HOW TO MAKE A DIAGONAL SEAM IN CARPET

This video demonstrates and explains how to make a diagonal seam in carpet
www.thefloorsbysouthernboys.com/
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, i'll make a small commission.This helps support the channel and allows me to keep making videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Here are links to a few of the tools used in this video!
carpet knife
amzn.to/2Xh6v4n
straight edge
amzn.to/2EkWdZo
knee kicker
amzn.to/2Emh5zN
seamer down now
amzn.to/2BIOx1u

[@kcm731k]

Excellent job!!...that is exactly how I would approach that..I've been installing 23 years..from one PRO to another..I rarely see a carpet installation video on KZbin that I agree with ...I agree 100% and it's great to see

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

kcm731k thank you

[@99887766554433222]

Excellent tutorial by a fitter who is experienced in the handling of a seaming iron. If you are a new to a seaming iron I would suggest while working with the iron and its hot, always sit the tray on an off cut of carpet about 2 ft square and pile down. This helps safeguard the carpet if the iron is accidentally knocked over. Or adhesive drips when you remove the iron from the seam to return it to the holder.

[@aaronmaloney8282]

very nice work , this job is very satisfying for fitters who take pride in their work, it’s a form of art . takes forever some jobs but feels great

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

yes it does

[@joshsplosh]

Been doing this job for 12 years, nice to see another professional at work, great tip about folding the tape off the gripper to start the join, will be using that one in the future. Nice vid!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

thank you

[@jamesshepherd7709]

Great vid from a great installer, Its obvious with the time skill and care taken you still have a love for the job . We do many repairs and re installations as part of the work we do, but its always good to see how others aproach similar issues.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

James shepherd Thank you and yes sir I still love the job

[@gnovincejr2]

Nice work my friend! After watching several videos before you I was in awe of the hacks in flooring/carpet industry! You've obviously done this before. Lol Sometime in tight spots I'll fold the seam tape on the strip section to help melt when it's a pain to lift out.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

gnovincejr2 Thank you

[@justsaygold]

Awesome video, thank you for the tips on starting and ending your seam.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Gold Coast Flooring Thank you Nick

[@hectorrojas9818]

Nice video! Exactly how I work!

[@neben]

awesome! Best detailed instruction i've seen!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

neben Ha ha Ha thank you very much I appreciate that

[@anonymous-jk6km]

great work!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Jason Lee thank you appreciate that

[@serpentinewolf1586]

Very informative video! Thanx for posting!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Serpentine Wolf You’re welcome

[@kevinfrederick2435]

Nice to see someone doing it correctly and explaining it very well... Coming from a second generation floor guy with over 25 experience...

[@floored3145]

Great vid . Good tips

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

jc86 thank you , glad it was helpful for you

[@backpackingireland8624]

Outstanding! Great tutorials of our trade . Here in Ireland, we are not a certified trade! That said installers normally serve 4 year apprenticeships. Lots are family affairs, brothers , sons , cousins. Pass along . You’re videos are very well done. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 Atb Tony

[@giuliopalermo245]

Excellent job. Well done.

[@chrisharm6242]

You are very talented...great video

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

chris harm thank you I appreciate that

[@bsmbB]

Nice seam. Usually when I finish my seam I put my knee on one corner as you did and use the kicker to hold the other corner open it works for me

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

bsmb091011 B That’s good

[@NoStress90s]

quality work, no cutting corners, just pure professionalism. thank you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

NoStress90s Thank you for That compliment that was very nice of you

[@1234tellmewhatyourlookingfor]

Nice trace cut , all of us have some differences. I keep my iron tray in a small box, helpers have been known to kick the iron or get tangled. It looked like you were using Robert's gt 350 tape good stuff. I buy plastic or nylon heat shields for my irons. They can be a pain but they do keep the top of iron from getting too hot. Your a very good installer and I hope you do well.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Michael Trevino Well thank you sir I appreciate that

[@Chrismartin88]

Beautiful job

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Smidgey88 Thank you

[@tomprovan50]

nice work

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

thank you again

[@MrZ28cowboy]

Great job, thank u

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

DonJuan Medina Thank you

[@LightningCarpetCareLLCApopka]

Nice work

[@armandolozada5417]

Olas amigo te felicito esa unión es en diagonal del tejido de la alfombra Eres un técnico en instalación de alfombras

[@michaellamont5115]

beautiful

[@MrFreshchico]

I like how u pay attention to detail..

