Taking up and replacing carpet is a manageable DIY project with the right tools and preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Taking Up the Old Carpet
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Clear the Room: Remove all furniture and other items from the room. This is crucial for safety and efficient work.
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Remove Skirting Boards (Optional): While not always necessary, removing the skirting boards (baseboards) provides a cleaner and more professional finish. Use a pry bar or similar tool carefully to avoid damaging the wall. Mark their locations for easy reinstallation.
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Pull Up the Carpet: Start in a corner of the room. Use pliers or a sturdy utility knife to grab the carpet and pull it away from the tack strip (gripper rod) along the wall. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
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Cut the Carpet into Strips: Using a utility knife, cut the carpet into manageable strips, typically 2-3 feet wide. This makes removal easier and prevents back strain. Be careful not to cut the subfloor.
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Remove the Carpet: Roll up each strip and secure it with tape for easy disposal. Check local regulations for carpet disposal, as it may require special handling.
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Remove the Old Underlay: The underlay (padding) is usually stapled or glued to the subfloor. Remove it carefully, using a scraper or pry bar as needed.
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Remove Old Grippers: Use a pry bar to carefully remove the old tack strips (gripper rods) around the perimeter of the room. Be extremely careful, as these are covered in sharp tacks.
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Prepare the Subfloor: Clean the subfloor thoroughly. Remove any staples, glue residue, or debris. Repair any damage to the subfloor, such as cracks or holes, before installing the new carpet. Consider leveling the subfloor if necessary for a smooth finish.
Replacing with New Carpet
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Install New Grippers: Install new tack strips (gripper rods) around the perimeter of the room, leaving a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between the gripper and the wall. Ensure the tacks are facing the wall.
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Install New Underlay: Roll out the new underlay and cut it to fit the room, leaving no gaps. Secure it to the subfloor with staples or adhesive, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Position the Carpet: Unroll the new carpet and position it in the room, allowing excess carpet to overlap the walls. Ensure the pattern aligns correctly, if applicable.
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Rough Cut the Carpet: Use a utility knife to roughly cut the carpet, leaving several inches of excess around the perimeter.
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Hook the Carpet: Using a knee kicker, hook the carpet onto the tack strips along one wall. Start in a corner and work your way along the wall, stretching the carpet tightly.
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Stretch and Secure: Use a carpet stretcher to stretch the carpet tightly across the room and hook it onto the tack strips along the opposite wall. Repeat this process for the remaining walls, ensuring the carpet is taut and wrinkle-free.
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Trim the Excess: Using a wall trimmer or utility knife, trim the excess carpet along the walls, leaving a small amount to tuck into the gap between the carpet and the wall.
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Tuck the Edges: Use a bolster or wide putty knife to tuck the edges of the carpet into the gap between the carpet and the wall.
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Reinstall Skirting Boards (if removed): Reinstall the skirting boards, covering the tucked edges of the carpet and providing a finished look.
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Final Touches: Vacuum the new carpet to remove any loose fibers and ensure a clean finish.
