Everything You’ll Need

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Step 1: Removing Old Flooring

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

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

After taking out old floors, clean and get the subfloor ready. Look for any damage or wet spots. If putting carpet on concrete, check for moisture first.

Fixing Damage and Uneven Areas

Find and fill cracks or gaps. For wooden subfloors, use wood filler, then sand smooth when dry.

For concrete, use cement filler for cracks. Check for uneven spots and use a leveling compound to make it flat.

Fixing these problems stops future wear and tear on uneven areas.

Checking for Moisture

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

Use a moisture meter to check levels. If too high, fix it before moving on.

Use a barrier or sealant to keep it dry. Checking moisture helps avoid future issues and makes carpet last longer.

Step 3: Measuring the Room

Before buying carpet, measure the room’s size carefully. Measure both length and width, and include any corners or odd shapes.

Add around 4 inches to your length and width measurements to account for wall variations and cutting during carpet installation.

Handling Odd Shapes

Odd shapes can make installation tricky and affect how the carpet looks. Here are some common issues:

Alcoves and Bay Windows

Alcoves and bay windows change the room’s shape. They need careful measuring and extra carpet pieces to cover fully.

Closets and Doorways

Closets and doorways break up the main carpet area. Doorways need special transitions, and closets might need smaller carpet pieces.

Angled Walls and Corners

Rooms may not have straight walls. Angled walls and corners make cutting and fitting the carpet harder. Careful work ensures a good fit.

Columns and Built-In Features

Columns and built-in features like shelves or fireplaces can block carpet installation. They need precise cutting for a smooth look.

Irregular Room Shapes

L-shaped or T-shaped rooms need more complex measuring and cutting to make sure the carpet fits everywhere.

Steps and Staircases

If there are steps or a staircase, each step needs its own measurement and carpet piece for a snug fit and nice transitions.

Nooks and Crannies

Small nooks and crannies are easy to miss but important. They need to be measured and might need custom-cut carpet pieces.

Step 4: Calculating Square Footage

To find out how much carpet you need, measure the room and multiply the length by the width to get the square footage.

For instance, if your room is 10 by 20 ft, you multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 sq ft.

Step 5: Installing Tack Strips

Tack strips hold the carpet edges to the floor. They have small nails that grip the carpet and keep it in place.

Tack Strips on Wood

Tack Strips on Wood

When putting tack strips on wood floors, use a hammer or nail gun to nail them down. Make sure to space them evenly along the room’s edges, leaving a gap from the wall.

Tack Strips on Concrete

Tack Strips on Concrete

Installing tack strips on concrete floors needs a different way.

First, put glue on the back of the tack strip and press it down. Then, nail it with masonry nails to secure it.

Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay

The underlay adds extra softness and warmth to your carpet. Lay it down at a right angle to the carpet direction.

Types of Underlay

There are different underlays to choose from, each giving different comfort and support:

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is popular because it’s light and cheap. It feels soft and helps with impact, great for busy areas.

Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is very strong and lasts long. It supports the carpet well and cuts down noise, ideal for homes with more than one level.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay is known for its soft feel and noise reduction. Made from fibers, it gives a plush feel and quieter space.

Secure the Underlay

Use a staple gun to keep the underlay flat. Overlap edges to avoid gaps showing through 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 different underlay for best results.
Level of Foot TrafficChoose dense underlay for busy areas like hallways to prevent flattening.
Noise ReductionFor less noise between floors, pick underlay like rubber or felt.
Special RequirementsFor underfloor heating, use underlay with good thermal insulation for even heat.