Cut slots for pipes, fireplace protrusions, and
radiators. Trim back the padding to about 2 inches from
the wall to leave a channel for the carpet hem. Fold the
hem under and tack the carpet in place with a tack every
5 inches. Be sure the tacks go through the fold
When installing carpet, use tackless fastening strips,
as shown in figure 6-12, view A. Position and trim the
padding (view B) so that it meets the strip at the wall,
but does not overlap the strip. Tack it down so it does
not move. Lay out the carpeting and, using a
knee-kicker, stretch the carpet over the nails projecting
out of the tackless strip (view C). Trim the carpet,
leaving a 3/8-inch overlap, which is tucked into place
between the wall and the tackless strip (view D). (If you
trim too much carpeting, lift the carpeting off the spikes
of the tackless strip and use the knee-kicker to restretch
the carpet [view E]). Protect the exposed edge of the
carpet at doorways with a special metal binder strip or
bar (view F). The strip is nailed to the floor at the
doorway and the carpet slipped under a metal lip, which
is then hammered down to grip the carpet edge.
Tacks can be used as an alternative to a binder strip.
Before tacking, tape the exposed edge of woven carpet
Figure 6-12.—Carpet installation using tackless fastenings.
to prevent fraying if the salvage has been trimmed off.
Cement carpet tape to the backing threads with latex
adhesive. Nonwoven or latex-backed carpet will not
fray, but tape is still advisable to protect exposed edges.
Any door that drags should be removed and trimmed.
When installing cushion-backed carpeting, you cart
eliminate several steps. For instance, you don’t need to
use tack strips or a separate padding. Although these
instructions apply to most such carpeting, read the
manufacturer’s instructions for any deviation in
technique or use of material.
To install a cushioned carpet, apply 2-inch-wide
double-face tape flush with the wall around the entire
room (fig. 6-13, view A). Roll out and place the carpet.
Fold back the carpet and remove the protective paper
from the tape. Press the carpet down firmly over the tape
and trim away excess (view B). A metal binder strip or
an aluminum saddle is generally installed in doorways
(view C). If your room is wider than the carpet, you will
have to seam two pieces together. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
6-10
