PROPER TACK STRIP PLACEMENT

This shows the proper tack strip placement to get long lasting and beautiful results out of your carpet install.

[@WayneTheSailor]

When I saw that this video was 25 minutes long I immediately assumed that there was going to be way too much needless talking and not nearly enough information. Because of that, I almost did not watch it. I WAS WRONG! Boy am I glad that I DID watch the entire thing! Mr. FBSB has a ton of information in his head and I was able to learn much from him. Thank yoy so much!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you sir I’m glad you stuck it out, and more so I’m glad that you learned from it, thank you for your comment

[@petedehlinger5478]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@seniorpooter7924]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys great explanation i can see you really care about the proper way to do things really thank you for that cause the passion you show to this really shows in your videos please do an up date

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@seniorpooter7924 I just recently did another one on tack strip

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@petedehlinger5478 😀👍

[@garrygiordano4059]

You have a teacher’s heart. You develop a a clear understanding of the finer points of your craft.

[@donaldjunior2901]

I've been doing carpet for 16 years this has been the most informative video I have ever seen in my life on tack strip placement

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😮😮awesome

[@johnnylightning1491]

Thanks guys. Right now I'm in a pickle. I hired a guy to install some carpet in an apartment I own. He got everything done except for trimming and tucking one bedroom and he went to lunch. He never came back from lunch. I have his tools, the job is not done and he's in jail for some reason. Why I'm not exactly sure but I've either got to talk someone else into finishing an hours or worth of work or do it myself. From the lack of responses I'm getting from folks I'm thinking I'm doing it myself. These videos should help me a great deal. Now it's off to the trimming 101 video. Thanks again.

[@jaredsmith1685]

You, Sir, are an excellent teacher. Thanks for the tips.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Jared Smith You’re welcome, and thank you

[@itgilleland]

Great video, Sir. Love to see a southern man give insight, and real world examples of how to do this! Thank you.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@luminol]

Just a remarkable job explaining and demonstrating how to properly install. Thank you!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Lowell Heinlein thank you

[@ej-fr5xg]

Great job bro! Definitely a good teacher. I learned alot. Thankyou

[@teh60]

Your teaching videos are excellent, nice job Ruben.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

teh60 Thank you sir, I hope it was beneficial

[@johnathangranger2768]

Thank you for this video. You tube is an amazing place yes u can socilize yes u can watch drama tv, listen to music, but my favorite part about the internet is being able learning from people like you. ☺

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You’re welcome buddy

[@210Bubbagump]

Fantastic video.... and now I know my carpet installer is a dope and is getting called back.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😮👍

[@Hoshimoto101]

Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate all those different scenarios. Really appreciate it.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Josh B. You’re welcome, thank you for watching and I especially appreciate your feedback and I hope it helped

[@davehedgehog9668]

Great vid, exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate the time you took to give a detailed explanation 👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Dave Hedgehog thank you sir , glad it helped

[@johnk4588]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Mr. FBSB when installing baseboard, do you recommend it be flush with the subfloor or is it best to leave a gap? Baseboard is being installed before carpet. TIA

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@johnk4588 contractors will usually use a piece of the base as a height gauge, and leave it off the floor the thickness of the base. Quite honestly, in some cases that is too high. The gap is better, but I would not recommend exceeding inch gap from the baseboard to the floor.

[@johnk4588]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thanks! If the baseboard is already installed flush with the subfloor is that a problem? Should I raise it or not worth it?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@johnk4588 no, don’t worry about it leave it like it is, it will be fine

[@drew5334]

I'm a handyman and learn a ton from tradesmen on youtube; the detail and practical guidance you have in your videos is great, guess I found my go-to flooring channel!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

thank you sir

[@dave1135]

Thanks for the video, I last laid carpet about 20 years ago when I was the maintenance man at a rental mobile home park. I'm laying new carpet in my living room and I needed a quick refresher for it

[@akacagen]

Fantastic demonstration. Thank you for spending the time to explain in very simple terms without talking at us. I have my stairs to carpet this weekend and shall remember your demonstration. Many thanks..

