Everything You’ll Need

<tr data

Step 1: Removing Old Flooring

Before putting in new carpet, take out the old floors. Whether it’s old carpet or hardwood, make sure to remove it all. This gives a fresh start for the new carpet.

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

After removing the old floor, clean and get the subfloor ready. Look for any damage or moisture problems. For carpet on concrete, check for moisture and fix it first.

Fixing Damage and Bumpy Areas

Find cracks, holes, or gaps that need filling. For wooden subfloors, use wood filler to fill gaps and cracks, then sand smooth after it dries.

Use cement filler for cracks in concrete subfloors. Also, check for high or low spots. Level these areas for a smooth surface.

Fixing these problems will stop future wear and tear in uneven spots.

Checking for Moisture

Check the subfloor for moisture, especially with concrete. Too much moisture can cause mold, mildew, and damage.

Use a moisture meter to check moisture levels. If too high, fix the issue first.

This might need a moisture barrier or sealant to keep it dry. Checking and fixing moisture levels helps ensure a long-lasting carpet.

Step 3: Measuring the Room

Before buying carpet, measure your room carefully. Check both length and width, and include any odd shapes.

Add about 4 inches to measurements for wall and cutting differences when fitting carpet.

Handling Odd Shapes

Odd shapes can make it hard to install carpet and change how it looks. Watch out for these common issues:

Alcoves and Bay Windows

Alcoves and bay windows create tricky shapes. Measure them well and use extra carpet pieces for full coverage.

Closets and Doorways

Closets and doorways can break the carpet’s flow. Use special transitions for doorways and custom pieces for closets.

Angled Walls and Corners

Rooms with angled walls need careful cutting to fit the carpet snugly along the edges.

Columns and Built-In Features

Columns or built-ins like shelves need precise cutting around them to look seamless.

Irregular Room Shapes

L-shaped or T-shaped rooms need extra planning for cutting and fitting the carpet right.

Steps and Staircases

Steps and stairs need individual measurements and fitting for a smooth look.

Nooks and Crannies

Small nooks and crannies need to be measured well and might need special carpet pieces.

Step 4: Calculating Square Footage

After measuring, find the room’s square footage by multiplying length by width. This shows how much carpet you need.

Example: If the room is 10 by 20 ft, multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 sq ft.

Step 5: Installing Tack Strips

Tack strips help keep carpet edges attached to the floor. They have small nails that hold the carpet in place.

Tack Strips on Wood

Tack Strips on Wood

To put tack strips on wood floors, nail them with a hammer or nail gun. Space them evenly around the room, leaving a gap from the wall.

Tack Strips on Concrete

Tack Strips on Concrete

Installing tack strips on concrete floors uses a slightly different method.

First, put construction glue on the tack strip’s back and press it onto the floor. Then, use masonry nails to secure it.

Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay

The carpet pad adds comfort and warmth to your carpet. Lay it across the direction of the carpet for best results.

Types of Underlay

Different underlays give varying comfort and support:

Foam Underlay

Foam is popular because it’s light and cheap. It softens steps and absorbs shock, good for busy areas.

Rubber Underlay

Rubber is strong and lasts long. It supports the carpet and reduces noise, great for homes with multiple floors.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay is soft and quiet. Made from fibers, it feels nice underfoot and keeps noise down.

It offers plush comfort and a peaceful home.

Secure the Underlay

Use staples to fix the underlay to the floor, making it flat and even. Overlap edges to hide gaps under the carpet.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Underlayment

Tool/MaterialCarpet TileStretch-InGlue-DownPurpose
Utility Knife✔✔✔Cut carpet/padding
Tape Measure✔✔✔Measure dimensions
Straight Edge✔✔✔Guide straight cuts
Chalk Line✔✔✔Mark layout lines
Pry Bar✔✔✔Remove baseboards/flooring
Knee Pads✔✔✔Protect knees
Tack Strips❌✔OptionalSecure carpet edges
Double-Sided Tape✔❌❌Adhere carpet tiles
Carpet AdhesiveOptional❌✔Glue carpet
Staple Gun❌✔✔Secure underlay (wood only)
Seaming Tape & Iron✔✔✔Join seams
Knee Kicker❌✔❌Stretch carpet
Power Stretcher❌✔❌Stretch carpet
AspectConsideration
Carpet TypeSome carpets need specific underlay for best results.
Level of Foot TrafficChoose a tough underlay for busy areas to avoid flattening.
Noise ReductionRubber or felt underlay helps keep noise down between floors.
Special RequirementsFor floors with heating, use underlay with good heat insulation.