Everything You’ll Need
| Tool/Material | Carpet Tile | Stretch-In | Glue-Down | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | ✔ | Optional | Secure carpet edges |
| Double-Sided Tape | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | Adhere carpet tiles |
| Carpet Adhesive | Optional | ❌ | ✔ | Glue carpet |
| Staple Gun | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | Secure underlay (wood only) |
| Seaming Tape & Iron | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Join seams |
| Knee Kicker | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | Stretch carpet |
| Power Stretcher | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | Stretch carpet |
| Stair Tool | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Tuck carpet edges |
| Carpet Roller | ✔ | Optional | ✔ | Press carpet firmly |
For concrete subfloors: cement filler, construction adhesive, masonry nails.
Quick Notes:
- Carpet tiles often just need tape or adhesive dots and don’t require stretching.
- Stretch-in wall-to-wall carpet needs a knee kicker and power stretcher.
- Glue-down carpet skips the stretcher but requires adhesive and a roller to secure the bond.
Step 1: Removing Old Flooring
Before laying your new carpet, you must take out any old flooring. Whether it’s your old carpet or hardwood, ensure it’s fully removed. This will give a clear base for your new carpet.
Step 2: Subfloor Preparation
After taking out the old flooring, clean and get the subfloor ready. Check the floor for damage or moisture. If putting carpet on concrete, look for moisture signs and fix any issues first.
Fixing Damage and Uneven Spots
Find cracks, holes, or gaps to fill. For wooden subfloors, use wood filler for gaps or cracks, then sand smooth when dry.
Use cement-based filler for cracks in concrete subfloors. Also, check for high or low spots. Use leveling compound to make these areas flat and smooth.
Fixing these problems will stop wear and tear in uneven areas.
Checking Moisture
Look for moisture in the subfloor, especially concrete ones. Too much moisture can cause mold, mildew, and damage.
Use a moisture meter to check levels. If too high, fix it before moving on.
You might need a moisture barrier or sealant to keep the subfloor dry. Checking and fixing moisture levels helps avoid problems and makes sure the carpet lasts long.
Step 3: Measuring the Room
Before buying carpet, measure the room accurately. Measure length and width, and include any alcoves or unusual shapes.
Add about 4 inches to your measurements for wall deviations and cutting when fitting the carpet.
Handling Odd Shapes
Unusual shapes can be tricky during installation and affect how your carpet looks. Here are some common issues:
Alcoves and Bay Windows
Alcoves and bay windows make different shapes and angles that change a room’s rectangular layout. These need exact measurements and extra carpet pieces for full coverage.
Closets and Doorways
Closets and doorways can interrupt the main carpet. Doorways usually need special transitions, and closets might need smaller carpet sections.
Angled Walls and Corners
Not all walls are straight. Angled walls and corners make cutting and fitting the carpet harder. These need careful attention for a snug fit.
Columns and Built-In Features
Columns or built-ins like bookshelves need precise cutting around their base for a seamless look.
Irregular Room Shapes
L-shaped or T-shaped rooms need more complex measuring and cutting to fit the carpet correctly.
Steps and Staircases
Steps or a staircase add complexity. Each step must be measured and carpeted for a tight fit and smooth transition.
Nooks and Crannies
Small nooks and crannies may be easy to miss but need to be measured and may need custom-cut carpet pieces.
Step 4: Calculating Square Footage
To get the square footage, multiply the room’s length by its width. This shows you how much carpet you need.
For example, if the room is 10 feet by 20 feet, multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 square feet.
Step 5: Installing Tack Strips
Tack strips hold carpet edges in place. They have small nails to grip and secure the carpet.
Tack Strips on Wood
To put tack strips on wood, use a hammer or nail gun to nail them down. Space them around the room with a small gap from the wall.
Tack Strips on Concrete
Installing tack strips on concrete uses a different way.
First, apply construction adhesive on the back and press it firmly on the floor. Then, secure with masonry nails.
Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay
The carpet pad, or underlay, adds cushion and insulation to your carpet. Place the underlay across the direction you will lay your carpet.
Types of Underlay
There are different underlay types, each giving varying comfort and support levels:
Foam Underlay
Foam underlay is popular because it is light and cheap. It offers soft cushioning and absorbs impacts, making it great for busy areas.
Rubber Underlay
Rubber underlay is very durable and strong. It supports the carpet well and cuts down noise between floors, ideal for multi-level homes.
Felt Underlay
Felt underlay is known for its soft feel and noise-reducing properties. Made from fibers, it gives plush cushioning and a quieter living space.