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

CaGeN M Good luck my friend I hope it all goes well

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Thanks for taking your time to explain all this so clearly setting the rigs up highlighting the errors fabulous hope your hand heals god bless👍🏻

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Sweet Vuvuzela thank you

[@fenixphire84]

Thank you for explaining and demoing the do’s and don’t’s and the why’s and why not’s!

[@rappabk]

Perhaps the only video on youtube on this topic that goes into so much detail. Thanks!

[@Sunnyat189]

Great video, this really is a master class in carpet fitting! Looks like instead of telling your carpet fitter how to fit the tack strips, just do these yourself! then get a fitter to install your carpets!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@arinmastalski]

You are the man when it comes to laying carpet and the ability to explain it. I do commercial construction myself and have always been taught you are only as good as what you can teach someone else. All the information I have gotten from your videos not only do you explain it very well but also in a manner that seems to be easily retained. I watched a video of yours were you split the fibers before a cut for a seem and I have been able to retain that info a while and teach it to a few people as well. I just want to thank you for what you do and giving great info instead of a bunch of pointless talking.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Really glad you are benefiting from these videos, thank you for sharing this

[@georgebennett4402]

This man is a master installer i've been slaying carpet 4 over sixteen years and I'm always learning something new from his videos

[@kaptainzak]

Love your videos, thank you for making so many. As a newer installer I reference your channel a lot!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome

[@tomasmartinez5672]

I'm not intaller carpet my friend he is and I help up and I want to learn this job in that way I can help up moore thank you men you very generous to explain to us 👌

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@jerridhawkins8133]

H20 carpet hate it lol. Nice example showing the basic for the beginners even thought I still see it done by a lot of installers this day the wrong way lol. Good show Ruben keep up the good work and how to vids👌

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Jerrid Hawkins Thank you sir, I hate that carpet to

[@bboyd4178]

Excellent demonstrations and instructions!

[@DangerNoodle42]

This was a very useful instructional video! Thank you very much for explaining the physics behind laying a carpet.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You’re welcome sir

[@andrewhunt4532]

Brilliant video I couldn't believe it you went straight to the detail showing out of how to fit a carpet properly thank you very much I'll be watching your video from now on on keep up with the good work thank you for your help help

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@andrewhunt4532]

If you are going to write a book about fitting in carpet I would like to buy one

[@wasp3959]

What a brilliant video! Thank you sir. Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome thank you sir

[@robertmurray8267]

Nice video. Though there are many variables in strip placement. Though you may want to mention the purpose of the bevel on the edge of the strip. Commercial loop pile carpet (1/4 inch or closer) all other carpets no more than 3/8 of an inch . If your fitting somthing thiner than the strip (reducers for some lvps or laminates ) 1/8 of an inch and the bevel on the strip is your friend (if you cut the cpt only a 1/16 of an inch heavy you will be able to tuck and stretch away with confidence.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Very well said my friend

[@MichaelHarrisIreland]

The only times you found it right was probably by luck. ....From Ireland, we're all about luck, lol. Thanks, your video was great, I would never have realised what you showed.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@charlieg.6242]

Fantastic instructional video. Thank you.

[@strongisland7015]

Awesome video, most people say to raise the baseboard so the installer can tuck underneath the baseboard. But you show how it’s done with it flush! You don’t see a lot of that.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

[@gary1739]

Fantastic video! You explained things so clearly, simply and with excellent camera angles! Thank you!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Gary M Thank you and I hope it helped you

[@HNBienDong]

Thanks for your time , your detailed and your truthful heart.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@zer0visua1]

I appreciate you! Just closed on a new home and the carpenters definitely did not install the carpet correctly.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

zer0visua1 😮

[@wayneguy6043]

Who uses a carpenter to lay carpet?

[@chrisbowling27]

Thank you for such a very, informative video. My confidence of installing tack strips is allot higher thanks to you.

