Carpet Buyer’s Checklist: How to Prepare for your Carpet Installation

Buying a new carpet runner for your hallway/staircase is an important purchase, as this section of carpeting is frequently used by you and visitors to your home. Naturally, you will want it fitted safely and securely, to ensure it doesn’t slip and that you get the maximum lifespan out of it.

runrug.com are in touch with a number of highly recommended carpet installation specialists. On buying a carpet runner from us, we will put you in touch with a carpet fitter in your area. In the meantime, here are some installation preparation tips for you to take note off before the carpet fitter comes to install your lovely new carpet runner.

Know what to Expect

At the time your carpet fitting appointment is set, make sure you are aware of the services your carpet fitter will provide for you in their quotation. For example, they may charge extra to move your furniture for you.

Carpet comes Last

Make sure that if you are in the midst of redecorating, you have completed the wallpapering or painting before the carpet is installed. This will ensure that your new carpets are not at risk from being ruined by spilled paint etc…

Remove Doors

The nearby interior doors will need to be taken off their hinges temporally while your carpet is being installed. If your new carpet runner is thicker than the layer of carpet that was there before, you may need to trim your doors down to accommodate the new thicker carpet, before you re-hang them.

Remove Surrounding Wires and Electrical Goods

Make sure that there is no trailing wires lying around or other obstacles which might get in the way of the carpet fitter doing his job.

Clean the old Carpet

By vacuuming your existing carpet, you will reduce the amount of dust that will become airborne when the old carpet is ripped up. Once the old carpet is removed, also vacuum the sub-floor below it, before the new carpet is placed on top.

Check your Sub-Flooring

Make sure that your new carpet is going to be fitted on top of a structurally sound and secure floor. Check your floorboards for gaps and damage and fill in any gaps that exceed 3mm with latex patching and a putty knife.  You can also sand any level discrepancies, to ensure the floor is flat. You may also need to scuff-sand glossy hardwood floors, to ensure carpet cohesion. If you decide to have hardwood floors in the future, these sanded-down boards can be restored and re-waxed when the time comes.

Check your Order

runrug.com offer all of our customers a 30 day ‘no quibble’ returns policy. However, when your new carpet runner arrives, make sure that you check that it’s the right size, colour, texture and there are no signs of damage. To ensure that you do not make a mistake in measuring your carpet runner in the first instance, check out this handy carpet runner measuring guide.

Plan for the Old carpet

If you are having carpeting removed to make way, make sure that you are agreed with your fitter as to who will dispose of the old carpeting. If it is you who has to get rid of it, check out your local recycling options.

Fresh Air is Vital

Make sure that before your carpet fitting specialist arrives, you have provided them with a fresh supply of air, as that ‘new carpet smell’ can become a bit over powering. Keep windows and doors open to allow ventilation of the area.

Clear an area

Once your old carpet has been removed, clear an area in your home where the carpet fitter can temporarily place the old carpet before its removal.

If you have any more questions or queries regarding your new carpet runner installation, get in touch with one of our customer services team, we’re happy to help. Call us on 01472 287044 or email helpuk@runrug.com

Photo By: Emily May