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

MrFreshchico Thank you sir

[@aprilpratt775]

I just wanted to say thank you I have like 6 different strips that I got for free and they are brand new carpeting and I am pretty poor so learning how to do this is brand new to me and you mean it seems very simple I hope that it's easy way to make it look :) thanks again have a great day XO

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome, good luck ma’am

[@karupt422]

A woman doing flooring?🤔

[@aaronmaloney8282]

Very nice . Some good tips on the seaming tape and the gripper issue , cheers bro 😎

[@bigal5860]

Nice job.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

GC Carpet Tile and Grout Cleaner Thank you sir I appreciate that

[@shawngilbert4900]

Nicely done

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

William S Gilbert thank you sir

[@muhammadwaheed9771]

Good job. I know this job. 18 years experience . Saudi Arabia & UK

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

muhammad waheed thank you

[@Michael-osas]

This is Carpet installing at its best.👍👌💯

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you sir

[@andybrace4983]

Fab.....you.....las what a fantastic job

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Andy brace Thank you sir

[@rexco0315]

Nice work and very detailed instruction. The only thing I do different is apply seam sealer to the cut edges. Is there a reason you skipped that?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

At that point in my career, I was not using sealer

[@jrprimo5372]

nice job

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

John Primovic thank you

[@dennymoe4536]

Excellent.. Whenever possible I would rather drop through Berber that would trade off to add a 8ft length seam rather than cut off and have to bias angle a 3ft-er .. Your a quality mechanic. Would really like to see your techniques with berber (alot in north Cali) and especially seaming angles and cut loops.. is my 32nd year with trade aches but love the challenges and grind.. thank you

[@danieljeske7396]

Hey thanks for the videos. Next time you get a chance, could you show how you cut and seam carpet in a normal doorway, maybe like in a hallway or something? Thanks again.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Daniel Jeske I sure will I think I’m doing carpet today so I might be able to do that today for you we’ll see how it works thanks for the recommendations and thanks for watching

[@laverdad6120]

QUALITY WORK

[@davidzuniga5674]

Good job

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

DAVID ZUNIGA Thank you David

[@josephgalinauskas546]

I have been watching your videos you are an excellent installer my only question is why no seam sealer on the seams? if a seam fails it’s the 1st thing the store you installed for will look for is optical brighteners in the seam sealer if not present could be an issue I always seal my edges before I use hot glue sticks cause I use kool glide I like it cause seam peaking is less likely to occur! Just curious thanks again keep up the good work!!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Joseph Galinauskas These were some of my early videos here that you’re commenting on, I am now sealing My seams, always learning, thank you for watching

[@LENTODAWG702]

I like how you marked the seam though we usually use markers or a pen to mark it then straight edge it but that seams ALOT more accurate

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Don victory Thank you sir, it always works well for me

[@LENTODAWG702]

I want to start a KZbin channel as well all about install just like you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Don victory Well if you see my video on how much does a small KZbin channel make, you will see that you can’t make much money doing this unless you’re big time, the only reason a person would do this and keep doing it is to help people, if you have that motive and passion you will do good

[@LENTODAWG702]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys money is not the objective I just want to help and give out some tips just kind of as a hobbie

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Don victory That would be great

[@maxpopko6441]

Thank you for the video. I noticed that both carpets havent yet stretched when you did a seam. How do you stretch them after seaming? I mean, do you stretch them in both directions away from the seam, or in one direction? I have two connecting rooms with a seam between them, and I was wondering what would be an order of actions 1) seam, first, then stretch both rooms away from the seam 2) stretch one room up to the connection, then seam it, then stretch another room away from the seam

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Max Popko You could’ve want to do your first thought and stretch away from your seam you can use that area that it seemed as a tie off point, four instance you always tie off a corner of a room and then stretch away from that corner, so just act like you’re seam Is the corner that you tied off

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Max Popko I forgot to point out that you do want to stretch both directions away from the seam Just as it’s two completely separate rooms

[@brentonpierre4107]

If you stretch too hard, will it open up the seam. How long should you wait before stretching?