[@weaselhead6771]

Answered almost every question. Thanks.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@mnemonicmf8339]

Thank you sir for teaching me something that will help me a lifetime

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You’re welcome, glad it helped

[@homesteadofhope9289]

Best Carpet Video on you Tube

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Wow thank you

[@tommiespencer7829]

Nice video... I use to do carpet here in Detroit and I hated when the house had quarter round moldings.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Same here

[@SuperBeaner2009]

Thank you very much for the help , very well explained

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍glad to help

[@seniorpooter7924]

please do an up date video with all tips and tricks to keep it going i know you want to do an update video lol tell us more america needs to be more independent and it is men like you that keeps society moving good work brother

[@seniorpooter7924]

replying to my own comment to say skip no detail the more i watch the more i learn so yea do a new and improved video same setup same guy lol

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you sir I recently did another video on tack strip

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@seniorpooter7924 👍

[@eddiebaby22]

This a brilliant instruction video! Well done Sir 👍👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@shawnmoore5621]

Great demonstration! I see your playing with the water proof cpt there

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

shawn moore Thank you sir, and yeah that’s what I had on hand

[@valentinborjas5947]

Wow thanks I will be watching all your videos little tips big help those who wants to learn 👍👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thanks, and your Exactly right

[@davidu8688]

Was thinking 25 minutes for tack strip!?? YES! After watching well worth the time! Excellent!! The only thing is now I am confused or 2nd guessing how I should do my trim. Should I be able to just lay the carpet and then install the trim or trim before the carpet 🤔. This carpet is being reinstalled after being pulled to replace subflooring.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Install trim first

[@shirleyannkelly]

Outstanding! So much excellent information. Thank you so much.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You’re welcome, I’m glad it helped

[@douglassnyder2719]

Great video, I'm just getting ready to install some new carpet, and that was a question I had how far to place the tack strip, you definitely answered my questions,THANK YOU!!

[@TheGoffFiles]

What an awesome video. Thank you! You're a fantastic teacher!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Diane R. Thank you

[@PeterbuiltWL]

I would love to come and work for U and pick your brain been installing carpet for 25 years and always learning about it every day

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome , Never stop learning

[@fredtowns78]

It's a good idea on commercial carpet to stretch it all in before you do your cut in!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@dzoni8191]

Thank you, this is very helpful

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@The_Keshia_Foundation]

great explaining the details all info I need to know in this video it's great keep up the great work

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Brass company Awesome, thank you sir

[@computerz009]

Great work! Fantastic information here

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@FantaLaStrada]

very informative! best tack strip video on youtube!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

J Jander Thank you glad it was helpful

[@javisleon4179]

Hey thanks for the video, It was a massive help! I was nervous about how to transition my bathroom floor to hallway carpet. I was able to use your steps to get it the way it should look against a saddle transition piece. Maybe not perfect from lack of experience but WAY better than it would have been without your expertise!

[@stevea7806]

Thank you! ... your demonstration was very well done ...

[@Vamos1969]

Great informative video. I was thinking what the distance would be for a thick carpet or a thin one. I laid a carpet, it was 7mm thick. I used a small piece of gripper for the spacing, where I put it flat on the wall between the gripper and the skirting board while I nailed it down. the thickness of the gripper was about the same thickness as the carpet, 7mm. It worked out really well.

[@The_Keshia_Foundation]

awesome video for sure yup just little bit of a handy man guy for sure an do my own projects thanks for all the video sir awesome

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Brass company 👍😀 awesome, good luck buddy

[@The_Keshia_Foundation]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Brass company 👍

[@benmaynard1432]

Wow this is great. What a pro

[@floored3145]

Awesome video!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

THANK YOU , I HOPE IT HELPS

[@SusanLilian100]

🎉❤ thank you for this video. You are amazing.

[@pamelanewcomer3074]

Excellent presentation

[@derrickmackins2111]

This was a great video with great explanations! Someone else mentioned it ... but, if I'm installing in a basement without baseboards, what should my distance be?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

3/16 or a quarter inch will be perfect for most carpets

[@shawngilbert4900]

Prep is always key, to have a good install.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

William S Gilbert So true

[@martinking4476]

Very informative video i really appreciate you taking the time to put do this

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinking4476]

How close should it be when laying that type of carpet ?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@martinking4476 about a quarter or three eights of an inch gully

[@martinking4476]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Thank you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@martinking4476 You’re welcome

[@marcanazco7061]

Great video man. Love the details!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Do you have a video on how high the baseboard should be mounted off the top of the sub floor? Thank for sharing your knowledge

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ozzstar's Cars No sir I do not, lots of builders do it differently, when I was living in Tucson everything was completely on the floor now that I’m back in Tennessee most things are up about a half an inch

