You have carefully chosen the perfect carpets for your rooms, and it's finally time to complete the next step — carpet installation. Will you enlist the help of a flooring professional or perform a do-it-yourself carpet installation?

There are many factors to consider before undergoing a DIY carpet install. It's usually a wiser choice to bring your carpet installation needs to a professional. However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The primary concerns when choosing either option are cost, workload, access to necessary tools and equipment, and how much time you can invest in the project. Before handing your money over to an expert, you can make things easier on yourself by first understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a DIY carpet install.

When to Consider DIY Carpet Installation

Consider the following factors to determine if DIY carpet installation is the right avenue for you:

• Room size: DIY can be a good option when tackling carpeting in smaller-sized rooms that require less overall time and resources. Take measurements of your space to identify how much carpeting you need — this is an ideal starting point for your solo carpeting project.
• Project scope: The project's scope can be quite large — even if the room you are working on is small. Several factors can influence the scope, including the room's layout and subflooring. You may consider DIY if the room's layout is quite simple and there are no stairs or other fixtures adding to the project's intricacy.
• Experience: It is best to consider a DIY carpet installation only if you have experience using various tools like carpet power stretchers and cutters. Background with these tools and best practices will help ensure greater safety during the project.
• Warranty: It's always vital to check the warranty on your carpets to ensure you won't void it by choosing DIY installation.
• Cost: Saving on costs is one of the main reasons people choose DIY installations. However, you need to factor in the expenses of buying all your own tools or the project taking more time than expected — and some retailers like Carpet & Tile Mart offer free installation services for select carpet options to save you time, money and headaches!

Tools and Materials

A carpet installation DIY project can be challenging — but it can also be done as long as you have the will and the time. All you really need to begin is the right tools.

There are specialty tools that you can either rent or own that are essential to carpet installation. Unless you're planning to become a carpet installation professional, it's far cheaper to rent the larger equipment in the list below:

• Carpet glue: Carpet glue is crucial for the glue-down installation method. It ensures that the carpet receives solid, secure support without room for movement and prevents seams from peaking.
• Carpet stapler: If you prefer not to use adhesives, a carpet stapler is mandatory. It helps secure a carpet to the floor.
• Carpet tape: Carpet tape is perfect for homeowners who don't want to use glue or staples. Double-faced carpet tape can help with carpet installation. It is also an easier alternative to both other options if you ever plan to pull up the carpet in the future.
• Hammer tacker: Hammer tack is another alternative to adhesives. It is often the best option for installing carpet in a large area.
• Carpet knife: This specialized knife is necessary for precision carpet cuts, which significantly impact the carpet's appearance.
• Seam iron: You'll likely have to seam pieces of carpet together. A seam iron will allow you to adjust the temperature of the carpet or equally distribute heat to the fibers.
• Seam roller: A seam roller enables you to join the carpet pile together and apply pressure to the seam, giving the illusion that there was never a seam at all.
• Knee kicker: This device applies tension to the carpet. Its teeth grip the solid end of the carpet, and you kick with your knee to stretch the edges towards the walls.
• Carpet power stretcher: This tool ensures the carpet appears flat and tight all the way across the floor by stretching it and pulling it closer to the wall.
• Cushion back carpet cutter: This carpet cutter is designed to cut through a carpet's backing for perfect seams and properly cut edges.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a DIY Carpet Install

The overall cost of carpet installation decreases when you opt for a DIY installation. You instantly save on labor costs and the removal of your old carpet, leaving only the cost of the new carpet and the purchase or renting of required tools for the installation.

The time investment is also entirely in your hands, as you no longer have to wait for an available installation window. You won't have to worry about a company doing a subpar job on your flooring, as the quality of installation is entirely dependent on you and how well you perform.

With advantages, there must be disadvantages, and a DIY carpet install has its share. One thing to consider is your carpet's warranty. If you're in the middle of an installation but need help to finish, or it becomes too difficult to DIY, then the contract may not be honored. The costs of any poor job you've done will not be salvageable.

The equipment, whether rented or owned, can be challenging to use. Problems can surface if this is the first time you've attempted a DIY project of this caliber. It's a significant undertaking that will require a lot of work and perseverance on your end.

When to Choose Professional Installation

Choosing the professional avenue for your carpet installation can be an investment, but it is certainly worth it! When you choose experts, you can enjoy skillfully done, aesthetically pleasing results. The quality craftsmanship ensures you have a space that looks good and adds value to a room. A professional installation can also increase the carpet's longevity.

The following are key indications that you should hire a professional rather than trying DIY installation:

• You need several rooms or a large room carpeted.
• The project is in a high-traffic area.
• You are inexperienced with DIY and carpeting tools.
• You are under a time crunch and need an expert who can complete a quality job quickly.
• The room has irregular features or subfloor issues.

Choose Carpet & Tile Mart for Quality Carpets and Flooring Installation Services

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we have a range of affordable, high-quality carpets to suit all your home projects. In addition to providing carpets for every area of your house, we also work with professional contractors to offer expert carpet installation services.

Shop online for our carpets and other flooring products, or contact us today to discuss professional carpet installation solutions!