DIY: Fitting a Carpet Part 2 - The Carpet

Join me as I fit a new bedroom carpet.
Please note that I am not a professional carpet fitter.

[@martynlloyd-harris1513]

Hi, great effort on the carpet fitting for an amateur. I take my hat off to you as these berber carpets with a very stiff backing can be a pain to fit, even for a professional. You certainly didn't choose the easiest of carpets to fit. If I may, I would like to make a few points from your fitting, to both assist you and your viewers in the future. 1. Carpets that arrive with very stiff backings are often stored in a cold warehouse. When they are fitted and acclimatised they relax and often require re-sretching. However, there are some (and I hate them) that are manufactured with very stiff backings and are generally difficult to handle. 2. You can now see the reason why one should grip all around the perimeter to keep the carpet at the same finished level. 3. Use a hook blade to cut off the waste. It's quicker and easier than a straight blade. 4. Remember, there is very little stretch available on the width of a carpet, most is on the length. 5. Not so much with this carpet as it is berber, but fitting any other, consider pile direction. Try and lay the carpet so the pile is facing the door so the customer can get the 'true' colour of the carpet as they walk in the room. 6. When you start to fit a carpet you 'set' two walls. There is no need to 'whack it on' the grip, you only use your kicker for weight. It is also important to either stretch into each corner or use the kicker at an angle into the opposite corner. It is difficult to explain in writing. Don't start in a recess area like you did. 7. When you stretch a carpet with a knee kicker hold the stretch in place until its either on the gripper or its tucked down securely, otherwise all you are doing like you did was to release the stretch as soon as you kicked it. Pretty much pointless and a very bad technique. 8. The idea of gripper is that it keeps the carpet secured and offers a smooth edge finish. Gripper is often referred to as smoothedge. You tuck at least 2-3mm of carpet behind the gripper to achieve this smoothedge, however, you cut the carpet net to the skirting board not allowing any surplus to tuck down. Pretty pointless having gripper if you are doing that. 9. Use spray adhesive along the gripper to keep the carpet secure and flat. 10. You kicked so hard the first wall you were doing it made the door naplock short as you had to kick it back in. 11.There was still a bubble in the centre of room after you had finished indicating the carpet was not stretched properly or tensioned. You may have problems with wrinkling and /or primary & secondary backing delamination if left. 12. The carpet was not flat along the gripper, it was all waver, again indicating not stretched properly from corner to corner. 13. Once two walls are on (width & length) then you start 'whacking' the knee kicker harder to tension the carpet properly. 14. Use spray adhesive along the naplock before tucking the carpet in. All in all it was a good DIY job and that is what it was meant to be. Fitting stairs, winders & bullnoses are even more complicated. Well done for trying, kindest regards

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

+Martyn Lloyd-Harris Good evening Sir. I was hoping you would have the opportunity of watching this video and I welcome your valuable feedback very much indeed. I have certainly learned a lot from your very helpful comments and I hope anyone watching this video will too. Have a nice relaxing evening where you are. Best wishes, Des

[@therealmccoy2788]

Martyn Lloyd-Harris you claim to be a master fitter, after reading your comments on both parts of this "fitting exercise" you fail to point out some very basic points both on the preparation (part 1 ) and on the actual fitting. i think you need to contact the nicf a as a refresher course would bring you up to date with current techniques

[@worzelgummidge3617]

Unfortunately the coronavirus got sad little martyn. 😞 rip Martyn.

[@taylor3014]

Great job! Heaps of respect for all who DIY and give anything a go. Excellent result and another skill under your belt

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you very much! Best wishes, Des

[@b4tm4nrubin33]

I fitted a carpet myself years ago and gave myself hernia using the carpet stretcher. 😢. Good video

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks for your kind words mate. Hope your project goes well this weekend mate! Best wishes, Des

[@mrb8438]

I'm a carpet fitter by trade a few tips always work in opposites when using the kicker it pulls the carpet really tight another tip when you use the kicker hold it in place and tuck the carpet it at the same time, top job sir 👌

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

You're very kind and I appreciate your generous support. Best wishes, Des

[@TolgarTheGreat]

You may not be a professional but you sure did an incredible job my friend.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much my friend. The finish was OK for an amateur and I was happy with it. Practice makes perfect! ATB, Des

[@monkeyswift100]

You stretch it better than most carpet fitters!! Only major thing you did wrong was not grippering under the radiator.... But you did a good job 👏

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you, Feedback and constructive criticism noted and agreed. Best wishes, Des

[@chibluth]

Thanks for posting this video- I watched your other video and you inspired me to have a go- I cut out my old lounge carpet where it was in good condition - (non traffic area) and fitted it to Landing and stairs for two weeks whilst waiting for my new carpet to arrive and whilst I was carrying out a fireplace install in the lounge. I think the more you do -the better you get, its a big massive jump in the deep end to try and fit a carpet first time , The end product looked great - you pointed out where you had a few issues so you know where you went a bit wrong , but thats all part of how we learn things . Bravo Sir. Keep well , keep Happy !

