Installing carpet directly over concrete can be a do-it-yourself project if using the glue-down method. Whether for a basement, enclosed porch or a finished garage, you can use carpet to cover concrete floors. When padding is not desirable, the carpet ends up directly on top of the concrete. With nothing to staple or nail the carpet to, glue becomes the best option for keeping the covering in place. Be sure to purchase carpet with the proper backing for glue-down installation.
Before You Begin
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Step 1
Empty the room and measure. Begin with the longest wall, then the adjacent wall. Multiply to get the area of the room.
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Step 2
Unroll the carpet completely to allow it to breathe and relax for up to 24 hours. Roll it out in the direction the carpet will go. Align the end of the roll with the narrow or width wall of the room. It will slightly stretch out as it breathes.
Step 3
Turn the carpet plush side down. For a large room, this will typically require assistance. Spread the carpet flat on the floor, stretched across the room face down.
Step 4
Measure and mark the carpet adding 6 inches to the length. Mark the measurements on the back of the carpet using a piece of chalk. Use a straight edge to ensure the lines are straight. Cut with a carpet knife. Remember that the carpet is face-down and the measurements for the room will be reversed, if their are parts that need to be cut out to fit around obstacles like cabinets.
Step 5
Re-roll the cut carpet with the back side out. This prepares it to be laid.
Gluing the Carpet
Step 1
Place the edge of the carpet against the width or starting wall. Push the beginning edge flush with the wall behind the roll. Position the carpet so the end of the roll is on the bottom, against the wall, and the carpet roll is on top and ready to roll out.
Step 2
Spread a 3-foot wide layer of carpet adhesive all the way across the floor in front of the roll of carpet with a triangular trowel. Spread a thin, smooth layer.
Step 3
Roll the carpet slowly onto the adhesive, flattening it with a board to keep it smooth and bubble free.
Step 4
Repeat the spreading of adhesive and flattening of carpet across the entire room.
Step 5
Glue down the beginning edge. Return to the beginning spot. Pull back the carpet from the wall to the first glued area. Spread a thin, smooth layer of the adhesive. Use a board to flatten the carpet and push it to the wall.
Finishing
Step 1
Cut any excess carpet from the edges. Use the board to push the carpet against the walls. Use a carpet knife to cut the carpet at the edge where the floor meets the wall afer scoring where you plan to cut with the tip of a flathead screwdriver.
Step 2
Add a touch of adhesive under the edge of the carpet around the wall. This will keep them from curling up.
Step 3
Place weights around the edges. Place other heavy objects in the corners and around the room to help keep the carpet flat while the adhesive dries.
Step 4
Allow the weights to remain for 24 hours to ensure the glue is dry.