[@johnyweedseed9551]

You should use your stair tool to slide it onto the Tacksticks so the little spikes/nails goes into the carpet before stretching and it would’ve stayed

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Rubbing your stair tool across the tack strip damages the pins

[@robroby10]

Thanks very informative. rob

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@huder67]

excellent detail.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@patrickmertz2426]

Great tips, thank you.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you sir

[@ryanthelion84]

key takeaway for me here is that when the baseboard is flush with the subfloor, the width of the gulley is defined by the pile height of the carpet? - for your 3/8in gulley, what was the pile height of the plush carpet out of interest please? - I have some tack strip and underlay to fit in a room prior to the fitter coming and the last time i did this i was told my placement was wrong, so keen to get it right this time!

[@rykson161]

KZbin teaches a lot !!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Yup

[@orangeandbluehoosier]

I really enjoy your videos. How far should it be from the drywall in new construction? I was planning on installing the carpet (Berber) before I installed my baseboards. Also, am I going to have trouble stretching without the baseboards? I'm using the same base you have in the video. Thanks in advance from a DIY guy.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

orangeandbluehoosier The thickness of the base +3/8 of an inch, you can always lay a 2 x 4 or something against the sheet rock and stretch off of it, so you don’t damage your sheet rock

[@davidnokleby5372]

I am in the middle of a room remodel in my house and was debating whether I sbould lay new carpet and then install baseboard over top. If I take old carpet out and install baseboard, how much room should I leave under the baseboard to then lay carpet after base install? Going to be using a more plush carpet as it is a bedroom. Thanks.

[@emsl3933]

Thank you so much, really helpful!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@earthn1447]

I just pulled up family’s 50 year old jute back carpet. The tack strip was about 3/8” BUT, the carpet was beautifully tucked in behind the strip with a “U” shape - so where yours just butted to the baseboard, this carpet tucked down and then back up the face of the baseboard creating a “U” shape in the gully. I wonder why this isn’t done now.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

IT SEEMS THAT THE CARPET YOU PULLED UP WAS CUT A LITTLE BIT LONGER THAN I LIKE TO CUT IT

[@brianafrojack5215]

Thank you so much for your videos!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Robert Schenck 😀👍

[@travelinnate2761]

Awesome video! Quick question I have thin carpet in a spare room with the tack strip way off the wall like an inch or more would it be possible to move the tack strip closer to the baseboard and stretch the carpet out? I would only have a knee kick

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

If your carpet reaches the baseboard now then yes you will not have a problem moving your tack strip closer to the baseboard and installing the carpet back to your baseboard

[@travelinnate2761]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thanks for the tip! Got it fixed and where it should be! I appreciate you responding!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@travelinnate2761 You’re welcome, glad you got it took care of

[@jaioneruiz]

Amazing THANK YOU so much important info!

[@jswingpurdue]

Our carpet was installed and you can feel tacks ALL along the stairs and the perimeter of every room. I know this wasn’t a job well done. Can we do anything about this so we aren’t constantly poked? They won’t come back out and fix it

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You can take a hammer and tap them down by tapping on the carpet and it will bend over for tax so you can’t feel them, I would only do this in doorways and on the steps, I would not do it around the perimeter, unless it is two or 3 inches away from the wall

[@jasonfuessel2961]

Does there need to be a gap or space below interior door casing and jam for tucking carpet? Or can these touch the ground? I've had a few contractors tell me the baseboards need to be off the floor about 3/8 to 1/2 and the door casing and jams should be flush with floor.

[@dianepaulcrawford4768]

What about the thick carpet with the raised baseboard? I was wanting to see you do a test on that incident.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

No more than 3/8 away

[@dianepaulcrawford4768]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Thank you

[@richardc8129]

Did I miss something; or, did you miss showing the proper tack strip placement for the thicker carpet when the baseboards are elevated?

[@Vanessa-nv8vz]

Listen carefully starting at 13:45. He explains why he doesn’t show with the thick carpet as it is generally the same for all carpets. Hope this helps.

