The Carpet Needs Cutting

Pull the edges off the tack strip along the wall and roll up the carpet piece to be discarded.

The carpet needs cutting. It s usually easier to cut carpet from the back so when cutting it into small sections fold a section over revealing the back then slice through the woven backing with a utility or carpet knife. Place a long straightedge down to draw a marker line on the back of the carpet where a straight cut is required and then keep the straightedge on that line as you make the cut. You may need to change the blade several times during a large carpet project. The key to installing professional looking carpet is to take your time and give each section the same amount of care and attention.

Unroll the carpet as you go separating it into more manageable strips. Cut two or three feet then scoot back and resume cutting from a comfortable position. If there s no need to save the carpet it is easier to cut the carpet into smaller sections with a utility knife and move the sections out one at a time.