Everything You’ll Need

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Step 1: Removing Old Flooring

Before putting in new carpet, remove the old flooring. Whether it’s old carpet, wood, or tile, take it all out. This gives a fresh start for the new carpet to stick to.

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

After taking out old flooring, clean and prepare the subfloor. Look for any damage or moisture issues. If putting carpet on concrete, check for moisture and fix it first.

Repairing Damage and Uneven Areas

Find cracks or gaps to fill. For wood subfloors, use wood filler and sand smooth after drying.

For concrete, fill cracks with cement-based filler. Check for uneven areas and use a leveling compound to smooth them.

Fixing these issues helps prevent wear and tear later.

Checking for Moisture

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

Use a moisture meter to check. If high, fix the problem before moving on.

Consider a moisture barrier or sealant to keep it dry. Proper moisture checks help ensure carpet lasts long.

Step 3: Measuring the Room

Before buying carpet, measure the room size carefully. Check the length and width, and include any unusual shapes.

Add around 4 inches to your measurements for wall and cutting differences when fitting the carpet.

Handling Odd Shapes

Odd shapes can make installation tricky and change how the carpet looks. Here are some common problems you might face:

Alcoves and Bay Windows

Alcoves and bay windows can have odd shapes that need careful measuring and extra carpet pieces for full coverage.

Closets and Doorways

Closets and doorways can stop the main carpet flow. Doorways need special transitions, and closets may need custom-fitted carpet pieces.

Angled Walls and Corners

Angled walls and corners require careful cutting and fitting to ensure the carpet fits well against the edges.

Columns and Built-In Features

Columns or built-in features like bookshelves or fireplaces need careful cutting around them for a smooth look.

Irregular Room Shapes

Rooms with L-shapes or T-shapes need special measuring and cutting to fit the carpet right.

Steps and Staircases

Steps or staircases need each step measured and carpeted closely for a good fit and smooth transition.

Nooks and Crannies

Small nooks and crannies need to be measured and may need custom-cut carpet pieces to cover them well.

Step 4: Calculating Square Footage

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

For example, if your room measures 10 ft by 20 ft, multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 sq ft.

Step 5: Installing Tack Strips

Tack strips keep carpet edges stuck to the floor. They have tiny nails to hold the carpet down.

Tack Strips on Wood

Tack Strips on Wood

To fix tack strips on a wood floor, nail them using a hammer or nail gun. Leave a little space between the strip and the wall, and place them evenly around.

Tack Strips on Concrete

Tack Strips on Concrete

Putting tack strips on concrete is done differently.

Apply construction glue on the strip’s back, press it to the floor, then use masonry nails to secure it.

Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay

Underlay makes your carpet feel cozy and warm. Lay it in a different direction from your carpet.

Types of Underlay

Different underlays offer varying levels of comfort and support:

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is light and cheap, making it popular. It’s soft and absorbs impact, ideal for busy spots.

Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is strong and lasts long. It supports carpets well and cuts noise, great for multi-level homes.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay is soft and quiet. Made from pressed fibers, it feels plush and reduces noise.

Attach it with a staple gun to keep it flat. Overlapping edges hide seams under the carpet.

Secure the Underlay

Use a staple gun to keep the underlay smooth. Overlap edges to hide gaps or seams under 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 underlays for the best results.
Level of Foot TrafficFor busy areas, choose a dense underlay that won’t flatten easily.
Noise ReductionSelect sound-absorbing underlay like rubber or felt to cut noise between floors.
Special RequirementsFor underfloor heating, use an underlay with good thermal insulation for even heat.