Everything You’ll Need

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Step 1: Removing Old Flooring

Before putting in new carpet, you should take out the old flooring. Whether it’s old carpet, wood, or tile, remove it completely for a fresh start for your new carpet.

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

After taking out the old floor, clean and get the subfloor ready. Check for any damage or wet spots. For carpet over concrete, look for moisture signs and fix them first.

Repairing Damage and Uneven Areas

Find any cracks or holes to fill. For wooden subfloors, use wood filler and sand it smooth when dry.

Use cement-based filler for cracks in concrete subfloors. Check for any uneven areas and use a leveling compound to make it flat and smooth.

Fixing these issues will stop future wear and tear in uneven spots.

Checking for Moisture

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

Use a moisture meter to see the moisture levels. If too high, fix it before moving on.

You might need a moisture barrier or sealant to keep it dry. Checking and fixing moisture levels helps ensure a long-lasting carpet installation.

Step 3: Measuring the Room

Before buying carpet, measure the room size accurately. Measure length and width, and include any alcoves or odd shapes in the room.

Add about 4 inches to your length and width for wall deviations and cutting during carpet installation.

Handling Odd Shapes

Odd shapes can be tricky during installation and affect how the carpet looks. Here are common challenges:

Alcoves and Bay Windows

Alcoves and bay windows create special shapes that need careful measuring and extra carpet pieces for full coverage.

Closets and Doorways

Closets and doorways can break the flow of the main carpet. Doorways need special transitions, and closets may need custom carpet pieces.

Angled Walls and Corners

Not all rooms have straight walls. Angled walls and corners need careful cutting for the carpet to fit well.

Columns and Built-In Features

Columns or built-in items like bookshelves and fireplaces need precise cuts for the carpet to fit neatly around them.

Irregular Room Shapes

L-shaped or T-shaped rooms need complex measuring and cutting for the carpet to fit properly.

Steps and Staircases

For rooms with steps or stairs, measure and carpet each step carefully for a snug fit and smooth look.

Nooks and Crannies

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

Step 4: Calculating Square Footage

After measuring, find the room’s square footage by multiplying the length and width. This shows how much carpet you need.

For instance, if your room is 10 by 20 ft, multiply 10 by 20 to get 200 sq ft.

Step 5: Installing Tack Strips

Tack strips help keep carpet edges tight on the floor. These strips have small nails that hold the carpet in place.

Tack Strips on Wood

Tack Strips on Wood

To put tack strips on a wood floor, nail them down with a hammer. Space them evenly around the room, leaving a gap from the wall.

Tack Strips on Concrete

Tack Strips on Concrete

To install tack strips on concrete floors, use a different method.

Put construction glue on the strip’s back, press it down, then nail it with masonry nails.

Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay

The carpet pad, or underlay, adds comfort and warmth to your carpet. Lay it across the direction you will place the carpet.

Types of Underlay

Different underlays give various comfort and support levels:

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is popular because it’s light and cheap. It feels soft and absorbs impact, good for busy areas.

Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is very strong and lasts long. It supports the carpet and cuts noise between floors, great for multi-level homes.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay feels luxurious and absorbs sound well.

Made from fibers, it gives a soft feel and quieter living space.

Secure the Underlay

Use a staple gun to keep the underlay flat. Overlap edges to avoid gaps showing through 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 may need different underlays.
Level of Foot TrafficChoose a strong underlay for busy areas like hallways.
Noise ReductionLook for sound-absorbing underlay, like rubber or felt, to reduce noise.
Special RequirementsFor underfloor heating, pick an underlay with good heat properties.