[@pete_the_killer5155]

Perfect cut, so after you rough cut the carpet then cut your notches you don't recommend tucking what you wanna cut off then making your seam with a loop cutter?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Not on a cross seem or diagonal seam such as this, on length seems I do

[@rivasmisael698]

What would be your best advise at the time of seaming to peaces of carpet together and not leave it over lap or leave a gape between them and have a nice, clean, and invisible seam?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Rivas Misael I will usually take my knee kicker after I push my iron forward then I will pull the opposite piece of carpet with my knee kicker until the same begins to Peak and I know the backing is touching at that time I will grab it in the glue roll it and put my weight on it , I have a ton of videos on making carpet seems, if you will check my playlist you might find some help

[@blahblahh8796]

You can always take carpet back home and practice! That’s what my father made me do when i was 15. I wasted a whole seaming tape roll but i learned little by little !

[@NeoNoggie]

Man you are an absolute master at doing carpet. Been watching your videos as I'm doing my own, but the learning curve for doing carpet is so steep! I'll be hiring a professional next time, for sure. I don't suppose you're from west Tennessee around Nashville?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Casmar Yeah actually I am from Manchester Tennessee but I live in Tucson Arizona now

[@menziest08]

Hi my man, hope your well! Where could I get that heavy duty straight edge from. I only have a lightweight one that you need to put a lot of pressure to keep in place. God bless you brother 🙏🏻

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

menziest08 I bought mine at a flooring supply warehouse called big D’s flooring supplies, it has ridges on the back of it to keep it from sliding side to side and so forth, I haven’t looked online for one maybe tolls for Flooring would have one, thank you for the Feedback, I hope you’re able to find one

[@menziest08]

FloorsbySouthernboys thanks brother, do you know the actual name for it I’m Uk based .

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

menziest08 it’s simply called a straight edge

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

here is a link to the exact same straight edge that i used here and still use!!! HOPE THIS HELPS amzn.to/2NcgN0V

[@speedshiftr88]

Call me crazy..but satisfying to watch that come together

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

speedshiftr88 LOL thank you glad you enjoyed it

[@joroberts1336]

OMG!!!... your work is amazing. I have been watching all your videos and only wish you would come to my house and take care of this carpet install for me... 😂

[@idreesqawiy]

that man is good! so i have question. what is that machine doing after you glue the two edges together?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

It is pulling the adhesive up into the backing of the carpet to give it a flat profile and a better bond

[@johngliege5365]

what was the machine you put on your seam after the carpet was together

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

John Gliege www.tools4flooring.com/search/?q=seamer%20down

[@brentonpierre4107]

How many seconds does it takes to melt the glue before moving the iron across the seaming tape?

[@tufeailmirza4906]

Any got idea how to fix a carpet join where glue has gathered and harden underneath the join , and can be felt. Need to re heat and melt the glue ?

[@brentonpierre4107]

How many seconds before moving the seaming iron?

[@BigMac-jr4th]

Maybe dumb question but what is that seamer down machine for?

[@LENTODAWG702]

I fold the seam tape at the ends over the strip that works just fine for me

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Don victory Thank you for your feedback

[@LENTODAWG702]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys everyone learned the trade in different way none are superior just depends on what you like and feel comfortable with I've been doing carpet for 7 years

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Don victory That’s great

[@joetimko889]

Only thing i would add ..is at the end you can use the flat side of your stair tool instead of your finger...lol...just helps from getting burned...lol...

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Joe Timko good point

[@Apexjasonmorganllc]

If you fold your tape on the ends it holds a lot better when you start to burn your seam.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Apex floor designs LLC/Jason Morgan Thank you for that tip

[@scarflower6838]

what carpet is this..brand and reference?

[@richardarme3654]

This is a 4 yr old video, but I’m putting my in pit anyway. Coming from a 35 yrs of experience and being a certified installer, I’ll tell you i do this totally different. First of all I always stretch across my seams before putting them together. We quit doing this method years ago. Overlapping the carpet and marking the edge with your knife can cause problems . We started using our row cutter to scribe the under piece and the cut the seam with the row cutter by following the straight edge top piece. . You don’t get any shearing of the nap . Bumping the carpet across the doorways with a knee kicker will keep the doorways from buckling in the future.

