How to Treat the Side of a Carpet So It Doesn't Fray

Carpet is often seen covering the entire floor in a room, with its edges tucked into floor molding along the walls. Sometimes carpeting is found along stairs or in a room that connects to hardwood floor, leaving one edge exposed. If left untreated, this edge can fray over time. You should treat any exposed carpet edges to prevent fraying. This treatment not only serves a functional purpose, but can add more beauty to a carpet.

Scissors
Self-adhesive binding tape
Hot glue gun

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the carpet upside down to access the underside. If the carpet is already installed, pull back one edge at a time.
- 2
  Trim off any loose fibers and carpet material with a pair of scissors.
- 3
  Flip the carpet right side up, or lay it back in place.
- 4
  Position a 3-inch strip of carpet binding tape under the carpet edge, adhesive side up. Two inches of the strip should be under the carpet, with the last inch exposed. Select a color that compliments the carpet.
- 5
  Remove the protective backing from the tape, exposing the adhesive.
- 6
  Press the edge of the carpet down hard against the tape beneath it.
- 7
  Plug in a hot glue gun and let it heat up.
- 8
  Apply a 6-inch bead of hot glue to the upper edge of the carpet at one end, then fold the exposed carpet tape around the edge and press it into the glue. Hold it firmly in place until the glue cools.
- 9
  Continue gluing the edge 6 inches at a time, pressing the tape into the glue to form a carpet border. Be careful not to allow any folds or lumps to form in the tape.
- 10
  Repeat this process with any other edges of the carpet that need to be treated.

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