Everything You’ll Need

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Step 1: Removing Old Flooring

Before putting in your new carpet, you need to take out the old flooring. Whether it’s your old carpet, hardwood, or tile, make sure to remove it all. This gives a smooth base for your new carpet.

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

After removing old flooring, clean and prepare the subfloor. Check for damage or moisture issues. For carpet on concrete, look for moisture signs and fix them first.

Fixing Damage and Uneven Areas

Find cracks, holes, or gaps to fill. Use wood filler on wooden subfloors, then sand smooth when dry.

For concrete, use cement-based filler for cracks. Check for high or low spots and use a leveling compound to make the surface even.

Fixing these helps prevent future wear on uneven areas.

Checking for Moisture

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

Use a moisture meter to check levels. If high, fix it before proceeding.

This may involve using a moisture barrier or sealant to keep it dry. Fixing moisture issues helps prevent problems and makes carpet last longer.

Step 3: Measuring the Room

Measure your room before getting carpet. Check the length and width, including any unusual shapes.

Add 4 inches to your measurements for wall changes and cutting needs.

Handling Irregularities

Irregular shapes make carpet installation tricky. Look out for these common ones:

Alcoves and Bay Windows

Alcoves and bay windows make unique shapes. Measure carefully and use extra carpet pieces.

Closets and Doorways

Closets and doorways break the carpet flow. Use special transitions and custom sections.

Angled Walls and Corners

Angled walls need careful cutting for a snug carpet fit.

Columns and Built-In Features

Columns and built-ins need precise cutting for a smooth carpet fit.

Irregular Room Shapes

L-shaped or T-shaped rooms need more planning for proper carpet fitting.

Steps and Staircases

Steps and stairs add complexity. Each step needs measuring and carpet fitting for smoothness.

Nooks and Crannies

Remember nooks and crannies in your measurements. They might need custom-cut carpet pieces.

Step 4: Calculating Square Footage

To know how much carpet you need, measure the room. Multiply the length by the width for square footage.

For example, if the room is 10 ft by 20 ft, multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 sq ft.

Step 5: Installing Tack Strips

Tack strips keep carpet edges on the floor with small nails holding the carpet.

Tack Strips on Wood

Tack Strips on Wood

On wood floors, use a hammer or nail gun to nail the tack strips down. Space them evenly from the wall.

Tack Strips on Concrete

Tack Strips on Concrete

On concrete floors, tack strips need more effort.

Apply glue on the back of the strip, press it firmly on the floor, and secure it with masonry nails.

Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay

A carpet pad makes your carpet soft and warm. Lay it at a right angle to the carpet.

Types of Underlay

There are many kinds of underlay, each giving different comfort:

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is light and cheap. It gives soft support and is good for busy areas.

Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is strong and lasts long. It supports well and reduces noise, perfect for homes with levels.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay feels nice and absorbs sound well.

Made of packed fibers, it gives soft support for a quiet, comfy home.

Secure the Underlay

Use a staple gun to keep the underlay even and smooth. 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 TypeDifferent carpets need specific underlays for best results.
Level of Foot TrafficChoose a strong underlay for busy areas to avoid flattening.
Noise ReductionPick underlays that absorb sound, like rubber or felt, for quieter spaces.
Special RequirementsFor carpet over heated floors, choose an underlay that insulates well.