Carpet Installation
Everything you need to know to ensure your carpet is installed properly for lasting comfort
Preparation and Planning
Taking the time to prepare your space and understand the process will ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Scheduling and Timelines
Your retailer or installer will work with you to schedule a convenient installation date and time. Be prepared for the process to take several hours or even a couple of days, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
Room Preparation
Before the installers arrive, you'll need to clear the room of all furniture and belongings. Remove any existing flooring, such as old carpet or tile. For large or heavy items, consider asking for assistance or professional moving services. Your retailer or installer may arrange for someone to remove your furniture and/or your old flooring but you should expect this to be an additional cost.
Delivery of Materials
The carpet and cushion will be delivered to your home prior to or on the day of installation. Ensure there's a clear path for the delivery team and a place where they can roll out the carpet to begin cutting it.
Protecting Surrounding Areas
Installers will take precautions to protect your walls and other surfaces and Shaw Floors even offers a SoftBac backing that minimizes scratches around corners. However, it's a good idea to cover any valuable or delicate items in adjacent rooms.
Choosing Your Installer
Selecting a qualified and experienced installer is crucial for achieving a beautiful and long-lasting carpet installation. Your retailer may also offer installation services.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Experience and Certifications
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Are you certified by any industry organizations?
Licensing and Insurance
- Are you bonded and insured?
- Can you provide proof of insurance?
Warranty Information
- What warranties do you offer on your workmanship?
References and Portfolio
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- Do you have a portfolio of your work?
Cost Estimates and Payment Terms
- Can you provide a detailed cost estimate?
- What are your payment terms?
The Installation Process
Here's a general overview of the carpet installation process:
Subfloor Inspection and Preparation
The installer will inspect the subfloor for any imperfections and make necessary repairs. Tack strip will also be installed.
Cushion Installation
The cushion, or padding, is installed to provide cushioning and support for the carpet. Minimum requirements must be met to ensure warranty coverage.
Carpet Layout and Cutting
The carpet is carefully measured and cut to fit the room, minimizing seams. Be sure to discuss pattern direction and seams prior to this step.
Seaming and Stretching
Seams are carefully joined and the carpet is stretched and secured to the tack strips around the perimeter of the room. Proper power-stretching is critical to ensure optimal performance of your carpet and to maintain warranty coverage.
Final Trimming and Finishing
The excess carpet is trimmed, and the edges are tucked in for a clean, finished look. Any necessary accessories such as t-moldings or reducers for transitioning to other flooring surfaces will be installed at this time.
Stretch Out and Enjoy!
Put your room back together and enjoy! After installation provide ventilation in the room for 72 hours to dispel the new carpet smell. But rest assured, all of our carpets are Green Label Plus Certified for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Carpet Installation Guides
Carpet installation is not a DIY job, no matter how tempting it may be this is not the time to cut corners. Your new flooring is an investment and professional installation is best to ensure years of beauty and comfort!
CARPET INSTALLATION FAQS
The time it takes to install carpet can take a couple of hours or more and varies based on the room's size, layout complexity, and whether old flooring needs to be removed.
An estimator will determine exactly how much carpet you will need to buy based on a variety of factors. If you choose a patterned carpet with a large pattern repeat you will need more material to account for matching the pattern. Most carpet is manufactured in 12-foot rolls, although 15-foot rolls are available as well. If your room is larger, additional material may need to be ordered to account for seaming. In most cases, the estimator/retailer/installer will determine the layout of the carpet in the room based on their years of expertise but be sure to have this conversation to ensure you get the look you want and one that you will enjoy seeing for years to come.
All furniture must be moved out of the room to properly install carpet in your space. Any wiring or cords should be moved up or out of the way as well. Be sure to have a conversation with your retailer or installer to find out if they charge an additional fee to remove old flooring or to move furniture. You'll also want to find out if removal or haul-away of the old flooring is included. If you are replacing older carpet you may want to look into possible recycling facilities in your area.
Don't panic! You've got to remember that your carpet has been rolled up for shipping and transport. The carpet needs to acclimate to the temperature of your home and basically, just needs to relax. Give your carpet a minimum of a month or so to get adjusted. Another reason for a difference in the look of your carpet could be due to lighting. Was the lighting in the showroom cool or warm as opposed to how yours is in your home? Be sure to take samples home and view in your lighting before making a decision.
If you see visual defects before installation you need to call your retailer and have the installation stopped. If you allow the flooring to be installed you may not be covered under a warranty for replacement. Ensure that the carpet is the right style, color, and texture.
Shedding, or the release of fibers with foot traffic or vacuuming, is a normal characteristic of cut pile carpets. This should diminish within a few months, but carpet shedding could continue to a small extent throughout the product's lifespan. If you see any tufts sticking up beyond the surface of the other fibers, do not pull, simply clip and move on. If ripples or wrinkling occur after installation be sure to call your retailer/installer; they may need to re-stretch the carpet which will require that the furniture be removed from the room.
RESOURCES
The preparation, planning, and overview steps listed on this page do not cover all carpet installation scenarios. Always refer to the downloadable guidelines for detailed installation information.