Loose-lay carpet is also called "loose laid" carpet and is installed without carpet tack strips along the edges. The carpeting itself is exactly the same as traditional carpet; however, it is installed with adhesive that is placed between the floor and the carpet. This type of flooring installation is a good option for homeowners to do themselves since it is less labor-intensive than traditional carpet installation techniques.
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Things You'll Need
Pencil
Vacuum
Carpet Cutter
Pry Bar
Carpet Wall Trimmer
Tape Measure
Broom
Hookbill Knife
Double-Sided Carpet Tape
Step 1
Stretch a tape measure from one side of the room to the other to determine the proper width for the carpet. Repeat the process to measure the length of the room. When you have the proper measurements, add 6 inches to the width and 6 inches to the length to allow for a 3-inch overlap on all sides of the room.
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Step 2
Take the carpet to another room that is large enough to unroll it in. Unroll the carpet and use the tape measure to mark the proper length and width with a pencil. Cut along the pencil lines, using a carpet cutter to size the carpet.
Step 3
Examine the floor where you are installing the carpet and locate any nails. Remove the nails with a pry bar, and then sweep the entire room well. Once you have swept, vacuum the area to remove any fine dust particles that may interfere with the adhesive.
Step 4
Walk to one side of the room and place double-sided carpet tape along the edge of the floor as close to the wall as possible. Continue applying the tape all the way around the perimeter of the room until you reach the starting location.
Step 5
Move to the center of the room and apply a piece of tape that is 2 feet long to the floor. Place another 2-foot-long piece of tape on top of it diagonally to form an "X." Repeat the process to install additional pieces of tape in the same manner, spaced at 4-foot intervals.
Step 6
Place the carpet inside the room and butt it up tightly against one of the walls. Unroll the carpet until it is completely flat and there is excess carpet up along each of the remaining three walls.
Step 7
Walk to the first edge of the carpet and fold it back to the halfway point of the room. Remove the protective backing from the carpet tape and then lower the carpet back into position. Smooth out the carpet with your hands, starting from the center and working your way toward the edge of the wall.
Step 8
Walk to the opposite wall and fold the carpet back until you reach the section that is already taped to the floor. Remove the protective backing from all exposed tape, and then lower the carpet back into position. Smooth it out with your hands.
Step 9
Insert a special knife, called a hookbill, into the corner of the carpet where it meets a wall. Run it along the entire perimeter of the wall to crease it. Next, insert a carpet wall trimmer into the crease and run it along the perimeter to trim off the excess carpet.