| Installing Carpeting |
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The steps to installing carpet are to first install carpet tack strips around the perimeter of the room, then lay a carpet pad between the strips to cover the subfloor. If you’re attaching tack strips to cement make sure you get ones made especially for this application. Some have masonry nails in them for fastening to the concrete while others rely on an adhesive. Remodeling Tips Remodelers say “don’t be afraid of installing your own carpeting.” If you take your time and get good advice from your carpet retailer (and this website) you can install carpeting throughout a basement in just a few days. The trick to carpeting is seaming it or attaching two pieces together. If you’re working with smaller rooms this may not even be an issue. Cutting the edge is relatively easy using a carpet knife run around the room’s perimeter at the base of the wall. Carpets require stretching, but you can rent the tools and get a demonstration at your carpet store or tool rental center. Once it’s fully stretched you can do a final trim and make sure that the edges are securely attached to the tack strips.
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Carpet is not always the first choice for do-it-yourselfers. The primary reason is not the difficulty but the size. Carpeting comes in heavy rolls of 12-, 13.5-, and 15-ft. widths. If you’re young and strong, or have helpers that are, consider carpeting for your basement.
