Tips on Laying Carpet?

JustaFramer · 06-16-2005, 11:17 PM

I am in the process of buying a rambler. The house needs to be recarpeted. So I need some tips on measuring, cutting, glues, and stretching it.

TIA
William

Floorwizard · 06-18-2005, 01:37 AM

You will probably need to do a search for the install tips on installing.
There are specific walls to start on and seaming is no easy picnic.

As far as measuring, you can take exact square footage by measuring the length x width and then add them up and throw in about 15% more for waste. That will get ya for sure.
the cheaper the cpt, the harder to install.

Teetorbilt · 06-19-2005, 10:12 PM

Justa, I used to do carpeting in high school and the first few years of college. See if you can find an installer that will do it for you in off hours. You are going to have to buy or rent tools and use them in a profession in which you have no knowledge. Kicking in carpet isn't fun or good for you either. I'd hire the pro anyday for this job.

JustaFramer · 06-19-2005, 11:45 PM

I wish I could hire someone. But I am going to have to learn some time.LOL I have ripped carpet up a few times but never installed it. Its a 944 sq ft rambler how long do you think it will take me :D . I am in a housing market hot spot the equity is rising by 15% in the last 6-9 months and still rising. I couldn't even get my closing costs paid for let alone haggle on the price. Flipping Hud repos is hot now finding one that isn't closed on same day that is tuff

JustaFramer · 08-26-2005, 08:14 PM

I have my carpet I got the info on laying. Now I need to make sure I got it figured out. Do I cut the carpet 1" longer for each side or 1" longer over all? Also what is the best knife for cutting? A Utility knife with a hook blade, old school carpet knife, or one of those straight blade carpet knifes.

Yeah and I have all the tools I borrowed from a Millionaire I know.

Builtrite Residential · 08-27-2005, 11:09 PM

I would leave a few " overall lay in carpet kick in L pattern and cut in

JustaFramer · 09-01-2005, 06:27 PM

Big Thanks to all that gave knowledgeable advice!!! If we ever meet some way some how I owe you guys a couple rounds. :D
I got it almost done all I have to do is cut the closet in. That was one of the most easiest jobs ever.
Like I alway say if you can build the frame all the rest is a cake walk.

I will post some pics when I get it done.

GIT-R-DONE

JustaFramer · 09-01-2005, 08:49 PM

Yep all finished My seam isn't the shizzle but isn't that bad. Plus the door will cover it when it is closed. The glu didn't take then I kick it tight to the wall. Instead of pulling it up I put the iron on the side that didn't take. So I lost a fraction on the seam.

Wilson · 11-28-2006, 04:39 PM

I am wanting to know how to install carpet in a room where the carpet will only be against two walls. The other two sides will be next to a newly installed wood floor. I am not knowing how to position the new flooring up against the carpet. Please help.

Jim McClain · 12-02-2006, 03:18 PM

Hi Wilson,

You can install the tackless along the leading edge of the hardwood, with the proper gully space, and tuck the carpet in just like you do a wall. I would suggest you rent or borrow a stretcher and get the carpet as tight as you can. Kicking the carpet in, as was apparently done by JustaFramer and others, is not the way to do it. It will damage your knees and the carpet will not be tight enough, which could cause a variety of problems later (or sooner) like wrinkles, delamination of the backing, split seams and lifted edges.

R'gards,

Jim

troubleseeker · 12-02-2006, 10:37 PM

Best tip...hire a pro. Tackling a one piece installation(small room) is one thing but seaming and stretching carpet is not as easy as the pros make it appear.