Carpet Installation

Removal of old flooring is the beginning step to installing new carpet. To do this efficiently and correctly some specific tools are needed. They include a carpet knife, hook knife, metal clamps, hammer, molding bar, channel locks or pliers, floor scraper, broom and dustpan.

Carpet Knives: Carpet knives are commonly used to cut up old scraps of carpet, so that can easily be removed from the job site. There is a double sided razor knife that is made for carpet use, the blades are sharper than normal utility knives, useful when cutting through the rough, hard carpet backing. The blades can also be replaced easily. You will probably go through a lot of blades so be sure to stock up!

A Common Carpet Knife

Hook Knife: A hook knife, also called a “hawk bill”, can be used to pry the edges of the carpet up, removing pad staples, and scraping small debris from the floor.

Metal Clamps: There are clamps that are designed specifically to grab old carpet when pulling it up, these are particularly useful when removing glued down carpet.

Hammer: A hammer is used to knock down staples and to remove tack strip.  I would recommend using a 22oz or larger hammer when installing carpet.

Molding Bar: A molding bar is used to remove molding on the edges of the carpet. These can also be used to pull staples out of the floor.  Look for one that is about 8 inches that will fit well in a toolbox.

Molding Bar used to pry off molding

Channel locks or pliers: These are especially helpful when needing to remove staples from the old flooring. I like to keep a medium sized pair of each (channel locks and pliers) with me on a job.

Floor scrapers: As the name implies, are used to scrape old carpet, glue and objects off of floors.  A large scraper with a 6 to 8 inch blade and long handle is good to have on hand.  A small one with a short handle can be kept in a toolbox for times when it’s not necessary to drag out the big one or when there are tight spaces.

Broom and Dustpan or shop vacuum: These are important to have at all job sites, they should be used to clean up the remaining bits and pieces on the floor after removal is completed.

These tools are important to have, and even more helpful for a novice. Most of these tools you should already have in your garage, for the others, it might be worth it to buy, especially if you are planning on doing a large area, or a whole house.

So go gather your tools and get ready to do some carpet removal. For some advice on how to best remove carpet or some helpful tips please see this article (How to Remove Carpet).

When installing carpet, like anything else, selecting the right clothing will make you more comfortable. This will make your job a lot more bearable. Carpet installation by nature causes clothing conflicts. The temperature inside the area of the installation needs to be as high as possible to insure good stretching of the carpet, but the clothing needs to be long pants and long sleeves to protect against abrasions from rough carpet backing, snags on tack strip ect. Depending on the type of installation various safety equipment is necessary.

Standard clothing required for carpet installation include work pants, long sleeve shirt, and comfortable socks and shoes. The work pants should be durable and lightweight. Most installers wear jeans or khaki work pants. Your shirt should have long sleeves and be durable enough to protect against the rough backing of the carpet when carrying. The backings range from a softback to sometimes extremely rough. A regular 80% cotton shirt will probably do fine. Shoes should be comfortable but inexpensive shoes due to the heavy wear of carpet work. A sturdy pair of athletic shoes will be the best choice for most jobs, although some job sites will require you to wear steel toed boots. Wear the appropriate socks for the style of shoe worn.

The everyday safety equipment varies from job to job. Safety goggles, knee pads, and gloves are the most common. Some jobs may also require hard hats, steel toed boots or respirators.  Safety goggles are used when removing old flooring, hammering, using a pad stapler or electric tacker.  Some job sites require that they must be worn at all times.  Any brand from the local hardware store will work but some have extra features like anti-fogging lenses and different style choices.  Knee pads are useful when nailing strip onto a concrete floor or gluing adhesive to large areas.  I personally find them to be too uncomfortable to wear during actual carpet installation but i have seen a few mechanics wear them while installing.  Again any brand at the store will do fine or like my old boss, you can duck tape pad to your knees when you will be on a hard floor for a while.  Gloves are mainly worn when  removing old flooring.  They can be used when handling tack strip or rough carpet if desired.  Hard hats and steel toed boots along with safety goggles are usually a must on large commercial jobs such as hotels or office that are still under construction.  Another common safety device is the respirator.  They are most often used in the removal of old flooring, especially when removing asbestos tiles, and when there is a lot of dust on site.

Proper clothing and safety gear will greatly increase your comfort and protect you from harm.  Weather conditions and company policies can also affect what clothing and safety equipment must be used on a particular job.  Of course if you are doing it yourself find what makes you the most comfortable without compromising safety.  The most important thing to remember is to buy durable products that can withstand the abuse that carpet installation can cause or use disposable items.