If you’re putting in new carpet or replacing old one, you can get great results using this simple guide. We’ll guide you through each step to make sure your carpet installation is a success.
Key Summary
- Prep your subfloor carefully to avoid wrinkles and wear.
- Measure accurately and add extra for cutting and fitting.
- Choose a matching underlay for comfort and durability.
- Use tack strips, a knee kicker, and power stretcher for a snug fit.
- Don’t skip moisture checks for concrete floors.
Everything You’ll Need
| Tool/Material | Carpet Tile | Stretch-In | Glue-Down | Purpose |
| 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 | ❌ | ✔ | Optional | Secure carpet edges |
| Double-Sided Tape | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | Adhere carpet tiles |
| Carpet Adhesive | Optional | ❌ | ✔ | Glue carpet |
| Staple Gun | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | Secure underlay (wood only) |
| Seaming Tape & Iron | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Join seams |
| Knee Kicker | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | Stretch carpet |
| Power Stretcher | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | Stretch carpet |
| Stair Tool | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Tuck carpet edges |
| Carpet Roller | ✔ | Optional | ✔ | Press carpet firmly |
For concrete subfloors: cement filler, construction adhesive, masonry nails.
Quick Notes:
- Carpet tiles mostly need tape or adhesive dots, no stretching needed.
- Stretch-in wall-to-wall carpet needs a knee kicker and power stretcher.
- Glue-down carpet uses adhesive and a roller, no stretcher required.
Step 1: Removing Old Flooring
Before you lay down new carpet, take out any old flooring. If it’s old carpet or hardwood, remove it all. This gives you a fresh start for the new carpet to stick well.
Step 2: Subfloor Preparation
After taking out the old floor, clean and get the subfloor ready. Look for any damage or wet spots. If putting carpet on concrete, check for wetness and fix it first.
Fixing Damage and Uneven Areas
Find cracks, holes, or gaps to fill. For wooden subfloors, use wood filler for gaps or cracks, then sand it smooth when it’s dry.
Use cement-based filler for cracks in concrete subfloors. Also, look for high or low spots. Use a leveling compound to smooth these out for an even surface.
Fixing these issues properly will stop future problems in uneven spots.
Checking for Moisture
Look for moisture in the subfloor, especially if it’s concrete. Too much moisture can cause mold, mildew, and damage to both the subfloor and carpet.
Use a moisture meter to check moisture levels. If they’re too high, fix it before moving on.
You might need a moisture barrier or sealant to keep the subfloor dry. Checking and fixing moisture levels carefully can stop problems and help the carpet last longer.
Step 3: Measuring the Room
Before buying carpet, measure the room’s size carefully. Check both length and width, and don’t forget any bumps or odd shapes.
Always add about 4 inches to your measurements for any wall unevenness and cutting during fitting.
Handling Odd Shapes
Odd shapes can make installation hard and change how your carpet looks. Here are some you might see:
Alcoves and Bay Windows
Alcoves and bay windows make special shapes and angles that change a room’s usual rectangle layout. These spots need exact measurements and extra carpet pieces to cover fully.
Closets and Doorways
Walk-in closets and doorways can break up the main carpet area. Doorways often need special changes between floors, and closets might need small, custom carpet parts.
Angled Walls and Corners
Not all rooms have straight walls. Angled walls and corners make cutting and fitting hard. These spots need close care to fit the carpet well.
Columns and Built-In Features
Structural columns or built-in things like bookshelves or fireplaces can block carpet installation. These need exact cutting and fitting around them for a smooth look.
Irregular Room Shapes
Rooms with L or T shapes need more work. These shapes need careful measuring and cutting to fit the carpet right all over.
Steps and Staircases
If the room has steps or stairs, it’s more complex. Each step needs to be measured and covered, making sure they fit well and join smoothly with the main floor.
Nooks and Crannies
Small nooks and crannies can be easy to miss but are vital to include. They need to be part of your measurements and may need special carpet pieces to cover them well.
Step 4: Calculating Square Footage
After measuring, find the room’s square footage by multiplying the length and width. This tells you how much carpet to buy.
For instance, if the room is 10 by 20 ft, multiply 10 by 20, which equals 200 sq ft.
Step 5: Installing Tack Strips
Tack strips hold the carpet edges to the floor. They have small nails that grip the carpet and keep it in place.
Tack Strips on Wood
To install tack strips on a wood floor, nail them down using a hammer or nail gun. Space them evenly around the room, leaving a gap between the strip and the wall.
Tack Strips on Concrete
Installing tack strips on concrete is a bit different.
Put construction adhesive on the back of the strip and press it onto the floor. Then, secure it with masonry nails.
Step 6: Choosing and securing the Right Underlay
The underlay, or carpet pad, provides added cushioning and insulation for your carpet. When laying the underlay, be sure to position it perpendicular to the direction you plan on laying your carpet.
Types of Underlay
There are several types of underlay available, each offering different levels of comfort and support:
Foam Underlay
Foam underlay is one of the more popular options, as it is lightweight and affordable. It provides soft cushioning underfoot and helps to absorb impact, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Rubber Underlay
Rubber underlay offers superior durability and resilience. It provides excellent support for the carpet and helps reduce noise transmission between floors, making it a great choice for multi-level homes or apartments.
Felt Underlay
Another option to consider is felt underlay, which is known for its luxurious feel and sound-absorbing properties. Made from compressed fibers, felt underlay provides plush cushioning underfoot and helps create a quieter, more comfortable living environment.
