Nothing feels so cozy and warm underfoot as new carpet.

To get the look you want and help your new carpet last as long as you want it to, hire a professional installation team. Our qualified pros have the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done right the first time. If you plan to install your own carpet, be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranties and approved installation guidelines. This will help ensure you’ve got coverage and support if unforeseen issues should arise.

Carpet installation is hard work and requires a variety of tools and supplies the average DIY enthusiast might not have on hand.

A professional installer will have a broad range of equipment to work with, here are a few items you’re sure to see if you watch the installation process:

Tack Strips

Tack strips are slats of wood nailed to the floor around the outside edge of the area where the carpet will be installed. Each strip has angled pins sticking off the top designed to catch hold of the carpet and keep it in place, allowing it to be stretched tight into position.

Knee Kicker

In carpet lingo, a carpet stretcher is also called a knee kicker. It’s about a foot and a half long and has teeth at one end that grip the carpet. The installer sets the knee kicker onto the carpet and strikes the pad at the other end with one knee. This pushes the carpet forward, stretching it into place taught on the pins of the tack strip.

Seam Roller

The seam roller is a spiked cylinder with a handle, a bit like a small paint roller. The installer uses this tool to press down on the seam between two pieces of carpet, attaching them to the adhesive strip underneath. This creates a tight seam which is essential to the life of the carpet, especially in high-traffic areas like doorways or stairs.

Getting Ready for Your Carpet Installation

Preparation is critical to ensure a successful installation. Consult with your Metro Flooring & Design flooring specialist for full instructions, but there are steps you can take to help the process go smoothly. Here are a couple to get you started:

1. If you have old flooring that has to be removed, there may be some work involved in getting the exposed surface ready for the installation of new carpet. If your old floor was glued down or held in place with tile adhesive this will be especially time consuming. Our experienced flooring specialists will know when the surface is ready for new flooring and can dispose of your old flooring.
2. All the furniture must be moved out of the room where your new carpet is to be installed. If you have heavy items that require special care, it’s a good idea to let our professional team handle it. This will cut down on the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a day before & after the carpet installation is done.
   

During & After Your Carpet Installation

A member of your household 18 or older should be available to greet the installation crew and show them the work area. For everyone’s safety and to help the project go smoothly, keep children and pets away from the work area until the job is done. Feel free to ask your lead installer any questions you might have about the finished product, and get recommendations for resuming the use of your newly carpeted rooms.