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hey there buddy. Thanks for checking in. I know it's so cliche but the more we try the better we will get. I can also honestly say that although we may never achieve 'expert' status the finished result will always look good enough and be fit for purpose. So glad that things are working out for you. Be proud of your achievements my friend. Take care, Des

[@galelao108]

I've saved this video and come back to it every time I need to fit a carpet.. gotten quite good at it now.. but must say this video really helped thank you.. You saved me a load of money and the time waiting to get it fitted.. it's a good feeling after you've fitted it yourself.. 👍👍 cheers

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Wonderful feedback indeed. I'm glad the vid helped as this is the whole point in posting them. Your feedback made my day. Thank you and best wishes, Des

[@emigonzalez2910]

Great job you did there. Our rented flat was carpet fitter by a professional and look like a mess, no where near what you did. You inspire me to do it myself. Thank you

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this video and, of course, for watching it! Although I'm not a professional carpet fitter and probably made loads of mistakes I can honestly assure you that the carpet is still going strong and looks absolutely great! Give it a try! Practice does make perfect. If I can do it anyone can! Best wishes my friend, Des

[@stevieatkinson3898]

A brilliant job done on the underlay and carpet fitting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Saving a few £££££s along the way👍👍👍

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks buddy - appreciate your support. Carpet is still down and going strong. ATB, Des

[@tieganmaddison7639]

I’ve fitted a couple carpets myself before but thanks for this video has it has given me some more tips ect hopefully next time I’ll do an even better job

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there and thanks for dropping by. The more you practice the better the results will be. I can absolutely guarantee it! Have a lovely weekend where you are. Des

[@jackcolwell3948]

Thank you so much this really helped me install my carpet for the first time. And im really happy with it. Subscribed.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Great stuff. Glad it helped. des

[@yvonnelewis4566]

Great. Just the help I need, as I am about to embark on my first solo carpet fitting in my small bedroom. The tips from an amateur of the potential pitfalls to be encountered - e.g. cutting too much carpet away - are invaluable. Good job - if my first effort is half as good as this I will be pleased. If not, most of it will be hidden beneath beds and cupboards anyway - ha, ha!

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there. Thanks for watching.. I hope that your project goes well. Take your time and think it through. With a small room you should be fine. Good luck, Des

[@njuham]

The small alcove would make a nice spot for shelves, those floating ones. Everything looked very tidy.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Agree entirely. ATB, Des

[@violent_keith8393]

Just wanted to take the time to say thanks for the vid,watched a few and followed what you did here . Never fitted a carpet before and i'm totally happy with the result,will see if any wrinkles appear over time but for a simple bedroom carpet i'm really surprised how good it looks considering its my first go,definitely encouraged me to have a go again.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hey, that's absolutely fantastic my friend. I'm absolutely delighted to hear that it turned out so positive for you. Well done you! ATB, Des

[@cozicoops]

Good job and tasteful colour scheme too!

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much my friend. ATB, Des

[@leeroyjenkins43]

Great job for Amateur. Ive seen a lot of "professionals" on youtube not doing as well. Well done👍

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Wow, thanks very much for your kind words of support! Des

[@kabzakathunder3323]

It looks good to me... doing my own 2 bedroom flat and it's a learning curve... good job 👏

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you very much. I wish you the best of luck with your project. Take care, Des

[@Bubbles-qm8lq]

Wow What A Fantastic Job Love Watching Your Videos Keep Them Coming :)

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there and thanks very much for your kind words. Best wishes, Des

[@gennadiyfrusenko2719]

Thanks for video, that was helpful for me!

[@robertduda7550]

great job mate well done i like that today i'm due for fitting my carpet in room

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there Rob, hope it went well for you buddy. des

[@346barry]

des mate..I've been in the trade over 28yrs and every day is different. ..stick to it mate and best wishes.barry.

