How to Install Basement Carpet

Measure the length and width of the room or rooms you are carpeting. Add 3 to 4 inches onto the two measurements for extra carpet in each room to avoid a shortage.

Use the measurements to have the carpet cut. You can buy an entire roll of the amount of carpet needed and cut the room sections yourself or have each room precut.

Examine the entire basement for water leaks through the walls, ceilings and around the floor. Repair all leaks before installing your carpet.

Look over the floor where the carpet is to be installed for bumps or debris. Use a broom and sweep away any excess debris and a chisel to remove any caked-on dirt.

Apply a thin layer of carpet glue on the floor of a room by using the glue trowel. Spread the glue in a fan-like pattern. Leave a walking path to carry the carpet into the room.

Bring the appropriate amount of carpet into each room and roll it out so every edge has 3 to 4 inches of extra carpet going up the wall.

Spread glue over the space used as a walkway before rolling carpet over that spot.

Stretch the carpet out toward each wall with the knee kicker.

Cut a slit from the top edge of the carpet down to 1-inch above the floor in each corner of the room with the carpet knife.

Start trimming the carpet on each side of the room so the edges of the carpet bend up 1/2-inch along the bottom of each wall.

Once all edges of the carpet are trimmed, use the carpet tucker to push the edges under the baseboard.