Comments on: Home carpeting DIY – Is it easy to do or should you hire a pro?

By: This Old House

This Old House — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:41:37 +0000

Yes, you CAN do it. But it’s one of those tasks that you end up wishing you’d turned over to a pro. For one thing, a small mistake can ruin a lot of carpet in a hurry and can’t be undone. Careful planning is critical, and installation calls for some special tools (though you can rent them). And maneuvering big rolls of carpet can be backbreaking work. If you’ve ever installed carpet (I have) you will appreciate how efficiently the pros do it. Want to see what’s involved? Check this video clip from This Old House and study the step by step instructions:
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If you want to save money, go ahead and remove the old carpeting and pad. Talk to your installer first to see how much this will save.

By: Bobs MonOncle

Bobs MonOncle — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:08:03 +0000

The complexity increases with seams, closets, offsets, and stairs.

I always weigh the risk of of what I’m spending on material, what it would take to have it done, vs. to have to scrap the material and undo and redo.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:58:17 +0000

carpet installation is fairly easy but can be a mess if not installed correctly, the square rooms should make it easier as long as the carpet is wide enough for the room, otherwise a splice will have to be made.

tools you will need are simply tack strips that are nailed along the wall, to hold the carpet down. make sure that the molding is about a half an inch off the floor. Some people may do things different but this is the way we did it in our house.
cut the carpet to fit but not too short, lay the carpeting down and use a carpet stretcher along one wall and stretch away.

Mind you I am not a professional but am just your average do-it-yourselfer but we have had alot of compliments on our carpet. So if I can do it anyone can in my eyes

By: tshnobodysfool

tshnobodysfool — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:25:17 +0000

It takes experience and they use a carpet stretching tool, otherwise you end up with wrinkles or loose fit. I’m pretty handy but I wouldn’t try it.