[@mohammedfaisal2914]

Great job keep posting really appreciate your knowledge. 👍🏻

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

So nice of you! Thank you. Des

[@markallen8097]

I'm a couple of years too late but, gripper needs to be set at 2/3 the carpet thickness. When you're setting up your stretcher place one hand under the carpet put the stretcher head on your palm with the carpet in between, push down a little and extend the teeth untill you just feel them pushing into the backing. Teeth too short equals damaged pile, teeth too long means you'll bite into the underlay and you won't get a proper stretch. Good job for a DIY. Well done

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hiya buddy. Thank you very much for your helpful comments. Very much appreciated. First time in two years that anybody has actually told me the proper way to gauge the depth of the teeth in relation to the carpet and how to handle it. Thanks buddy. Best wishes, Des

[@markallen8097]

@@21stcenturycaveman33 no problem pal

[@TheJay911]

Hats off to you sir! I to do DIY to save on getting ripped off and for what the job was, apart from that one missing gripper I'd say 5* matey! Well done 👍👍

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much Sir. Practice makes perfect my friend, Des

[@alburhan11-73]

What a great job well done 👏🏼

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you! Cheers! Des

[@ceesaydesignsolutions]

£240 I was quoted for labour alone 30m2 room! Great job I've been inspired to do it meself

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Go for it my friend. Just take your time and think about what you're doing.Best of luck! Kind regards, Des

[@markallen8097]

How did you get on?

[@jj45455]

@@markallen8097 I can guarantee not very well.

[@justiceman9492]

Well I think you done a great job........ One tip tho, for the future, when you don't have enough space under a radiator to bang a few nails in on a gripper rod, try placing your gripper where you need it, and get a few skinny longish screws, and screw it down at an angle.... Good videos..

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there buddy. Thanks for dropping by and for the great tip. Very much appreciated. ATB, Des

[@galelao108]

Looks like a professional job mate. Thumbs up

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much.. Whilst it's only a DIY job it worked out very well (even though I say it myself!). ATB, Des

[@cubleycat]

Cracking job and great video

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

I appreciate that. Thanks very much and have a great day where you are. Des

[@Rain-uh4us]

Absolutely fantastic job well done 👍

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Many thanks. I appreciate your kind words of support. Stay safe and well, Des

[@Rain-uh4us]

@@21stcenturycaveman33 you too 👍

[@AF-hv9em]

Amazing work bro 😎

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you so much 😀 Really appreciate your positive feedback. Take care, Des

[@AF-hv9em]

Did better than professional people

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Not so sure about that my friend but I was happy with the result. Thank you for watching and dropping by. Des

[@harpo187bling]

Nice work

[@irisbarata9636]

What's the name of that took that you kick with the knee??

[@Telboy555]

Nice job

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you! Cheers! Des

[@AF-hv9em]

Best video

[@mrmiah7184]

Good job 👍🏼

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you Sir!

[@efstianos5365]

Guys what tools we need for this ?

[@adamicus]

Great video, cheers! stuff the jealous haters, you did a great job and the vid has helped give me the confidence to give it a go

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Glad it helped my friend. Des

[@kevinisawake]

THIS JUST GAVE ME CONFIDENCE TO DO THIS MYSELF NOW - WAS QUOTED £150 PER ROOM. DOING THREE ROOMS. CHEERS MATE.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

My pleasure Kevin. I'm delighted that it's given you the confidence to have a go. Just take your time and think about what you're doing. Looking at your channel it's obvious that you're a smart guy. You should be fine. Just think about the angles you need to cut and leave a few mm to tuck under the skirting board and/or behind the gripper rod. Good luck mate. Des

[@TerryMMA]

Felt back carpets can go on underlay and gripper.what you need to do is use spray glue to prime the gripper otherwise it will not hold correctly.you don’t need much your typical 500 ml can I would expect to have at least 90% of it left. Also when you stretch carpet use hand as you go to push on gripper otherwise it will pull back.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there buddy. Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and for your constructive feedback. Have a great weekend where you are. Des

[@syedarmaghanhassan4652]

Thanks very much for sharing sir. A few questions: 1. In Germany, I just can't find the underlay. What they call an underlay is like a cloth, or grid-matt, very thin and useless. Can I know what material is an underlay? Maybe I can get that material here. 2. Are you using a stabler to stable the underlay onto the wooden floor? 3. Are we, or are we not supposed cover the floor baseboards? 4. What is the purpose of smoothedge.. The corner wood which we nailed on the floor? What if we do not use it? 5. Why did you not use any double-tape, or an adhesive to stick the carpet to the floor? Is that not a good thing to do? Thanks and kind regards,