[@hamesworth]

Can you please make a video on how to cut carpet around a doorway? Like the actual cutting not types of transitions

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Yup

[@hamesworth]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys your videos are the best! Thank you!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@hamesworth Thank you

[@shawngilbert4900]

I do the same thing with my exam tape, good work man.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

William S Gilbert Thank you sir

[@adriangarcia-wm8dh]

What about a diagonal pattern carpet? Same process?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

I would try to avoid a diagonal same in a Pattern Carpet but if it is unavoidable then yes same process

[@carpetguy-sk7tp]

If that was Berber what would have you done

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

carpet guy 1970 Since that was a diagonal seam I would have matched it up and done The exact same thing

[@ejg34]

If that was berber drop that piece in to the hall, to the window wall and length seam . Never angle cut (unless you have to) berber. Your seam will be fraying before you leave the jobsite

[@mnjmh]

🏆

[@larryvawter1768]

Nice Job . Curious to know if you sealed the two edges .

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Larry Vawter No sir I did not, this was before I started Ceiling mine seems Thomas look through my videos and see where I have videos on seam sealing That is the point in my life when I started doing it, now I do it all the time

[@KYfishguy]

video idea for you: how to remove baseboards without tearing them up

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

ok, you got it, as soon as i get the opportunity , sorry for the late reply i just now seen this comment

[@xikhan559]

Just place a double door bar across. Lot less work and looks neat.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Xi Khan I have never seen anyone in the United States use those, so I’m assuming you’re from overseas

[@cali408king4]

Let's see a pattern burber diagonal

[@tommaxwell235]

NO SEAM SELLER?

[@Dave-xr4iz]

I've seen a few of you videos and you look pretty shit hot!! I liked the the way you cut the carpet a certain way so you don't ruin the naps. Just a few questions, why do you use a smooth seam roller and how good is that seamer down?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

sausage man in the factory when they twist the nap to give it the the twist that it has, it's heated up, twisted, and cooled so that it stays twisted , when seaming iron heats up the nap while making the same and you use a spike tractor or seam roller whichever you call it the spikes will actually straighten that nap out a little bit because it's heated up I don't know if you've ever had an issue with your seam looking a little fuzzy compared to the rest of the carpet that's the reason why the spiky roller we'll straighten the nap when it's heated up from the iron the smooth roller will not do that it just applies pressure and as far as the seamer down now I will never be without one again it's the best thing since bologna and cheese

[@Dave-xr4iz]

FloorsbySouthernboys hahahaha maybe you have to send me the recipe for the bologna and cheese sounds nice. You are right when I do some of my seams they do look a little fuzzy I'll have to try the smooth roller out. I keep seeing people using those noisy machines to cool the seam what do you think about it?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

they are awesome ,i use it on every seam , it does so much more than just cool the seam , it literally sucks the glue up into the backing of the carpet giving you a super tight and flat seam , plus there is no wait time you can stretch immediately

[@aaronpayne7978]

Another thing that you can do is roll your tape under itself on the tackstrip that way it doesn't dip on your strip when you seam.And try using a toilet lid on your seam cause the porcelain won't let your seam peak

[@jimaragon2110]

Also never buy cheap seaming tape, I learned the hard way that it's not worth it! ☺

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@frankbuscio741]

Forgot to latex your

[@frankbuscio741]

Why so many seams

[@briantrucks9227]

Absolutely no need to over lap and mark through the face of the carpet. If you can’t mark and cut both pieces from the same corners and have the seam edges match up I’d quit.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Brian Trucks 😮But I don’t want to quit, I love my job

[@briantrucks9227]

Good video though man. I like how you mentioned not to cut through the yarn system. Especially on an angled seam. To many new and old installers still go to deep and shear the yarns. Same goes for any cross seam. Keep up the hard work 👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Brian Trucks thank you sir

[@randywl8925]

