If you’re considering a home renovation that includes new flooring, you may be wondering if you can install carpet yourself. The answer is yes—with a little bit of know-how, and the right tools, you can easily install carpet in any room of your house.
Depending on the size of your space, and whether it’s a fresh slate or a flooring overhaul, you may be able to achieve this renovation all by yourself. Even if you decide to hire the help of a professional flooring expert, there are plenty of steps you can do alone, or alongside someone who’s got experience in the flooring trade. So, regardless of if you’re flying solo or enlisting the assistance of another person, here’s your step-by-step guide to installing carpet flooring.
- Choose Your Carpet
The first step is to choose the right carpet for your home. There are many factors to consider, including the pile type, pile height, fiber type, and backing. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to take some measurements.
The most important part of this step is precision. If you’re going to be placing an order and having the carpet custom-cut, then having the right dimensions will be an asset to your flooring project. You’ll need to know the length and width of the room, as well as the doorways and any other obstacles. With these measurements in hand, you can calculate how much carpet you’ll need and purchase it accordingly.
If measurements, numbers, and calculations seem a bit too out of reach, then don’t hesitate to contact a tile supplier and flooring center. They can offer you professional help with any of your carpet installation needs.
- Prepare the Room
Before you can begin installing your new carpet, you’ll need to prepare the room. This means removing all furniture, appliances, and other items from the area. Of course, this might be one of the major places where you will need a hand.
It might be a good idea to designate a specific space that will be used as a holding area while your room undergoes its carpet-laying makeover. Placing some drop cloths on the floor in a designated area, and covering your furniture or appliances with a sheet will help it all stay clean while you renovate your flooring.
Once the room that you plan to lay the carpet in is empty, give it a good vacuum to remove any dust or dirt from the floor. Then, using a hammer and nails, secure any loose boards or trim. Once the room is prepped and ready to go, you can begin installing your carpet.
- Install the Carpet
Begin by unrolling the carpet in one corner of the room and then working your way across. If you come to a doorway or other obstacle, simply cut the carpet around it using a utility knife. Once the entire room is covered, use a knee kicker to stretch the carpet and ensure that there are no wrinkles or bumps. Finally, use a power stretcher to stretch the carpet even further and secure it in place with tacks around the perimeter of the room.
If you feel that you might not have adequate supplies, techniques, or tools for this task, it might be wise to contact a flooring professional. You’ve already come this far – it would be terrible if you made the wrong cut in the wrong place! But don’t worry – there are plenty of carpet and tile suppliers out there who would be happy to help with the final steps of your project. After all, you’re going to want this carpet to last, and look great as long as possible!
Final Thoughts
Installing carpet flooring may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of knowledge and effort, it’s something that anyone can do. If you consider the simple steps, such as choosing a carpet and preparing your room, there’s really not much else to it.
Whether you decide to enlist the help of a flooring professional or tackle this project all by yourself, installing a carpet is as easy as one, two, three. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful new carpet in no time!
