subject: What You Need To Know About Stretching Carpet Like A Professional [print this page] Installing carpet is not like hanging architectural pieces or home art decor, where just a hammer and nails will do the trick. To stretch carpet the professional way, you need to use the tools that professionals use. Some of the tools you will need may already be lying around your house while others you have to purchase, borrow or rent depending on the cost of the item and how frequently you will be using it. You can rent expensive professional tools that you need only on this occasion, like an automated carpet stretcher, from your local home improvement store or DIY shop. For a professional result requires that you use the right tools and that you use those tools correctly.
Materials
To stretch carpeting, you will need the following: a vacuum cleaner, knee pads, installed tack strips, knee kicker carpet installation tool, carpet stretcher, utility knife or wall trimmer, stair tool, and metal doorway strips.
Carpet size
Before you start, make sure that the carpet is the right size for the area where you wish to install it; this means that the carpet should cover the entire area with at least an excess of an inch of carpeting along the borders or walls of the space to be safe. Roll out the carpet over the floor, covering the entire perimeter.
Using the knee kicker tool
The knee pads will work to protect your knees as you will be exerting a lot of force and pressure on the knees when you use the knee kicker tool. If you have a knee problem, it is not advisable to do this on your own. Start at a corner section of the room, attaching the corner of the carpet to the tack strip. The end of the knee kicker tool that has teeth should be placed in front of the tack strip about three inches from the wall. Drive the carpet forward by positioning your knee on the padded end of the knee kicker tool and pushing. This should firmly attach the carpet to the teeth of the tack strip. Tug at it with care to make certain that the carpet is indeed firmly attached to the tack strips.
Using the carpet stretcher
To install the opposite side of the carpeting, you will need to use the automated carpet stretcher. One end of the carpet stretcher should be placed against the wall where the carpet was attached with the knee kicker. The teeth of the stretcher should be placed about six inches from the wall right across from the carpet section that has already been attached. To reach across the floor, adjust the extension tubes as needed. After the stretcher is positioned appropriately, activate the lever in order to push and stretch the carpet over the tack strips on the other side. With the knee kicker, attach another section of the carpet and then use the carpet stretcher to attach the opposite end. Once all sections are attached, you are ready to trim the carpet.
Trimming the carpet
Utilizing an utility knife or wall trimmer, trim away the excess carpet. Unsightly remains can be disguised behind the tack strip using a stair tool hidden by a baseboard trim. Metal strips should be used to secure carpet on doorways. Once done, clean up the area with a vacuum cleaner and admire your professionally stretched carpet.
