What this covers
Carpet that was never stretched properly, or that has loosened with age, humidity or heavy furniture being dragged, develops ripples and wrinkles that are a trip hazard and wear quickly. Stretching lifts the carpet at the edges, pulls it tight with a power stretcher braced across the room, re-hooks it on the tack strip, trims the excess and tucks the edge. Damaged tack strip is replaced.
When to call
- Ripples, waves or wrinkles in a carpeted room.
- Carpet that has pulled away from a wall or doorway.
- A room where the carpet was lifted for drying after a loss.
What to expect
- Clear and liftFurniture is moved and the carpet is released from the tack strip along the needed walls.
- StretchA power stretcher braced against the opposite wall pulls the carpet tight across the room.
- Re-secureThe carpet is hooked onto the tack strip, trimmed and tucked.
- CheckThe room is walked for any remaining looseness before furniture returns.
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
Can rippled carpet always be stretched?
If the carpet is in good condition and the backing has not delaminated, yes. Carpet that has stretched beyond its limit or whose backing has failed needs replacing.
Why did it ripple?
Most often it was installed with a knee kicker only, without a power stretcher. Humidity, dragging furniture and wet carpet drying also loosen it.
Does stretching damage the carpet?
No. It restores the tension the carpet is designed to have.
Related: Carpet installation · Carpet repair · Water damage restoration · 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.