Costs to Bind Carpets

Trimmer

• Include the rental or buy price of a carpet trimmer in the costs to bind carpets. Carpet edges must be straight and smooth for binding. You can also use the trimmer to cut the carpet into a different shape before proceeding. As of August 2011, suggested retail pricing for carpet trimmers was between $40 and $70, depending on the manufacturer. Suggested rental fees for heavy-duty steel trimmers are $5 per day, $20 per week and $50 per month. All-steel units are better for trimming thicker carpet.

Beveler

• The process of carpet beveling tapers or trims the carpet edges. This creates a smooth transition between the edges and the binding material. This step is not necessary for thinner carpeting but should always be considered for thicker carpeting. As of August 2011, suggested retail pricing for carpet bevelers ranges from $1,974.99 to $1,979.99. Hand-held units cost $329.99.

Binding

• The least-expensive carpet binding method involves the use of water-resistant binding tape. Another method involves attaching fabric to carpet edges with a sewing machine. A binding machine is the most expensive carpet-binding method. As of August 2011, suggested retail pricing for binding tape was between $3.99 and $62. Sewing machines cost between $121 and $199. Replacement sewing needles cost between $2 and $5. Thread spools cost $3 for 50 assorted colors. Fabric pricing ranged from $4 to $20 per yard, depending on the material. Carpet binding machines cost between $1,869.00 and $6,499.99.

Stabilizer

• Stabilizers reinforce the corners of carpeting once the binding process is complete. Hot glue or staples are used as stabilizers. Using hot glue helps avoid unraveling in the future. Staples can rust and tend to scratch floors. As of August 2011, suggested retail pricing for hot glue ranged from $9.85 for one stick to $181.95 for a case of 165 units. Pricing for glue guns, used to melt the glue sticks, ranged from $1 to $14. Industrial staple guns cost $26. Additional packs of staples cost between $1 and $5.