How to Make a Transition With Metal Carpet Bars

Fold the carpet back about 4 inches from where the metal transition bar will be installed. Measure the area approximately 1/2 inch in front of where the transition will take place. Transfer this measurement to a tack strip. Cut the tack strip to the appropriate length with tin snips.

Set the tack strip on the subfloor, 1/2 inch away from where the metal transition bar will go, with the tacks pointed away from the carpeted room. Lay a level against the tack strip to check that it is plumb. Secure the tack strip to the subfloor with nails using a hammer.

Lay the carpet over the tack strip. Set a knee kicker on the carpet, about 2 inches in front of the tack strip. Hit the knee kicker with your knee to drive the carpet forward. Allow the carpet to hook onto the tack strip's tacks. Perform this step centered in front of the tack strip first, then move to the right side and finally the left side.

Measure the location where the transition bar will go. Transfer this measurement to the metal transition bar and cut it to length with a hacksaw. Set the transition bar on the subfloor, with the open end facing the carpet. Secure the transition bar in place with nails.

Lay the carpet over the transition bar. Mark on the back of the carpet where it touches the transition bar's back edge. Hold a level against the carpet along that mark. Use the level as a straight edge as you cut the carpet to length with a utility knife.

Insert the carpet's edge into the transition bar. Press the carpet onto the transition bar's tacks with a stair tool. Lay a scrap block of wood on the transition bar. Hit the wood block with a hammer to bend the transition bar down over the carpet.