How to Install Industrial Carpet

Clean the floor surface before laying anything out. Make sure all dust and debris is gone. If the floor is concrete, be sure it has fully cured and is dry. If the carpet is a direct glue-down, fix any defects like dips or bumps. These will become noticeable when the carpet is installed.

The room should be between 65 and 95 degrees for the best installation. If your industrial carpet requires a cushion, (double glue-down) confirm that it is the cushion recommended by the carpet manufacturer. Lay out the cushion along the longest wall of the room. Cut with a utility knife. Butt the seams to each other without compression or gaps. Trim the excess at the perimeter wall so that it is a tight fit.

Fold back the cushion and apply the recommended adhesive to the floor with the trowel. Pay attention at the walls. You'll want to have the adhesive evenly spread at the edge to prevent curling. For the best bond, lay down the cushion when the adhesive appears tacky or is beginning to turn clear.

Smooth the cushion into the adhesive with a lightweight roller. Work toward the seams to eliminate bubbles or wrinkles. Trim with the seam cutter, if it is necessary, so the seams do not overlap and remain tight.

When the cushion is secure, cut the carpet to the proper length and make sure to leave an extra 3 to 4 inches. These carpet installing instructions apply for direct glue-down also. Lay out the carpet to the dimensions of the room. For direct glue-down, use the seam cutter, when necessary, and butt seams together so that there are no gaps.

For double glue-down, the seams should run perpendicular to the cushion seams or remain at least 6 inches apart from each other. Use the hot melt seaming tape recommended for the carpet type. Cut each seam with the seam cutter. Position the center of the seam tape under the seam. Apply the seam sealer to the thickness of the backing on both sides of the edges that are being sealed.

Fold back the carpet and spread the adhesive with the notched trowel up to the edge of the seam or seaming tape. If there is a cushion, use minimal pressure. Lay the carpet onto the adhesive when it gets tacky. Make any necessary adjustments using the knee kicker or power stretcher and hold the position with stay nails. When this is done, use the seaming iron (double glue down) on the hot melt seaming tape to seal the seams. Be sure the temperature of the iron is the recommended heat for the particular tape you use.

For both applications, use a lightweight roller and roll over the carpet in both directions. Rolling will help adhere the carpet to the cushion or the surface of the floor. Trim any excess. Roll a second time 12 hours after the initial install to ensure a strong bond. Keep all traffic off the carpet for 24 to 48 hours