6-inch intervals, and seal it firmly in place at the seams with duct tape.

Laying the Carpet

• Trim your new carpet roughly to size with your utility knife. Remember, you will still be able to trim the edges once it's installed. Roll the carpet into place, and set the seams with a seaming iron and seaming tape.

  The final steps require two pieces of rented equipment: a knee kicker and a power stretcher. Before you use them, ask your renter for some instructional tips.

  With your knee kicker, dig the kicker's teeth into the carpet and kick the carpet firmly forward along the room perimeter to secure it in place. For the finishing touch, use the power stretcher to pull the carpet tightly around the edges. This will help create a professional, even feel and appearance.