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello Sir, thank you for watching. 1. The underlay can be made of different materials. I have copied the following imnformation about common types of underlay for you: 'Polyurethane (PU) Foam Underlay - the most popular type of carpet underlay. Wool Felt Underlay - manufactured from 100% recycled material, this is a traditional and eco-friendly carpet underlay, Combination Felt Crumb Underlay - made from two different materials, Rubber Underlay - sponge rubber carpet underlay, its a little old and out of fashion now, but still popular. Crumb Rubber Underlay - ideal for areas of heavy footfall, particularly in commercial properties. It offers all-round heavy-duty protection for your carpet 2. Yes, I used 10mm staples to fix the underlay to the floor 3. The baseboard / skirting boards - the underlay should be fixed to the flooring alongside these aboput 10mm away but NOT underneath. Howebver, the carpet should be tucked under these 4. The corner wood nailed to the floor is called gripper rod. There are small teeth in it and these fix the carpet in place so it does not move and allows carpet to be stretched for best fit 5. I did not use double tape because I used gripper rod instead which is more secure. Hope this helps, take care Des

[@Daemiex]

im not a fitter btw but watching this i thought you had to use the kicker over the grip rods so you push down and knee it over the rod but with pushing down it gets the grip rods teeth into the backing? does that make sence :p

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there my friend and sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes, your comments do make sense. I've watched a few carpet fitting vid's myself in the past to get a bit of a steer as to what to do when I first started fitting my own carpets. I've also received a few comments from viewers (many of whom are actually carpet fitters) who haven't questioned what I've done so I'm assuming I did it correctly mate. However, if anyone else reads these comments and disagrees please let me know. Have a great weekend where youe are. Take care, Des

[@honestyisacommodity]

Glue under radiator and put gripper so it’s in line with the front most part for support. 10 cm left instead of the small bit you had makes it easier, most importantly you had a pants knife, you need a dolphin. Also a sharper bolster(angle grinded then blunted off) makes for a tighter finish and a tucker/tuner for the awkward bits e.g corners on alcoves and door bars. But epic job for a “layman”

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there. I really appreciate your valuable comments and constructive feedback. These will help both myself and others viewing this vid. Best wishes, Des

[@joebloggs8743]

Hello, very impressed, did you read about it beforehand? Also, like the touch of carpet laying in carpet slippers.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there and thanks very much for your words of support. No but I've laid carpets several times beforehand and just had some previous practice so it's now starting to pay off. The carpet slippers were purely coincidental but a great touch for sure! Take care my friend, Des

[@raysharpe8644]

Nice job man, lve got mine to do in the morning. Just one question- would it make things easier if the gap between the gripper rod and skirting was wider if fitting hesium backed carpet, because of the stiffness? Cheers.😎

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Yes it will. Defo do it my friend. des

[@raysharpe8644]

@@21stcenturycaveman33 waiting for delivering now 😎

[@mikewilliams2477]

Better than some professional carpet fitters I know

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

You're very generous my friend. Best wishes, Des

[@NzRasengan]

I can tell you're a good tradesman.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Just an enthusiastic DIY'er my friend. Atb, Des

[@pididi4840]

good job brother

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks for the visit. Best wishes, Des

[@viperx1977]

7:33 pushed to hard and let one out !!!😂😂✔✔

[@kindestsi]

nice job and a lot of money saved

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much Simon.Better off in my pocket than someone else's! Have a good weekend mate, Des

[@paulclarke6435]

You can even double up the grippers mate. For a carpet like this it may have helped just to get a better grip into that harder back.. Really nice job though, well done

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

That's a really good idea actually. No-one else has mentioned that. Thank you. Des

[@Polecat54941]

Great job, I fitted a few carpets myself and would have been pleased with your results, although I never use gripper rods or any of those tools apart from stanley knife and my carpets have been down 10+ years with no issues :)

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you for your support. Best wishes, Des

[@johnscarpetsestablished1983]

not a bad job, for future with gripper under radiator, put gripper in place, then rest top of bolster on nail, then hit flat bit with hammer that will send nails down, providing floor is wood, when you push carpet on gripper, rub bolster on it, this will make a line on back of carpet, then lift carpet up, and cut on line, then put carpet back down, will fit perfect, but as someone else commented, a Berber carpet is a hard carpet to fit, i still dont like them with over 30 years experience, but well done again,

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

I really appreciate your advice aqnd constructive feedback. Thank you very much. I'll remember that tip for next time. Lots of carpet fitting coming up this year. ATB, Des

[@thouartthou9466]

How much is a knee kicker , cheapest ive seen is £22

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there. That's really cheap. However, its cheap for a reason! May be alright though if it's just for the odd job. Good luck with that! Des

[@Dave-xr4iz]

You are cutting the carpet tight to the Skirting and there is no carpet to tuck down behind the gripper.

