How to Install Commercial Carpet Over a Wood Subfloor

Vacuum the wood subfloor to remove any debris. Examine the subflooring for any nails or screws that may be protruding above the wood. Use a hammer or screwdriver to set them slightly below the surface of the wood.

Move the carpeting into the house. Unroll it in another room to allow it to straighten for at least 24 hours before you begin installation.

Unroll the padding onto the wood subfloor. Cut strips, as necessary, with a utility knife so the padding covers the entire floor. Do not allow strips to overlap.

Roll half of the padding back onto itself. Apply carpet glue to the wooden subfloor with a trowel to the depth recommended by the glue manufacturer. Carefully unroll the padding into the glue and press it down firmly with a carpet roller. Roll the unglued padding onto the glue section and glue it down as well. Press it into the glue. Allow the glue to dry following manufacturer’s recommendations.

Turn the carpeting so it is face down. Measure the length and width of the room. Measure and mark that amount on the back of the carpet with a chalk line, allowing 6 inches extra on all sides. Cut the carpet with a utility knife or carpet knife. Use a straightedge tool as you cut to help keep the lines straight.

Turn the carpeting face side up and move it into the room where you are installing it. Arrange the carpet so there is extra carpet along all the walls. Once you have the carpet in position, set heavy objects on it to hold it in position for the next step.

Use the straightedge tool to help you make straight cuts as you trim the carpet to fit the room’s dimensions. Take care to trim corners carefully so they lie flat.

Move half of the weights to one side of the carpet. Roll the carpet back onto itself. Spread carpet glue on the padding as you did in Step 4, following manufacturer’s guidelines for thickness. Carefully place the carpet into the glue. Roll it to seat it in the glue, taking care to roll both the length and width of the room.

Roll back the unglued portion of the carpet over the glued section. Apply the carpet glue over the padding. Place the carpet into the glue and roll it to seat it. Allow the carpet glue to dry 24 to 48 hours before placing furniture on the carpeting.