The only difference between cutting arteries and severing tendons or simply poking your finger is how fast you work your blade. I'll be honest. it scares the crap out of me every time I see this. There is nothing to be gained by whipping and hacking the excess carpet this quickly. The least case scenario is you will cut a piece of carpet a half inch short and have to repair that. I've watched you and other people doing videos with the same whipping,/ hacking motion with a razor knife. Bad things happen fast. I wish you'd slow down when making relief cuts and trimming off excess material Speed is not necessary in a situation like this. I noticed this is an old video and you have slowed down 5% when making cuts like this..... ...... Part of my concern is other installers seeing this type of maneuver with a knife and thinking that they also have to move this quickly. They do not. If you can slice your finger when making a trim cut then you can obviously do severe damage when using your knife like a machete. Have you ever seen electricians moving at the speed of flooring installers? Have you ever seen plumbers moving at the same speed as flooring installers? With all my bitching, I'm a total fan of your channel. Keep doing what you're doing, 👍 .....and I'm only 1 minute 7 seconds into this video. 😉

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😂👍👍

[@daveparkes8539]

Installation 101... you didn't use a seam sealer. That voids the warranty. 45° seams should be prestretched then seamed. Sliding the carpet together at the end can squish the glue into a pile and ooze up.

[@SohailKhan-zd6ew]

Sorry boss gripper tape not a original

[@dustystinson1891]

Why give away all your secrets?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Dusty Stinson I just try to do my part to help others better themselves and their work

[@dustystinson1891]

I'm surprised your not using a koolglide . What's your take on them? I've been using mine for a few years now . It took awhile to learn it's functionality, but I swear by it now .

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Dusty Stinson I just never have used one so I could not give you no opinion on one other than what I have seen evidence of during installs , You can see my video “does the kool glide” suck

[@dustystinson1891]

I can assure you that the seam in your video was done wrong . I had some burning when I first started out with the kool glide ( nothing like that lol ) and I was doing it on test peices at the shop . It does take some major getting used to , but once you are used to it , it's a great system. I'm not a perfect installer, I consider myself a quality installer and personally overall I could not go back. I have not had 1 complaint or problem since I've started using it. And not that I did regularly before but there was the odd seam that I myself knew could have been better, and now I find I and personally satisfied with all of my seams on the first shot every time . The tape is reasonably priced , and you can use the seamer down as well no issues . You hardly need to use a tractor man I kid you not !

[@dustystinson1891]

I make area rugs and transport them to customers homes even !

[@chrissharp73]

First off, what's with all the butt seams? Second, you just cut across multiple rows and didn't use any thermo on the seams. If it was a side seam I could POSSIBLY understand it but now the ends are exposed. That's a fail. I hope you at least power stretched it. And I'll bet you got a lot of passes on your corners from not stretching first then releasing. The only good thing I see on here is that seamer down. Love mine.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Chris Sharpless Thank you that was awful considerate of you to Erase the other comment, all opinions are welcome here, thank you for commenting and thank you for watching, and FYI I’ve got almost 30 years in, and I’ve only had One faulty seam and it was because of defective carpet, the inspector came out and inspected it, there was no seam sealer On it and he still declared it faulty carpet and replaced it

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Chris Sharpless but just for the sake of people complaining about it if you will notice in my later videos I have started using the peak buster 😁😁

[@chrissharp73]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys if you're not constantly learning in this trade then you're no better than your last install. Good to hear you're using a sealer.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Chris Sharpless Thank you and I learn new things Almost daily

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Chris Sharpless I always try to do better than I did yesterday, always evolving

[@tiletom9118]

Plot twist....... Diagonal seam in berber???

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Tile Tom i’m not sure what you mean by plot twist but if you want a diagonal seam in Berber The next opportunity I get I will definitely do it

[@tiletom9118]

FloorsbySouthernboys, Was just making a joke. A diagonal seam in berber is more difficult to make right than a medim pile plush. I been in the floor installation business for almost 20 yrs. I watch videos to pick up little tricks that make my life easier. Like your seam tape trick. I use hot melt on my ends but can eliminate that step now. Dont matter how long you do something there's always something to learn. ;)

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Tile Tom Yes sir I feel the same way I learn more stuff all the time

[@99887766554433222]

Excellent tutorial by a fitter who is experienced in the handling of a seaming iron. If you are a new to a seaming iron I would suggest while working with the iron and its hot, always sit the tray on an off cut of carpet about 2 ft square and pile down. This helps safeguard the carpet if the iron is accidentally knocked over. Or adhesive drips when you remove the iron from the seam to return it to the holder.