Learn About Installing Carpet
Carpet Installation Basics
To install or not to install carpet on your own--that is the question! Learn the basics of carpet installation, the cost of installing carpet and how to find the right carpet installation method for you.
What Does a Typical Carpet Installation Cost?
Your carpet installation cost is highly variable and depends on several factors, such as:
- Professional vs. self-installation
- Type of carpet being installed
- Whether a new carpet pad is being installed
- Whether furniture will need to be moved
- Whether old carpet needs to be removed/disposed.
A professional installer generally charges a base price--somewhere between $2 to $6 per square yard--to install carpet. Typically, another $0.50 to $2 per square yard is tacked on for old carpet removal and disposal, another $0.50 to $2 per square yard to lay a new carpet pad and another $1 to $2 per square yard to move furniture. Given the above figures, the typical range for total carpet installation cost is about $300 to $600 per room.
How to Install Carpet
If you decide to forego the expense of hiring a professional carpet installer, installing carpet on your own will help you save money--but probably not time! Before you begin installing carpet, make sure you have the correct materials for the job, including:
- Chalk line
- Hammer
- Knee kicker
- Measuring tape
- Power stretcher
- Safety glasses and work gloves
- Seam cutter
- Seam iron and tape
- Stapler
- Tackless strips
- Utility or carpet knife.
Begin by cleaning the area that is to be carpeted and attaching the tackless strips around the perimeter of the room, an inch away from the wall (excluding the doorways). Then install the carpet underlay or pad, stapling it into place without overlapping.
Use your utility or carpet knife to cut the carpet and then lay the piece (or pieces) where they will be in the room. Attach the carpet to the tackless strips using the knee kicker, and then trim the carpet along the edges of the wall. Tuck the carpet edges under the floorboard and complete the carpet installation by trimming the carpet at exposed doorways and installing door edges and shoe molding.