The first step of any carpet installation project is to remove the old carpet and the carpet padding underneath it. This of course is after you have moved all the furniture out of the room where you’re replacing the carpet. Once the room is empty of both carpet and furniture, the floor must be swept so that the new carpet won’t be placed on top of dust and dirt. If possible, use a powerful vacuum so that every single bit of dust is removed from the floor. While you’re cleaning the room, leave all windows and doors open and wear a dust mask if you have one. This way you won’t inhale any particles or experience an allergic reaction from the dust that is stirred up. It will also protect you from the chemicals that are present on the new rolls of carpet you are installing. If a fan or air conditioner is at your disposal, make use of it as well.
Installing carpet padding is probably the most important step of the procedure and must be given special attention. A new tack strip must be put in place before the padding is installed because they hold the carpet in place. Each tack strip has to be nailed down along the outer edge of the room. A nail is placed on each end and another on the center of the strip. A special tool called a knee kicker is used to pick the carpet up, stretch it over the tack strip which holds the carpet in place with its “teeth”. It is important to take into consideration the fact that there is no tack strip in doorways or between rooms.
