Brands

Beaulieu
Karastan
Lees
Masland
Milliken
Mohawk
Shaw
StainMaster

Preparing for Installation

Before the Installer Arrives

Before the installer arrives, make sure that your place is in order: 

• Clean up

• Vacuum the old carpet to eliminate dust and dirt

• Make sure that nothing is hanging over the carpet (e.g. curtains)

• Hide all valuables

• Provide good ventilation by opening windows and doors and/or operating fans

• If you decide to remove the old carpet yourself, see Home Depot's Guide to Removing Carpet

When the Installer Arrives

When the installer arrives, make sure that the carpet matches your purchase:

• Check the label, sales receipt, and warranty that come with your carpet because they describe your order

• Ask for a scrap of carpet (at least 1 foot x 2 feet)

• Have the installer inspect the carpet and backing for defects

• Keep the label, scrap of carpet, receipt, and warranty for your records

• Contact the retailer if any part of your order is incorrect

After the Old Carpet is Removed

After the old carpet is removed, vacuum the floor to prepare for installation.

During Installation

According to your agreement with the installer, make sure they:

• Double-glued seams to prevent delamination and fuzzing

• Power stretch the carpet to minimize wrinkles

• Provide waterfall installation on stairs

• Remove, trim, and re-hang doors that do not swing freely

If you are sensitive to odors, consider leaving during installation.

After Installation

After your new carpet is installed, vacuum to remove loose fibers.  Fibers may shed or sprout for a few days.  Clip the sprouts with a pair of sharp scissors.  Pulling may unravel fibers and damage the carpet. Also, the new carpet smell should dissipate after 2 to 3 days of ventilation (if not, contact the installer).  If the carpet starts wrinkling, call the installer to stretch the carpet.

Installing your Own Carpet

True Value's How to Install Carpet and Hometime are great for the advanced person who wants to install his/her own carpet.  You can purchase easy-to-use installation equipment at Amazon's Carpet Tools.