How to Cut Carpet and Rugs

Cutting Carpet

• 1

  Lay the carpet upside down on a flat, workable surface such as concrete. If the carpet is rolled up, unroll it to suit your dimensions.

• 2

  Measure the carpet to fit the area that you wish to cover. Add about four inches around the sides to make room for error.

• 3

  Mark a line on the carpet to follow as you cut. You can use a marker to mark your dimensions.

• 4

  Place a piece of wood such as a 2 x 4 directly underneath the carpet along your marked cutting line. This will ensure that you don't scratch the surface that you're working on or dull the utility knife.

• 5

  Cut along the line as straight as possible with a utility knife or carpet shears. Ensure that you cut away from your body to reduce the possibility of physical injury.

Cutting Rugs

• 6

  Measure the area in which you wish to place the rug. Typically, area rugs can be too large for some living or dining rooms.

• 7

  Flip the rug over and lay it on a flat, workable concrete surface and mark your measurements on the back of the rug.

• 8

  Place a 2 x 4 underneath the rug directly along the lines you need to cut. This reduces scratching on your concrete surface

• 9

  Cut the rug along your measured lines with a utility knife or carpet shears. Ensure that you follow a straight line to reduce ripples.

• 10

  Apply white or clear craft or PVA glue with a paintbrush to the side of the freshly cut rug. This will prevent it from fraying.