How to Lay Carpet

A carpet is meant to be used to create more visual appeal to a room as well as a soft landing for your feet. Carpet can come in an array of styles, textures and colors depending on your preferences and room requirements.

Additionally, carpets can last for years with the proper care, cleaning and maintenance. Of course, there are factors that may require you to replace your carpet such as wear and tear after years of use, multiple stains from use as well as pets, water damage and even smell. In these cases, it’s imperative to replace your carpet to ensure a fresh, unused and new look.

Getting the right materials is the first requirement needed for how to lay a carpet. You will need a broom, hammer, 1 1/2-inch nails, padding, carpet, tack strip, razor knife, carpet stretcher, knee kicker, seam iron, seam tape, duct tape and a door edge strip.

Sweep up all dust and debris before laying the carpet with the broom. Nail the 1 1/2-inch nails into any creaks to ensure the floor provides a smooth surface for the carpet.

Lay the tack strip with the hammer 1/2-inch away from the wall and doorways around the perimeter of the room. Face the teeth of the tack strip towards the walls. This is the beginning process of how to lay a carpet.

Place the carpet padding over the tack strip and cut away any excess padding with the razor strip. The padding is used to protect the carpet from the floor, but also to provide additional cushioning for the carpet. Use the duct tape to tape the seams of the padding.

Measure the length and width of the room with measuring tape. Add 3-inches to all sides and cut the carpet to match your measurements. Place the carpet on top of the padding you just installed. Place the sides of the carpet so that it aligns with the seam tape. Use the seam iron to heat it up at the seam location and allow it to dry. This ensures the carpet is attached to the padding.

Stretch the carpet to one side of the tack strip with the knee kicker. Place the carpet stretcher at the back of the wall where you started to lay the carpet. Place the carpet into the teeth of the carpet stretcher and stretch the carpet so that the carpet is attached to the tack strip. Repeat this until all sides of the carpet are attached to the tack strip.

This is an important step to make sure the carpet does not fold or crease at any location and has a smooth, even finish. You don’t want to have to redo any work you’ve already completed.

Trim any excess carpet with the razor knife along the wall edges. Ensure the seam is centered beneath the door. Remove any vents beneath the carpet and cut holes to allow space for the vents, and then replace the vents to their locations. Put the door edge strip on the seam.