Attaching carpet to smooth edges, often referred to as gripper strips or tackless strips, is a standard method for securing wall-to-wall carpet installations without visible fasteners. These strips have sharp pins that grip the backing of the carpet, holding it taut.
Understanding Smooth Edges (Gripper Strips)
Smooth edge gripper strips are thin wooden strips with angled pins protruding from them. They are installed around the perimeter of the room, slightly offset from the wall. The pins face towards the wall. When the carpet is stretched across the room, its edges are pressed onto these pins, securing it in place.
The Attachment Process
The process of attaching carpet to the smooth edge involves stretching the carpet and then firmly pressing it down onto the pins.
Steps for Attaching Carpet
- Install Gripper Strips: Ensure the smooth edge gripper strips are securely fastened to the subfloor around the room's perimeter, with the pins angled towards the wall.
- Stretch the Carpet: Use a carpet stretcher (knee kicker or power stretcher) to pull the carpet taut across the room. This removes wrinkles and ensures a smooth finish.
- Engage the Pins: Once stretched, the edge of the carpet needs to be pressed down onto the sharp pins of the gripper strip.
- Secure with a Hammer: As shown in installation guides like the Dunlop Carpet & Underlay Installation Guide (referencing the action described), you'll need to press the carpet onto the smooth edge with a hammer. This action helps to firmly embed the carpet backing onto the pins.
- Work into Corners: Work as far into the corner as you can when you've finished one wall move to the opposite wall. This systematic approach ensures even tension and secure attachment along all edges.
- Trim Excess: Once the carpet is securely attached around the perimeter, use a sharp utility knife and a carpet trimmer to cut away any excess carpet along the wall.
- Tuck the Edge: Finally, use a carpet tucking tool or chisel to tuck the trimmed edge of the carpet neatly into the gap between the gripper strip and the wall.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gripper Strips | Secure the carpet edge with pins |
| Hammer | Press carpet onto gripper pins (as per ref) |
| Carpet Stretcher | Stretch the carpet taut |
| Utility Knife | Cut excess carpet |
| Tucking Tool | Tuck carpet edge into the gap |
Using a hammer is a crucial step, as highlighted in the reference, to ensure the carpet is sufficiently pushed down onto the pins of the smooth edge gripper strip for a strong hold. This technique is particularly important for achieving a professional and lasting installation.
