Carpet Laying Techniques

Preparation

• The first step of any carpet installation is preparation. After selecting the carpet, this involves measuring the area where the carpet will be installed, and deciding where to place seams in the carpet in larger rooms, usually under furniture to hide them. Imperfections in the floor surface can show through a carpet, so even those out before installation. The installer stitches the carpet together before installation using a needle and heavy duty thread or special tape to join the pieces when it is heated. Cut the carpet to allow an extra three inches around the edges.

Tackless

• Carpet professionals install tackless, strips of wood with tacks sticking out of them, around the perimeter of the room. Install tackless about 1/2 inch from the baseboard to leave room to fold the edges of the carpet underneath the molding. A one-inch-wide tackless strip is sufficient for most installations, but heavier carpets will require a wider strip or two strips.

Padding

• Padding makes the carpet feel more plush and helps prevent premature wear and matting. Install the padding in strips running the length of the room with the textured side facing up. Attach the padding strips to the sharp tacks protruding from the tackless. The strips should be tight against one another. Trim away excess padding around the edge of the tackless strips.

Final Installation

• Installers move the carpet into the room and orient it according to how it will be installed. Use a carpet stretcher if available to attach the carpet to the tackless strips. This is a machine that spans the room and stretches the carpet as it installs it on to the strips. Alternatively, use a knee kicker, which is a device that has teeth that hook into the carpet. The installer grips the carpet over the tackless, then kicks the knee kicker with his knee to secure the carpet to the tackless. Cut away excess carpet using a utility knife or a carpet trimming knife.