IDeal - DIY carpet installation

How to Install Your Own Carpet

Nothing matches the comfort and softness that carpet adds to a room. It's perfect for spaces like bedrooms and living rooms where you want extra warmth and cushion underfoot.

While DIY carpet installation is possible, it's not recommended due to the specialized skillsets and tools required to achieve a professional result. Hiring a professional installer is recommended to ensure proper installation and avoid issues.

However, for the advanced DIY enthusiast, it is possible to successfully install your own carpet.

DIY Carpet Installation

Before you begin your carpet installation, take the time to review the manufacturer's guide. Prepare your subfloor by ensuring it's clean, dry, and free of any imperfections, making any necessary repairs as needed. Gather your materials and tools, including:

• Carpet padding

• Tack strips

• Knee kicker

• Carpet stretcher

• Utility knife

• Seam tape

Installing Tack Strips

• Position tack strips along the perimeter of the room, ensuring they are facing the walls with the tacks angled towards the center of the room.

• Secure the tack strips to the subfloor using nails or screws.

• Double-check that the tack strips are positioned correctly and securely in place before proceeding with carpet installation.

Installing Carpet Padding

• Roll out the carpet padding across the entire subfloor, ensuring it covers the entire area without overlapping. Do not install the padding over the tack strips.

• Using a utility knife, trim the padding to fit.

• Secure the padding in place, smoothing any wrinkles or folds.

Installing Your Carpet

• Begin by positioning carpet in the room, ensuring the pile direction is consistent throughout. Align patterns carefully for patterned carpets.

• Keep carpet seams at right angles to padding seams and maintain approximately three inches of extra carpet next to walls.

• Make relief cuts when laying carpet in corners to ensure it lies flat and smooth.

• Check that adjoining edges of carpet are straight and touching but not overlapping. Use heat-activated seaming tape to seal seams, following the manufacturer's instructions.

• Use a knee kicker to push and hook the carpet into position on the tack strip, pulling any slack or wrinkles as you attach it.

• Move to the opposite wall and use a carpet stretcher to pull the carpet tight, removing wrinkles or bunches as you stretch it. Secure it onto the tack strips.

• Trim excess carpet and tuck edges under baseboards. Cut carpet around vent openings and doorways for a clean finish.

Carpet Care & Maintenance

Routine cleaning is important to keep your carpet looking and performing like new. Vacuum your carpet regularly to remove dirt and debris that can wear down your fibers, leaving the carpet looking dull. Treat spills and stains promptly. Schedule professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months to deep clean and refresh your carpet's appearance.Bottom of Form

While installing carpet yourself presents challenges, such as ensuring proper stretching and trimming, and requires specialized tools, advanced DIY enthusiasts can achieve professional-looking results with patience and attention to detail. Browse our catalog of carpet to begin your next flooring project.