Carpet Installation Methods
Types of Carpet Installation Methods
As you know, you will not be the person laying or installing the carpet but you do need to be aware of how the carpet installation system works.
There are a number of ways to install carpet. The most common for residential situations is the Tackless Installation (or smooth edge).
Tackless Installation, Smooth Edge or Stretched In
This method provides a smooth even finish around the perimeter of a room.
To start with a “gripper” (a length of timber with two rows of angled spikes facing up from the top surface) is glued, screwed or nailed (dependant on the substrate) to the floor parallel to the walls with the spikes facing towards the walls. The underlay or carpet cushion is fixed to the floor either with adhesive, or stapled and butts up to the gripper strips. The carpet is then cut to size and laid over the underlay or carpet cushion, being stretched and fastened by the grippers which provide a smooth finish a the walls.
Over the width any joins required in the carpet are either sewn together or joined with an adhesive tape.
Direct Stick Installation
This method takes more time in the substrate preparation, as the surface needs to be level and smooth and free from any moisture. No underlay or carpet cushion is required, so careful selection of the carpet must be taken to ensure it can withstand this form of installation. The carpet is stuck directly to the floor using the manufactures recommended adhesive. Some carpets are manufactured with underlay attached to them and these are best suited to the direct stick method as stretching them is generally not successful.
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