How to Install Carpet on Linoleum, Tiles & Hardwood

Preliminary Carpet Laying

• 1

  Measure the length of the edges of the room. Transfer these measurements to the gripper rods. Cut the gripper rods. Nail the gripper rods into the floor at the edge of the rooms around the entire perimeter of the room, make sure the nails are only about eight inches apart. When all the gripper rods are nailed down measure for the padding. (Reference 1)

• 2

  Roll out the padding on the floor. Make sure that you get close to the edge of the gripper rods but not too close. If you need to cut the padding you can do this with the carpet knife. (Reference 1)

• 3

  Staple the padding to the floor. Using the staple gun, make sure that the staples are about eight inches apart. This will secure the carpet so it will not slide. Do not use glue, this will cause the padding to dry rot much quicker than normal. (Reference 2)

Laying the Carpet

• 4

  Roll the carpet out over the padding. Carpet rolls come in 10 foot and 12 foot widths. Try to leave as few seams as possible. The best way to do this is to measure and then decide which pattern leaves the fewest seams. Make the cuts needed with the carpet knife. Use a metal straight edge to keep everything linear.(Reference 2)

• 5

  Tape all of the seams together. Use the seaming iron to make sure the seams stay together. When using the seaming iron take your time. Do not try to move to fast otherwise the glue will not melt and adhere. Allow the glue to dry. (Reference 3)

• 6

  Stretch the carpet. Hook one edge of the carpet to the gripper rods. Take another edge of the carpet at a 90 degree angle to the edge that is hooked to the gripper rod. Take the carpet stretcher and stretch this edge of the carpet. Every time you pull the handle on the carpet stretcher make sure you replace the stretched portion back on the gripper rods. When the carpet is sufficiently stretched, it should be tight enough not to pull up more than an inch, use the carpet trimmer to remove the excess carpet. use the carpet chisel to push the small amount remaining into the gap between the wall and the carpet.(Reference 2)

• 7

  Continue step three until all of the carpet is secured and stretched. Vacuum the carpet to remove the left over carpet remnants.