How to Install Carpet Binding Tape

The challenge when installing two pieces of carpet that adjoin is concealing the seam while preventing the edges of the carpet from lifting. Double-sided tape is sometimes used to hold the edges of the carpet together, but the strength of the tape over time poses a concern. As an alternative, hot-glue binding tape is extremely durable and straightforward to install. Although a carpet iron is necessary to heat the glue, you may be able to find one for rent at your home improvement center.

Measuring tape
Scissors
Carpet iron
Boards
Bricks

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the carpet seam with a measuring tape.
- 2
  Cut a length of hot-glue binding tape with scissors to match the length of the seam.
- 3
  Fold the edges of the two adjoining carpet pieces away from each other and remove the old tape, if applicable.
- 4
  Slide the tape strip under the carpet seam with the adhesive-side facing up. Position the tape so that the edges of the carpet lie across the center of the tape.
- 5
  Plug the carpet iron into an electrical outlet and allow it warm up.
- 6
  Pull back the edges of the carpet and lay the iron directly onto the tape. Allow approximately 30 seconds for the iron to heat the glue, then slide the iron approximately 12 inches along the tape to heat the next section of tape. Press the edges of the carpet into the tape while waiting for the next section of tape to warm. Repeat this process for the entire length of the seam.
- 7
  Position one or more boards across the entire length of the seam and weight the boards down with bricks for approximately 30 minutes.

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