[@shawngilbert4900]

3/8 is perfect..... great video, do a quarter round video also, I know many people who have trouble tucking to quarter round

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

William S Gilbert That’s a good idea, I think I have one but I can’t remember

[@jasonfuessel2961]

I'm doing a remodel. Also I'm going to installing new carpet and replacing trim. The current trim is against the concrete slab. Tack strips about 5/16 to 3/8 from trim. What is your recommendation for proper trim installation? I thought about having carpet installed and then placing trim on top of carpet. I've also been concerned about the current trim sitting flat against the concrete. Not sure the best look and installation for the trim. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

As long as you are not putting your trim on top of the Tackstrip and Carpet, you will be fine raising it up off the floor about 3/8 to 7/16 of an inch. If your trim is already down, like you say it will not be an issue to work your carpet directly to your trim. As long as your tax trip is not really far away from your trimmed, I would just leave everything as it is. Yes, your tax strip is in good shape.

[@jasonfuessel2961]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Does the door casing need to be off the floor about 3/8 to 7/16? I'm planning on replacing all the baseboards. I was going to installing them 7/16 off the floor. However my door casing trim and door jam are currently flush against the concrete. I didn't know if this should be raised to have uniform appearance with the newly installed baseboards. What would be your suggestion?

[@andrewdumniak5448]

i tried this after watching and now my fingers are all full of holes from the tack strip. can you please make a video on how to bandage up your fingers if they look like hamburger meat

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😮😮😂😂

[@pat9166]

I'm going to lay a carpet in my house. Can you share the names of the tools you used?. Thank you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Carpet, knife, power stretcher, knee kicker, seaming iron and some kind of flat weight. You can use a 2 x 6 about a foot-long with some added weight on top. Typically want it to weigh about 10 pounds and that is to go behind your iron as you make your.seam. A hammer stapler for your pad a Carpet tucker to tuck your carpet. Once it is trimmed around the perimeter and a carpet Trimmer would come in really handy as well. Since you are only doing this one job, you should be able to make it with those few tools.

[@JESUS_Is_KING573]

Awesome video. I gave you a 👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@michaelp9238]

Should i knee-kick / stretch the carpet before trimming against the baseboard?

[@joeb5358]

Easy to remember. Keep tack-strip away from wall 3/4 the thickness of your carpet.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Definitely not always the case, because some thicker carpet it would exceed more than 3/8, you should never have you tack strip more than 3/8 away from the baseboard

[@mcdaddy2010]

What’s your take on blue back carpet ? And what are your keys to seeming it. ?

[@wildness01]

So im doing diy new construction, which do you prefer, raised baseboard or flush baseboard? I haven't put the baseboard down yet, would you install it flash and then carpet, or carpet and install on top?

[@richardblack4125]

Ruben u should do same video but on a stair too small a gap too large a gap

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

That’s a good idea

[@jasonfuessel2961]

Does the baseboard need to be installed before carpet or can it be installed after the carpet is laid? Also what recommendations should the height of the baseboard be?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

It can be installed after the carpet, but it is best to install it first

[@robertmclean6927]

Is there not an actual measurement for gully distance in relation to the thickness of the carpet? If I was to use 12mm underlay (pad) on a concrete floor and 8mm underlay (pad) on stairs should the wood part of the tack strip be different to prevent the underlay (pad) pushing the carpet up?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

No, if it is stretched properly it will not push the carpet up

[@robertmclean6927]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Now on day 2 of watching video's good to see your hand is on the mend. I still hope to get someone with experience (and tools) to do my work but have made 4 calls to fitters in my area of UK and not 1 has returned my call.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@robertmclean6927 Thank you sir, I’m not exactly sure where you live at but Trim and tuck carpets are highly qualified and super professional, if you are near them they would definitely be your best go to. Here is a link and I’m sure you can find out if they service your area. kzbin.info

[@pauldale4359]

That’s wrong in the uk I’m not saying it’s wrong in the USA but in the uk. We space our gripper/tackstrip a third of the thickness of the carpet to British standards. Great videos pal been watching for s while.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

paul dale Yeah things are quite a bit different over there, thank you for watching and thank you for your feedback I appreciate that

[@MattyWill1]

Another FIINNNEEE video from FBSB..✌

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Matt Williams Thank you sir I appreciate that, hope you enjoyed it and was able to benefit from it

[@eps4560]

Thank you sir!