Integral pad carpet is a type of carpeting that has its own soft backing connected and bonded to the bottom of the carpet, thereby eliminating the requirement for putting in additional carpet padding. Also called cushion-backed carpeting, integral pad carpet is ideal for using immediately over concrete floors as conventional padding must be secured to the floor with tacks and nails; integral pad carpeting just sticks to the concrete flooring. Integral pad carpeting is also ideal for small areas such as bathrooms and closets as they can be located and fitted on the floor without the requirement for carpeting tape. It is a wise idea, however, to secure larger pieces of this type of carpeting with double-sided tape, which precludes curling along the edges. You can find integral pad carpeting in a diversity of styles, including cut pile and Berber, and in a rainbow of different colors.

Planning

As you would when putting in any other carpet type, checking the area to be carpeted is key; the flooring beneath should be dry, clean, and smooth. Clean the floor well, making sure that there is no debris, grime or sticky residue. If the flooring is not appropriately prepared, the double-sided tape will not adhere properly. Besides the integral pad carpet, you will require double-sided carpet tape that is two inches wide, a carpet cutter, a measuring tape or ruler, and a chalk for marking the carpeting. If the installation demands seams, buy a seam adhesive that is recommended for your type of carpeting material, as well as five-inch carpet tape to use under the seam.

Correct Measurements and Accurate Cuts

Measure the perimeter or area to be carpeted, taking both the width and length and adding an inch on every side of the measurement. This means that if the width is 60 inches, you must cut the carpet 62 inches, which provides for an extra inch on both sides. Do likewise for the length. Use the chalk line to mark the line where you will cut the carpeting. Position the carpeting on the flooring, making certain that the total area is covered.

Finishing Touches

After the carpet is pressed into place, start with a corner segment, being certain not to slide the carpet out of its place as you work. Raise up one section of carpeting and apply a border of carpet tape below it, applying it to the flooring below. Position the tape smoothly without any air or bubbles and remove the paper backing. Drop the carpet onto the tape and apply pressure on the carpet so that it will adhere, smoothing it with your hands. A rolling pin may be used at this point to help smooth the carpet out nicely. This procedure should be repeated around the perimeter for all remaining carpet sides. After you have attached all sides to the floor, trim excess carpet from the edges. And finally, press the edges of the carpeting below the mopboard. You can also place a shoe molding on top of the carpeting edges and secure it by nailing it on the baseboard, not on the floor.

If the carpeting needs seaming, put in five-inch carpet tape underneath the seam, press the pieces of carpet into position and apply seam adhesive as directed on the product label.

The greatest advantage of putting in carpet over a hard, concrete floor is that a once serviceable area can be turned into a comfortable, inviting place suitable for living. Now that the job is finished, you may be prompted to decorate the space with rich colors and a casual motif that includes palm tree wall art and metal or ceramic sun wall art. No matter what you select, be certain to bestow your own personalized expressive style to the space.

Author Bio: Article brought to you by Elizabeth Carter who writes for Metal-Wall-Art.com; visit our site for palm tree wall art and wall decor art.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home decor, interior design, home improvement, carpeting