Secure the Underlay
Use a staple gun to fix the underlay to the floor, ensuring it’s flat and smooth. Overlap the edges to avoid gaps showing through the carpet.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Underlayment
| Aspect | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Carpet Type | Different carpets may need different underlay for the best results. |
| Level of Foot Traffic | In high-traffic areas like hallways, choose dense underlay that won’t flatten easily. |
| Noise Reduction | For less noise between floors, use underlay like rubber or felt that absorbs sound. |
| Special Requirements | If using underfloor heating, pick underlay with good thermal insulation for better energy use and heat spread. |
Step 7: Cutting the Carpet
Cutting the Carpet
Before laying carpet, make sure it fits well in the room. Cutting it right is key for a neat look. Here’s how you can do it:
Measuring and Marking
- Lay the carpet in the room where it will go.
- Leave extra carpet by the walls for trimming.
- Mark the back of the carpet with chalk or a pencil to guide your cuts.
Techniques
- Straight cuts: Use a utility knife and a straightedge on marked lines for long cuts on the carpet’s back. Press firmly for a clean cut.
- Corner cuts: For corners, cut diagonally from the room’s corner for a smooth transition.
- Trimming excess: After main cuts, trim extra carpet at the edges with a utility knife. Cut precisely for a neat finish.
Extra Tips
- Check measurements again before cutting to avoid mistakes.
- Be precise and patient when cutting carpet; don’t rush.
- Change dull knife blades often for clean cuts.
- Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers clear of the blade for safety.
Step 8: Stretching the Carpet
Stretching the Carpet
Use a knee kicker and carpet stretcher to pull the carpet tight across the room. Begin in the middle and move to the sides, using the knee kicker to secure the carpet to the tack strips.
Installing a Door Bar
After the carpet is set, put a door bar at doorways or edges. This makes a smooth change between rooms and holds the carpet steady.
Step 9: Seaming Carpet
Seaming Carpet
Carpet seams need to be tight, flat, and hidden. Here are simple steps to seam carpet:
- Use a knee kicker to push the carpet to the edges and seams. Begin in the middle and move toward the walls.
- Put seam sealer on the carpet’s edges before joining. This stops unraveling.
- Press the seam together tightly with a seam roller. Roll from the center out to the edges.
- Try to avoid seams in busy areas. If not possible, run them in the direction of the main traffic.
DIY vs. Professional Carpet Installation
Before you begin your project, decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Installation | – Costs less – Work at your own pace – Feel proud of your work | – Need special tools – Hard to learn – Mistakes can be expensive (wrinkles, bad seams) |
| Professional Installation | – Perfect results – Quick and smooth – Often comes with a warranty | – Costs more – Less flexible scheduling |
DIY is best if:
- You’re installing carpet tiles or in small rooms.
- You have (or can rent) the right tools.
- You’re good at measuring, cutting, and stretching carpet.
Hire a pro if:
- The space is large or oddly shaped.
- You’re using stretch-in or glue-down wall-to-wall carpet.
- You want results that last long.
✅ Tip: Even if you DIY, consider hiring a pro for tricky tasks like stairs or complex seams.
Need help with your carpet installation?
Our flooring installation team can do it all — from preparing the floor to perfect carpet stretching and seaming. You can request a free estimate today and let us make it easy!
Common mistakes to avoid when installing carpet
Be careful when installing carpet, so you don’t have problems like visible lines or gaps. Take your time to do each step right.
- Seams not prepared well: Can leave visible lines or gaps. Align and secure seams carefully.
- Skipping cleaning and leveling: Causes uneven surfaces. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and smooth.
- Wrong measurements: May lead to buying the wrong amount of carpet. Double-check dimensions and consider irregularities.
- Wrong underlay choice: Can affect durability and comfort. Choose one that fits the carpet and room.
- Improper tack strip installation: Can result in loose edges. Place tack strips securely around the edges.
- Not stretching the carpet: Can cause wrinkles. Use a knee kicker or power stretcher for a snug fit.
- Ignoring room conditions: High humidity or temperature changes can cause issues. Prepare the room beforehand.
- No gap at walls: Can lead to buckling. Leave a small gap between the carpet and walls for expansion.
Do You Need Help With Your Carpet Installation Project?
Now that you know how to install carpet flooring, you can make a cozy space. If you want experts to help, we’re ready.
Our flooring installation team takes care of everything — from preparing the subfloor to carpet stretching and seaming — for a perfect finish. We help you choose the right carpet style and padding for your home and budget. For pricing info, check our Carpet Flooring Cost Guide to plan your project.
Contact us today to set up your free in-home consultation and see if we serve your area.
