Apart from getting a queen size bed and the latest bedding, nowadays, there are at least a couple of good reasons that people choose carpeting. First, a carpet offers a comfortable, soft surface at which to walk.
Secondly, it will help absorb the sound generated by raucous kids, overenthusiastic dogs, and stereo system and TV.
And because you can get a carpet in multiple patterns and colors, it will complement the decor of practically any room.
It will be a bit difficult installing a carpet; however, with a few specialized tools, preparation, and patience, you will complete the work for a fraction of what it can cost to work with an expert.
When selecting a carpet or a floor mat, you should consider patterns and colors. Multicolored or darker patterns do not show lots of wear or dirt; however, they will make a room look smaller as well.
Lighter hues show stains and dirt easily; however, they offer a roomy feel. The materials used in making a carpet and its installation will impact its durability.
In high-traffic places, like entryways and corridors, a high-quality fiber can last for a long time.
Carpet installation, how fibers get attached to the backing, will affect the look and resistance to wear.
The kind of carpet can dictate the kind of pad you need to use. For the manufacturer’s advice, you should look at sample labels.
Because padding and carpet work together to create a floor cover system, you can use the perfect pad you can afford that suits the carpet.
Besides making the carpet feel plusher under one’s feet, the pad will make the floor warmer and quieter. A top quality pad will help minimize carpet wear as well.
Basics on how to install a carpet
Before you begin any kind of carpet installation, you should consider these points:
- Make use of the recommended type of padding for the carpet. Don’t reuse existing carpet padding. A worn-out pad, or wrong pad, can easily cause your carpet to wear out very quickly.
- You should not install carpet tiles over the existing carpet. Don’t install carpet tiles over an incomplete waxed floor, over a hand-painted floor, or on an unsealed cement floor.
- Although it is possible, it isn’t advised to install carpet in any underground surface where mildew and mold can cause issues.
Take the measurements of the room
Begin by determining the room’s square footage where you want to install the carpet. You can do this by just multiplying the width by the length of the room.
To purchase adequate material, you should add 10 – 20 % to the calculation of square footage. The carpet seller will show you whether you’re overlooking any details.
To let him give you the right guidance possible, you should carry with you a sketch of the layout of your room to the store when you are all set to select a carpet.
Preparing the surface
Sweeping and vacuuming the bedroom’s floor is very important. You should use this opportunity to look out for damage that can lie underneath your carpet.
You should even out the surface by getting rid of any built-up paint, errant nails, or globs of glue.
Based on the room’s design, it might be good or even sternly important to get rid of baseboard molding and odors.
This is to allow your new carpet to fit squarely and evenly. The floor needs to be completely dry before you continue since remaining wetness will result in the growth of mold.
Nail down the tack strips
If you want to replace or install a carpet with a pad, then you should not use glue. But you should install tack strips around the perimeter.
Afterward, when you’ve laid down the carpet, the tack strips can hold your carpet in place. When you are buying the tack strips, go for the wider ones.
Make sure you place two nails into each strip, ramming one stack strip against the other strip, end to end.
After placing those strips around the whole room, even around obstacles such as air vents proceed to install your carpet pad.
You should cut the sizes you require as you’re working, securing the padding every 2 feet along the strips inside edge.
Use a utility knife to reduce any excess padding. You should also duct tape the seams between the padding panels until the floor gets covered.
Laying your carpet
Before installing the lately bought carpet, provide the material at least a day to get used to your home’s conditions.
At this time, your carpet might expand or shrink a bit, and letting this take place before you install will help you in ensuring expert-level outcome.
You can join two or more parts of the carpet with seaming tape. You should apply the tape beneath your carpet seam, glue side up. The adhesive will melt under a seaming iron.
As it cools, you should exert pressure on the edges of your carpet you’re connecting. After that, use a carpet roller to seal the seam.
If you can, try locating seams in the not easily seen or otherwise low-traffic sections of your room you’re carpeting.
Starting in a corner, you should use a knee kicker for attaching the carpet to the tack strips. The knee kicker will help prevent the formation of bumps and lumps.
After that, go to the opposite side of your room, pulling and stretching your carpet along with you.
Proceed to use the knee kicker as you are securing your carpet over the strips. Remember to use a utility knife to cut and remove any excess.
Also, complete by fitting your carpet beneath the baseboards, if you did not take them out earlier. If you did then take them out now and reattach them.
Conclusion
A carpet will help in keeping your home warm as it will also work as insulation.
Apart from keeping your home warmer, it will also greatly improve the protection against the noise generated by steps.
In general, a carpet looks like an inexpensive comfort worth considering yet it will make you room look expensive.
Installing carpet is simply easy, as all you require is some tools, endurance and perhaps a close friend or family member to help you.
Reading the safety information and instructions on the carpet roller, knee kicker, seaming iron and carpet stretcher can help you in understanding how to install a carpet better and prevent many of the obvious issues.
