What this covers
Carpet installation replaces old carpet and padding, checks the subfloor, installs tack strip at the walls and new padding, seams the carpet where the room is wider than a roll, power-stretches it tight so it will not ripple, and trims and tucks the edges. Stairs are wrapped or capped and banded. Good padding and proper stretching matter as much as the carpet itself.
When to call
- Worn, stained or matted carpet in bedrooms, living rooms or on stairs.
- Carpet that was wet in a loss and could not be dried in place.
- A wish for a quiet, warm floor in a bedroom or basement.
What to expect
- Remove and checkOld carpet and padding come out and the subfloor is checked and cleaned.
- Tack strip and padTack strip is set at the walls and padding stapled or glued down.
- Seam and stretchCarpet is cut, seamed with a hot-melt iron, and power-stretched in both directions.
- Trim and tuckEdges are trimmed and tucked, transitions set, and you walk the room.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Does padding matter?
Yes. The pad affects how the carpet feels, wears and insulates. A thin, dense pad outlasts a thick, soft one under most carpets.
Why is stretching important?
Carpet that is only kicked in loosens and ripples within a year or two. A power stretcher sets it tight across the whole room.
What happens to the old carpet?
The company hauls it away. Some carpet is recyclable through manufacturer programs; ask the company what it does.
Related: Carpet stretching · Carpet repair · Stair tread installation · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.