How to Fit Your Carpet

Fitting your own carpet can be a rewarding DIY project, transforming your space with a fresh and stylish look. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, our comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and professional finish. From gathering the right tools to laying the final piece, we've got you covered. Let's get started on making your home more comfortable and inviting with a perfectly fitted carpet!

Carpet Fitting Tools

Before you start, gather the necessary tools. Many of these you might already have, and the rest can be found at most DIY stores. Here's a checklist:

  1. Knee pads

  2. Tape measure

  3. Pencil

  4. Masking tape

  5. Hammer or nail gun

  6. 19mm & 10mm nails

  7. 3mm hardboard sheets

  8. Pipe and cable detector

  9. Gloves

  10. Hacksaw

  11. Carpet tape

  12. Craft or utility knife

  13. Carpet stretcher

  14. Carpet tucker

  15. Drill

  16. Vacuum cleaner

Steps Before Laying the Carpet

  • 1. Removing Old Carpet

    Clear the Room: Remove all furniture and objects from the room to have a clear workspace.

    Wear Protective Gear: Equip yourself with gloves and a dust mask to protect against dust and debris.

    Start at a Corner: Use pliers or a utility knife to lift a corner of the carpet. Once a section is lifted, you can pull the carpet up by hand.

    Cut the Carpet into Manageable Sections: Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into smaller, more manageable sections. This will make it easier to roll up and dispose of.

    Cutting the carpet into strips around 3 feet wide works well for handling and transporting.

    Assess the Underlay: Check the condition of the underlay. If it's still in good shape and can be reused, leave it in place.

  • 2. Preparing Your Subfloor

    Wear knee pads: Protect your knees while working.

    Assess floorboards: Replace damaged boards with fit tongue-and-groove chipboard flooring panels for a solid base.

    Levelling: Use 3mm hardboard/plyboard sheets to level the floor and reduce drafts.

    Nail down loose boards: Ensure no nails protrude above the surface. Use 19mm nails spaced 150mm apart along the edges and 225mm in the centre.

  • 3. Fitting Carpet Grippers and Underlay

    Carpet Grippers

    Placement: Position grippers 2/3 of the carpet's thickness away from skirting boards with the pins facing the skirting.

    Installation on Wooden Floors: Use 10mm nails or screws.

    Installation on Concrete Floors: Use Gripfill adhesive.

    Carpet Underlay

    Installation: Lay the underlay rubber side down, cut to the same level as the grippers, and secure edges with tape. Ensure the underlay is flat and level. If the underlay is paper backed then it should face upwards.

Laying the Carpet

  • 1. Position the Carpet

    Unroll the carpet and lay it loosely in place with about 50-75mm excess on each edge.

    Stand in one corner with a foot underneath the carpet. Use the other foot to smooth the carpet into place, leaving around 50-75mm excess on every edge. If necessary, cut the carpet to size.

  • 2. Cut Corners:

    Make vertical cuts at the corners to allow the carpet to lay flat.

    Trim any overlapping triangles of carpet.

  • 3. Fit Along Walls

    Start from the longest wall, use a carpet tucker to crease the carpet along skirting boards, creating a fold line.

    Using a sharp utility knife, cut along the fold line, about 5mm above the carpet surface. Push the carpet flat to the floor while cutting to ensure a clean edge.

  • 4. Stretch the Carpet

    Place the carpet stretcher about 25mm from the skirting, with the teeth facing down.

    Push the padded end firmly with your knee to hook the carpet onto the grippers.

    Use the carpet tucker to push the excess carpet down between the skirting and the grippers.

    Repeat along the length of the wall, working in sections.

  • 5. Fit Adjacent Walls

    Repeat the stretching and tucking process along the two adjacent walls.

    Finish by fitting the carpet along the opposite wall, ensuring all edges are neatly tucked and secured.

  • 6. Trim Around Obstructions

    For door frames, make straight vertical cuts from the edge of the carpet to the base of the frame and trim the carpet around it.

    For radiator pipes, cut a slit from the edge of the carpet to the pipe, then trim around the base at a 45-degree angle to ensure the carpet lies flat.

  • 7. Fit Across Doorways

    Cut the carpet so it is in line with the next room’s flooring.

    Fit a door bar to secure the carpet edge, making sure it is firmly in place underneath the bar.

  • 8. Fitting a Doorbar

    Positioning: Place the door bar centrally across the threshold.

    Concrete Floors: Drill holes with a masonry bit and use wall plugs.

    Wooden Floors: Make pilot holes before screwing the door bar into place.