Carpet
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How Long Does it Take to Install Carpet? Instructions from Beginning to End

Written by
Paul Galushkin
Published on
September 20, 2023

How Long Does it Take to Install Carpet? Instructions from Beginning to End

Introduction

Installing carpet is a great way to add warmth and comfort to any room, but it can also be a complex process. You may ask: "How long does it take to install carpet?" Depending on the room size, the type of material you’ve chosen, and the carpet installation team, installation can take anywhere from a few hours to one or two days.

In this article, we will discuss how long it takes to install carpet in different scenarios and offer some tips for making your own carpet installation process smoother and faster.

Origin

Carpet installation has a long and varied history, stretching back to ancient times. It is believed that the first carpets were made in Asia Minor around 1000 BC and used for religious ceremonies.

In the following centuries, carpeting spread throughout Europe and North America, becoming an important part of home decor and furnishings in many countries.

Types of Carpet

Today’s carpets come in a variety of materials, colors, designs, and patterns. Popular options include wool carpets, nylon carpets, polyester carpets, Olefin or Polypropylene carpets, and more. Each type of carpet requires different installation methods and may take longer or shorter for each carpet installation depending on its thickness and weight.  

Carpet Installation Timeline

Installation Time

On average, it takes around 6-8 hours to install 100 square feet of carpeting. This includes both prepping the floor and installing the carpet. The exact installation time frame depends on several factors like whether or not furniture needs to be moved out of the room if there are any specialty cuts required, odd-shaped rooms, and whether or not additional padding is being added.

If you’re planning to install carpet in a larger area, it can take more time. For areas over 400 square feet, it can take up to two days of installation. This is because the carpet needs to be cut into several pieces that fit together seamlessly and the installers need to make sure that all seams line up correctly so the finished product looks great.

Additionally, if furniture needs to be moved out of the way while those pieces are installed, it can add extra installation time to the job as well.

Carpet Installation

Installing Carpet:

Materials Needed

Before you begin the carpet installation process, it’s important to have all of the materials you need. This includes the carpet itself, an adhesive or other carpet glues, padding, and any tools that may be necessary for cutting and securing the carpet into place.

Preparing the Room

Man preparing the room moving furniture

The first step to install carpeting is to prepare the room by removing any old flooring and furniture before you install any new carpeting. You should also ensure that all surfaces that used to be covered with old carpet are level and clean before you begin carpet installation.

Laying the Carpet

Carpet installation

Once the prep work is done and all the old carpet is removed, you can start laying down your chosen carpet. Depending on its size, and how much carpet you have, this may take several hours or more. For a standard 12' x 15' square room, it usually takes about two to four hours to lay carpet.

Securing the Carpet

Securing the carpet

The next step in carpet installation is to secure the carpet to the floor with an adhesive or other backing material. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to two to three days, depending on the type of adhesive you’re using and how much area needs to be covered.

Finishing Touches

Trimming the carpet

Once everything is in place and secured, it’s time for final touches including trimming away any excess material and cleaning up after installation. This usually takes around 30 minutes or more, depending on the room size.

Cost

The cost to have your carpet installed will vary depending on the total square footage, the type of material chosen, the labor required to replace old carpet, and any additional materials needed. Many homeowners report spending between $700 and $1,200 to install carpet for just one square room.

Instructions

1. Prepare the area by removing any old flooring and cleaning the subfloor. Make sure it is level, dry, and free of debris.

2. Place a layer of underlayment or padding down to provide additional cushioning and soundproofing for your carpet. Secure with adhesive as needed.  

3. Measure the space and cut your carpet according to size, making sure to leave extra on each side for trimming later on.  

4. Apply adhesive along the perimeter of the room, spreading it out evenly.

5. Using a power stretcher or knee kicker, stretch the carpet into place and secure it to the tack strips that line the walls of the room.  

6. For stairs, install stair nosing along each step before stretching the carpet on top and securing as above.  

7. Cut away any excess material at the edges of the room and secure with another layer of tacking strips if desired.

8. Once you have your carpet installed, vacuum up any loose fibers and enjoy your new carpet!

Tips for Faster Installation

There are some things you can do to help speed up the new carpet installation process. Of course, you must hire an installation crew to ensure your carpet is properly installed.

Both the handyman experience and the extra manpower received by hiring a professional installer will affect installation time. Also, be certain that your installation crew is not an inexperienced crew, so that you do not lose extra time.

First, make sure that all furniture is cleared out of the room before the carpet guys arrive. This will save time since they don’t need to move it themselves and can get straight to work laying down the carpet.

Second, make sure any special cuts or areas like closets are marked beforehand; this will help prevent confusion and ensure that everything is done correctly on the first try.

Finally, if possible, rent a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner for after the job is finished; this will remove any loose fibers from the surface and help your carpets look great for years to come.

Vacuuming the carpet


Conclusion

Carpet installation takes time but with some preparation and planning, you can make sure it goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. It typically takes around 6-8 hours to install 100 square feet of carpeting, and larger areas can take up to two days.

If you do decide to hire some help, make sure all furniture is cleared out before installation and any special cuts are marked beforehand. Finally, renting a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner after the job is finished will help make your carpets look great for years to come.  

With the right approach, you’ll be enjoying your new carpet in no time!

Contact Floor Care Installation

If you have any questions or concerns about what flooring you should use for your space please reach out to us via Phone number (916) 802-5454, Email floorcareinstall@gmail.com, or if you have a floor installation or refinishing job feel free to reach out through the top right corner on our page with the yellow get a free estimate button.

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