Secure the Underlay
Use a staple gun to secure the underlay to the floor, ensuring it lays flat and smooth. Be sure to overlap the edges of the underlay to prevent any gaps or seams from showing through the carpet.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Underlayment
| Aspect | Consideration |
| Carpet Type | Different types of carpet may require different types of underlay to achieve the best results. |
| Level of Foot Traffic | Opt for a denser, more resilient underlay that can withstand constant use without flattening or compressing for high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. |
| Noise Reduction | Look for underlay with sound-absorbing properties, such as rubber or felt, to help minimize noise transmission between floors and create a quieter, more peaceful living environment. |
| Special Requirements | If you’re installing carpet over underfloor heating, choose an underlay with good thermal insulation properties to maximize energy efficiency and ensure even heat distribution. |
Step 7: Cutting the Carpet
Before laying down your carpet, you must ensure it fits the room perfectly. Cutting the carpet accurately is crucial for a professional-looking finish. Here’s what you need to know:
Measuring and Marking
- Begin by unrolling the carpet in the room where you’ll be installing it.
- Leave a few inches of excess carpet along the walls to allow for trimming.
- Mark the measurements on the back of the carpet using chalk or a pencil. This will serve as your cutting guide.
Techniques
- Straight cuts: Use a utility knife and a straightedge to make long, straight cuts along the marked lines on the back of the carpet. Apply firm and even pressure to ensure a clean cut.
- Corner cuts: For corners and angles, make diagonal cuts starting from the corner of the room to create a neat and seamless transition between walls.
- Trimming excess: After cutting the carpet’s main sections to size, trim any excess material along the edges using a utility knife. Take care to make precise cuts to achieve a professional-looking finish.
Extra Tips
- Double-check your measurements before making any cuts to avoid costly mistakes.
- Cutting carpet requires precision and patience, so don’t rush the process.
- Replace dull utility knife blades regularly to ensure clean and accurate cuts.
- Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the blade to prevent accidents.
Step 8: Stretching the Carpet
Use a knee kicker and carpet stretcher to stretch the carpet across the room to ensure a tight and secure fit. Start in the center of the room and work your way toward the edges, using the knee kicker to hook the carpet onto the tack strips.
Installing a Door Bar
Once the carpet is in place, install a door bar at any doorways or thresholds. This will provide a seamless transition between rooms and help hold the carpet in place.
Step 9: Seaming Carpet
Seams need to be tight, flat, and invisible. Here are some tips for seaming carpet:
- Use a knee kicker to tuck the carpet into the edges and seams. Work from the center out to the walls.
- Apply seam sealer to the edges of the carpet before joining them together. This helps prevent unraveling.
- Use a seam roller to firmly press the seam together. Roll from the center out to the edges.
- If possible, avoid seams in high-traffic areas. If unavoidable, make sure they run perpendicular to the main traffic flow.
DIY vs. Professional Carpet Installation
Before you dive into your project, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of tackling the job yourself versus hiring a professional.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| DIY Installation |
– Lower upfront cost – Flexible schedule – Sense of accomplishment |
– Requires specialized tools – Steep learning curve – Mistakes can be costly (wrinkles, poor seams) |
| Professional Installation |
– Flawless results – Fast and efficient – Often includes warranty |
– Higher cost – Less scheduling flexibility |
DIY is best if:
- You’re installing carpet tiles or small rooms.
- You already own (or can rent) the right tools.
- You’re comfortable measuring, cutting, and stretching carpet.
Hire a pro if:
- The area is large or irregularly shaped.
- You’re using stretch-in or glue-down wall-to-wall carpet.
- You want guaranteed, long-lasting results.
✅ Tip: Even if you DIY, consider hiring a pro for challenging tasks like stairs or complex seams.
Need a hand with your carpet installation?
Our flooring installation team can handle everything — from subfloor prep to flawless carpet stretching and seaming.
You can request a free estimate today and let us make the process easy!
Common mistakes to avoid when installing carpet
Avoid common pitfalls such as failing to prepare seams properly, which can result in visible lines or gaps in your carpet. Take your time and ensure each step of the installation process is done correctly.
- Failing to prepare seams properly: Can result in visible lines or gaps. Always take the time to align and secure seams correctly.
- Skipping subfloor cleaning and leveling: Leads to uneven surfaces and a poor finish. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and smooth.
- Inaccurate measurements: May cause you to buy too much or too little carpet. Double-check your dimensions and account for irregularities.
- Choosing the wrong underlay: Mismatched underlay can reduce durability and comfort. Pick one that suits the carpet and room type.
- Improper tack strip installation: Loose edges and shifting carpet can result. Ensure tack strips are securely placed around the perimeter.
- Not stretching the carpet: Skipping the use of a knee kicker or power stretcher can cause wrinkles. Always stretch for a tight fit.
- Ignoring room conditions: High humidity or temperature swings without prep can cause expansion or contraction. Condition the room beforehand.
- No expansion gap at walls: Can cause buckling. Leave a small gap between the carpet and walls to allow for expansion.
Do You Need Help With Your Carpet Installation Project?
Now that you’ve learned how to install carpet flooring, you’re well on your way to creating a cozy and comfortable space. But if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting and tricky details to the pros, we’re here to help.
Our flooring installation team can take care of everything — from proper subfloor preparation to precise carpet stretching and seaming — so you can sit back and enjoy a flawless result. We’ll also help you choose the right carpet style and padding to suit your home and budget. For a detailed look at pricing, check out our Carpet Flooring Cost Guide to help plan your project.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation and see if we serve your area.
