My wife and I are planning to carpet our bedroom and would like some advice before we get started. Our bedroom is 10 feet by 12 feet with one three-foot closet. We would like to try to do this work ourselves ... is this a real possibility?
Thank you, Lee
Dear Lee,
Carpeting can be a little more physical than most people think prior to trying it. However, since you have a tag team, I believe this project can be done by the two of you. Before I start with my step by step instructions, let me state a couple of assumptions that I will be making: Your sub floor is wood and the room already has a base board around the perimeter.
So, here we go:!
• The first thing you will want to do, is select a carpet and underlay that meets your budget. (Note: Homeowners should always determine the usage/decor of a room as well as the expected wear your carpet will receive before setting a budget.)
• Remove any and all items from your room — including doors. When moving items, be sure to allow yourself a sufficient walkway to carry your carpet through.
• Check the sub floor for any squeaks, holes, etc. If your floor squeaks, secure it down with nails or screws. Once complete, thoroughly clean the floor.
• Before you get started, use painter’s tape to place a sheet of 24-inch wide 2m plastic sheeting around the perimeter of your room. The bottom of the plastic sheeting should be one inch off the floor. The sheeting will protect your walls and woodwork against scratching as you place your new carpet into place.
• Install tack trac around the entire perimeter of the room, 1/2-inch from the walls with the tacks pointing towards the wall.
• Install your underlay in strips and staple down — be sure not to overlap.
• Add four inches to the width and length of your room’s dimensions, then cut carpet from the back side. I am assuming your closet is inside of the 10 x 12 dimension. You will want to measure and cut for the closet area as well.
• Roll up the carpet and bring it into the room for a test fit.
• Use a knee kick by placing it about three inches from the wall and driving it by using your knee. Trim and attach one entire wall.
• Use a power stretch on the opposite wall, then complete the room, trimming and using a stair tuck tool to place carpet under the baseboard. Caution: When using a power stretch be sure to have a solid piece of dimensional lumber between the wall and stretcher — never put stretcher up against baseboard heating.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.