Introduction:
When it comes to installing new carpet in your home, proper preparation is key to achieving a professional and long-lasting result. In Part 2 of our comprehensive guide on carpet installation, we’ll walk you through the important steps of putting down padding and tack strips. By following these instructions, you’ll ensure a solid foundation for your new carpet and create a comfortable and durable flooring surface. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. This includes tack strips, padding, a staple gun, duct tape, safety glasses, gloves, and any other tools specified by your carpet manufacturer or installation guide.
Step 2: Nail the Tack Strips into Place
Start by nailing the tack strips along the perimeter of the room, about 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) away from the walls. The tack strips have small, angled nails that face towards the wall, providing a secure grip for the carpet. Use a hammer to drive in the nails, ensuring the tack strips are firmly attached to the subfloor or concrete.
Pro tip: If you encounter a damaged or uneven section of existing tack strip, use a handsaw to cut it to the appropriate size. Ensure that the tack strips are straight and even throughout the installation.
Step 3: Lay Out the Padding
With the tack strips in place, it’s time to roll out the padding across the floor. Start at one side of the room and roll the padding towards the other side, ensuring it covers the entire area. Allow the padding to extend slightly beyond the tack strips, as this will help cushion the edges of the carpet.
Pro tip: If you have multiple sections of padding, align the seams evenly to avoid any noticeable bumps or irregularities in the finished carpet.
Step 4: Secure the Padding with Staples
Using a staple gun, secure the padding to the subfloor or concrete. Walk across the floor and staple the padding every 2 feet (0.61 m) or so, ensuring it remains flat and taut. Additionally, staple along the inside edge of the tack strip to hold the padding in place against the strip.
Pro tip: If you’re working with a concrete floor, apply padding glue underneath the padding instead of using staples. Lift one side of the padding at a time and spread a thin, even layer of glue. Press the padding back down onto the glue, ensuring a secure bond.
Step 5: Secure Seams with Duct Tape