There
are two types of wall-to-wall carpeting. This article details one
type: jute back carpeting which has a fiber backing that may be
installed on a pad and secured by tackless strips around the perimeter
of the room. Jute back is fairly easy to install; the "key" tools
are a stretcher and knee-kicker.
Before
ordering carpeting, it is suggested that you lay out the room to
be carpeted on graph paper. This way you can mark all obstructions
such as doors, alcoves, and obstacles. If you can't carpet the entire
room with one piece, you will have to allow for a seam. Position
this on the graph. Seams should be placed where traffic flow is
light. Also, seams should be away from the primary visual focus
in the room. Seams are less visible when they run parallel to light
rays and should, therefore, run toward the room's primary source
of light-usually a window wall.
Prepare
the subfloor before laying padding/carpeting. Nail down loose boards,
fix squeaks, replace any damaged boards or a bad subfloor. Remove
the shoe (quarterround) from the baseboards.
Several
tools needed for carpeting may be rented. They include a knee kicker,
power stretcher, seaming iron, and carpet trimmer.
Carpet
laying basics follow. Read through the steps before you rent or
buy any equipment materials, accessories. You may save money on
equipment you already have available.
TACKLESS
STRIPS/BARS:
Tackless strips are fastened to the perimeter of the room with the
tacks facing the walls. Cut them with heavy-duty shears or a saw
and nail them down at a distance from the wall equal to two thirds
the thickness of the carpeting.
When
you have determined this measurement, use a cardboard or wooden
spacer so all strips can be placed evenly. If you are going over
ceramic tile, you can use adhesive such as contact or subfloor,
although it is recommended that a ceramic tile floor be stripped
before laying carpeting over the subflooring below.
Fasten
binder bars, standard metal edging, in doorways and other spots
where the carpeting ends without a wall. The binder bar in a doorway
should be directly under the door when the door is in a closed position.
PADDING:
If the carpeting will have padding installed underneath it, here
are the procedures:
- Cut
the padding so that it covers the entire floor. Butt pieces evenly
at any seams. If it has a waffle pattern, the membrane skin covering
faces up. Staple the padding down at 6-in. intervals around where
you think it might slip. On non-wooden floors, use the adhesive
suggested by the store.
- After
the padding is fastened around the room, trim off the overlap
with a sharp utility knife just along the inside of the tackless
strip. Leave a 1/8- to 1/4-inch gap between the strip and the
pad. If the padding is urethane or rubber, tilt the knife slightly
away from the wall to create a beveled edge to prevent the pad
from climbing.
