How to Install Carpet
The carpet installation is almost the hardest job for a novice, but if you are patient and take your time, the install job can come out all right. For the beginner is important not to be upset because every type of carpet have his specific set of problems.
Tools Required for the Job
Below we will present all the certain tools that will be required for the installation job, and other tools that could be necessary regarding the type of installation used. The special tools are very expensive for people who don`t install carpet on a regular basis. All the tools can be rented from a specialty tool store to save money.
Basic Tools
• Utility Knife
• Carpet
• Hammer
• Chalk Line
• Safety Goggles
• Hammer
• Measuring Tape
• Padding
For a Glue Down Installation, additional tools
• Duct Tape
• Gripper Edge
• Nails
• Leather Gloves
• Seam Sealer Kit
• Push Broom
• Notched Trowel
• Adhesive
Stretch-In Installation, additional tools
• Knee Kicker or Power Stretcher
• Seaming Iron
• Staple Gun
• Staples
• Stair Tool
• Tackless Strip and Cutters
• Leather Gloves
• Nails
• Gripper Edge
• Duct Tape
• Awl
• Carpet Cutter
• Carpet Roller
Installation Basics
If you`re going to start a carpet installation it is important to consider the following:
- Though it can be done, it is not recommended to install carpet in any below ground surface where mold and mildew could become a problem.
- Check with the carpet’s manufacturer to ensure it is safe for use in case of planning to install the carpet over a radiant heating system.
- Carpet tiles should not be installed over existing carpet.
- Do not install carpet tiles on an unsealed cement floor, over a hand-painted floor, or over an unfinished waxed floor.
- Use the recommended padding type for your carpet. Do not reuse an existing carpet pad since it could easily cause the carpet to wear out sooner.
Getting Ready for Installation
You firstly need to remove all existing flooring in the room. If you find asbestos, do not remove any of the old flooring. Contact a professional company to remove it for you.
If the carpet is being installed over a concrete subfloor, make sure the concrete is properly sealed to prevent moisture. If you use a glue down or double glue down method, check the concrete’s calcium chloride concentration as well as the pH alkalinity. The level of calcium chloride should not exceed 5 pounds per 24 hours per 1000 square feet. The pH alkalinity should always be higher than 9 on the pH scale.
Remember to check the subflooring to ensure it is level and flat. If there are major dips in the floor, it could create issues later in the installation.
Before installation begins, remove all quarter round molding. Also, remove the doors in the room.
Continue with sweeping and vacuuming the subfloor to clean up dirt and debris.
Now you need to inspect the carpet roll for defects and ensure it is what you want.
Use the appropriate safety gear and follow all of the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
Carpet Installation Methods
The installation process for carpet depends on the method used.
Stretch In: is a common installation method used for rolls of broadloom carpet. The carpet needs to be cut to the right dimensions for the room, and rolled out over the carpet padding. Tackless strips are used to secure the carpet so they are installed around the outer edges of a room.
Glue Down or Double Glue Down: is a method only used for some types of broadloom carpet. The method can be used for indoor and outdoor carpeted areas for both homes and businesses, and patterned carpet in highly trafficked areas. Carpet is glued directly to the subfloor with a special adhesive in the case of glue down. The padding is glued directly to the subfloor with a special adhesive; then the carpet is glued to the padding, in the case of double glue down.
Basic Installation Steps for the Stretch In Method
• Padding is stapled down directly to the subfloor.
• Edges are cut so there is room to tack the carpet down and install the tackless strips.
• Cut the edges and fold in after the carpet has been laid flat over the entire room.
• Use the knee-kicker or power stretcher to stretch the rug, with the edges secured.
• Overlap the carpet and cut through both if you need to blend carpet at a joint.
• Use a roller to blend and secure the carpet.
Basic Installation Steps for Glue Down or Double Glue Down Method
• Padding has to be laid over the entire room, and cut to fit, if you are using the double glue down method.
• Padding is now pulled back and adhesive is added to the perimeter of the room, with the notched trowel.
• Use a a drywall knife in order to smooth the edges of the padding.
• Repeat steps with carpet, this time on top of the padding.
• If skipping padding, apply the adhesive to the subfloor.
- Place the carpet on top, smoothing out the edges.
These steps will gave you an idea of what you have to do, but consult the carpet manufacturer for more detailed installation guidelines.