Installing A New Carpet
Hunter Pyle
Installing new carpeting is one job that can easily be done by
a do it yourselfer. It does require a little know-how and
preparation is the key. If you are thinking of installing your
own carpet, make sure to research how it is done before you
attempt it on your own home, carefully budget the project, get
a little experience, estimate the time, and then try it on your
own.
Research Online and Classes
There are many tutorials with step-by-step instructions online,
if you are interested in installing carpeting. If you are more
comfortable with having someone tell you how it is done, many
home improvement stores offer workshops for the novice. Take
advantage of these and sign up.
When you are researching either online or in a workshop, take
notes on the tools you will need and try to get some hands on
experience before you commit to doing your own carpet. Become
acquainted with the tools of the trade, some that you will buy
and others you will need to rent.
Tools to buy: Tackless strips, safety glasses and kneepads,
stapler, hammer, utility knife, measuring tape, chalk line, and
work gloves.
Tools to rent: Seam roller, strip cutter, knee kicker, seaming
iron, power stretcher, seam cutter, wall trimmer, seam tape.
Create Your Budget
Measure your room and begin to make a budget that includes the
cost of the rental equipment, the tools, the carpet and the
pad. Once you have a good idea of what it will cost to buy the
materials on your own, you can figure out whether you really
want to install the carpet on your own, or if a contractor can
offer you a good deal.
If you think you might be getting in over your head, then call
three contractors and ask for an estimate. At the very least,
you will know how much money you have saved even if you decide
to do the job yourself.
Set Aside The Time And Prepare The Area
Pulling up old carpeting is actually pretty easy. You will also
have to pull up all the old tackless strips. You will want to
replace the old carpet pad, if it is worn down. You will want
to clear the area of all dirt and debris before you even think
about laying new carpet. You want to make sure the subfloor is
in good shape and nothing is sticking out.
You should have all your materials on-hand so that you don't
have to stop in the middle of the job to get something you
need. You should have, by now, research how to do the job and
gotten some hands-on experience either on a small project or in
a home improvement workshop class. You should be familiar with
the tools and know how to use them safely.
Installing The New Carpet
You will have to put down new tackless strips and lay down the
carpet pad. You will want to make sure these are secure and in
place correctly. You will then have to lay out the carpet.
Obviously, this is the part that requires some skill. You want
to be able to match the seams and cut the carpet correctly.
This is why you went to the workshops and why you need a little
experience before you start. If you do not get this, the job
will look unprofessional and you will not be happy with the
results. However, it is not difficult to get the hang of laying
carpet once you understand how it is done. You will want to
attach the carpet along the edges and stretch it make it look
flat. Do a little excess trimming and tucking and you are done.
About The Author: Hunter Pyle wrote this article to give advice
to you if you decide to tackle carpet installation yourself. I
suggest checking out Get Organized and Kitchen and Much More
for more ideas.
http://www.shopgetorganized.com
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