[@joshsplosh]

Good effort mate, its not done to a professional standard, but as long as you're happy with it and you saved some money, guess thats the important thing!

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much for your support. Pleased to say that the carpet's still going strong and no problems whatsoever. ATB, Des

[@Elvis-guy1973]

very good job, but it was a small room, but off the back of watching your videos I have tried fitting carpet myself, the only downside is that the room is 19ft long x 7ft wide !

[@naturalrestingface4909]

You never mentioned Pavarotti was popping 'round for a cuppa? You're doing a decent job.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Ha, ha. Thank you. Des

[@matthewa.morgan6214]

I like all your videos are you going back to west wales

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there. Will definitely be going back sometime soon. Possibly this year. Love the wild countryside and the beautiful coastal paths and views. ATB, Des

[@evierose8661]

try to set 1 wall flush,tuck behind gripper ,then kick away,saves time

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your advice. Much appreciated. ATB, Des

[@ewankane1993]

good diy job if you had cut from back it wd not be short under radiator

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello my friend. Thank you so much for taking the time to check out this video and for your valuable advice. Very much appreciated. Thank you, Des

[@sonia336]

Carpet is a lot harder to fit by the looks of it. However u did a great job

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks very much. Appreciated. Des

[@ewankane1993]

undrer radiator use a broge to tuck away

[@andyfrost4657]

Good job, very helpful. Please cut the background music. I was trying to block it out and listen to your voice to clearly hear what you were saying.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Fair enough - apologies for that. It's nice to have some music in the background whilst doing DIY. Sometimes I forget to switch it off. Happy New Year. Des

[@ms-zo3zb]

well done you have excellent job where did you buy this carpet

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there and thanks for watching. For a DIY'er I must say I was very pleased with the finished result. The carpet was purchased from Carpetright in the UK. Although you can buy similar looking carpets a little cheaper elsewhere, I have bought all of my carpets from this retailer and I am very happy with the quality. Have a good evening, Des

[@nomasmartinez2112]

You did a good job for not being pro at it.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks for your suport. Des

[@346barry]

nice job mate..next time skirt under the rad wall then kick away. .save you cutting in a wall also. .good 1st attempt though mate.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there and thank you for your positive feedback. The job wasn't perfect by any means but I was pretty happy with the finished result. I know I could do better next time though. Have a nice evening where you are, Des

[@iu2297]

Monday

[@ewankane1993]

never cut toward skirting board way this is done is risk of being short always cut by folding carpet back on itself and cat from rear about with of gripper from wall

[@liamward9054]

Shouldn't stretch the carpet into the alcove before and wall that stick out further or u will get bumps on the corners

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hi there. I can see your logic but haven't had any problems yet to be honest. Perhaps I've just been lucky. ATB, Des

[@susanthomis9235]

Background music made the commentary hard to distinguish at times.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Apologies. For this reason I try and keep any background music to a minimum these days. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you, DEs

[@therealmccoy2788]

as a diy and money saving fair enough. not a pro job as you rightly state.

[@allaboutcars9596]

you must not have your teeth out on the kicker because it is all loop Pile Carpets and you could snag a loop and pull a line out

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thank you for your valuable feedback. ATB, Des

[@ewankane1993]

always stretch on length never width

[@livelongandprosper70]

idiot.. carpet has to be stretched ALL ways..

[@2005farminer]

hahahaha what did you save your self £30!!! was it really worth it! by the way quick tip! your not suppose to put a felt back carpet on underlay!!

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Where I live that job would have cost £50-60. The point is that regardless of the amount - it's in my pocket and not yours!

[@davedg33]

£30 which carpet fitter would do it for that lol

[@kernow24]

and the rest, most charge between £4 and £5 per m2

[@peterfido8735]

Felt back carpet can be fitted onto underlay and grippers , spray glue on your grippers and away you go . Done it loads of time's without any issues . Also if you watch the video he quite clearly says it's not a felt back carpet .