How to Use a Seaming Iron

Hiring carpet installers is expensive and stops many a homeowner from updating their decor. Learn to install your own carpet and cut the cost of redecorating in half. Rent or purchase a seaming iron if your carpeting job requires more then one piece of carpeting to complete the room.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet
• Seam cutter
• Seaming tape
• Seaming iron

Instructions

1. Create a carpet seam by overlaying 4 to 6 inches of two separate pieces of carpeting. Cut through both layers with a seam cutter ensuring the edges match perfectly. Stretch any seams, if necessary, before using a seaming iron.

2. Plug in your seaming iron and check to see if the cord reaches your carpet seam. Attach an extension cord if necessary. Preheat your seaming iron to the correct temperature as indicated on the seaming tape. Check the temperature of your iron before using on the seaming tape.

3. Lift the cut edges of the carpet and place a strip of seaming tape, adhesive side up, centered between the two pieces of carpet.

4. Place the seaming iron directly on the seaming tape for 30 seconds or in accordance with manufactures' suggestions. Slide the seaming iron along the tape, pressing the new carpet seam into the activated seaming glue.

5. Unplug the seaming iron and wait for the iron to cool. Clean the iron according to manufactures' instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the carpet seam is parallel to the light source in the room to minimize its' appearance

• Check to see if the carpet pile is running the same direction before utilizing a seaming iron.

• Consider carpet stretching needs before using a seaming iron since glued seams do not stretch.

Resources

• Visit the DIY network's website for more on this topic.
• Visit the Floor Covering Installer's website for tips on cleaning seaming irons.