Whether you’re inspired by the slew of social media DIYers or you’re just trying to save a few pennies, laying your own carpet can be a daunting task.
Carpets On The Move have put together a comprehensive guide for DIY carpet installation that you can refer back to. We will include the necessary tools and easy to follow steps below.
Tools
- Hammer
- Utility knives
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Staple hammer
- Knee kicker
- Carpet tucker/bolster
- Broom
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Floor Scraper
- Knee pads and gloves for safety
Materials
- Smooth edge
- Underlay
- Hoop nails
- Carpet of choice
- Ripple trim
Carpet Installation
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Measure the floor
Measure the width and length of the room to determine how much carpet you will need. It’s a good idea to add an extra 5-10% to your measurements to allow for any mistakes or uneven cuts.
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Choose the right carpet
Consider the type of room the carpet will be installed in, the amount of foot traffic it will receive, and your personal style preferences when choosing a carpet. You can visit our show room to speak with our team or check out our blog on the best flooring options for high traffic areas or for children and pets.
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Prepare the floor
For the best results it is important to start with a clean, dry and smooth base. Remove old flooring including any nails or staples left behind. Then remove any plaster or glue with your floor scraper. Once you have done this use a broom or a vacuum to remove all debris. Make sure to check that your floor is level and flat before continuing.
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Install the smooth edge
Next lay tracking strips known as ‘smooth edge’ around the perimeter of the room with the small nails facing the wall. They give your carpet something to cling to, creating the tension you need for an even installation.
Leave a small gap between the smooth edge and the wall (1 – 2 cm is enough) then hammer in the nails along each track, using extra hoop nails to make sure it is secure.
Use your carpet tucker to trim your smooth edge into shorter pieces to accommodate for door recesses and corners. You can choose to lay a single or double track of smooth edge. Doubling up will make your carpet extra secure.
If installing carpet on concrete be sure to purchase concrete specific smooth edge as different nails are used. You can forgo smooth edge and use glue to install your carpet, however this can make removal or carpet replacement more laborious.
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Lay the padding
Roll out the underlay from one wall to the other, making sure the edge is hard up against the wall. Using your utility knife, cut the underlay to size by running the blade along the inside of the smooth edge. Secure the underlay to the floor with your staple hammer.
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Lay your carpet
Roll out your carpet so you walk into the pile and line up the straight edge of your carpet with the longest wall. Once your carpet is squared up, secure it to the smooth edge with your knee kicker. It is as simple as placing it down directly under your shoulder, toward the back of the smooth edge and giving it a gentle tap with your knee. After completing small section, firmly run your carpet tucker along the top of the smooth edge for extra grip.
To create even tension across your carpet, repeat the process above in the same spot on the opposite wall. Work from the centre of the walls into the corners.
