A poorly seamed carpet can look sloppy, and if you don't cut and join the edges correctly, the carpet will start unraveling.After you position the seam, you have to choose between using a seaming iron or quick glue.It depends on which method you feel most comfortable following.
Step 1: The carpet should be positioned well.
If you plan the seam, it will fall out in an area that gets very little foot traffic.It's better to place it underneath furniture than in the center of the room.The seam is hidden to make it less noticeable.Even a good seam can still be seen from time to time, so hiding it will make your room look more professional and neat.
Step 2: Put the two pieces together.
When you lay them down, the two pieces of carpet should overlap by 2 to 3 inches.You should seam each piece of carpet at least 4 feet wide.You should match the nap on the pieces of carpet being seamed together.If the carpet has a pattern, that should also be matched.
Step 3: The top line is marked.
To mark a line on the back side of your carpet, use white chalk.The line should be half the width of the overlap.Depending on how much overlap you have, the line should be 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the carpet.
Step 4: The top piece should be trimmed.
Cut along the chalk line with a sharp blade.This edge will be the new edge of your top piece, so cut as straight a line as possible.It may be possible to use a straightedge like a meter stick.While trimming the top, do not cut into the bottom piece.You should use a carpet knife to make this cut.A standard utility knife might work in the absence of a carpet knife, but it won't be as easy or practical to use.To cut away more backing than fiber, angle the cutter slightly.
Step 5: The bottom piece should be trimmed.
Make a series of 2-inch (5- cm) cuts into the bottom piece along the edge of the top by pressing it firmly against the other piece.The edge of the bottom piece should be trimmed completely.The cuts should be 2 to 3 feet apart.To trim the bottom piece, use a straightedge and carpet knife.To find the guiding cuts more easily, you may want to use scissors to cut from the edge of the carpet to the center.
Step 6: You should mark the location.
The two pieces should fit together.To mark a line on the floor, lift up one edge and use chalk.If your carpet gets bumped as you work, you can use this line to help match up the edges again.
Step 7: Put double-sided tape on.
Place a wide strip of double-sided tape on the floor.The chalk line you drew on the floor should be centered over this tape.The edges should be folded back during this step.Don't lay them back down until you're told to.With both pieces of carpet out of the way and the tape perfectly centered between them, it's time to peel off the protective paper.
Step 8: Put one piece in place.
Press the carpet firmly on the double-sided tape.Don't lower the other carpet piece yet.
Step 9: The glue should be applied.
Place a thin line of carpet glue along the edge of your piece.Make sure the glue is close to the edge.All the way down the edge, use enough glue to form an even line.You need more than a few small beads, but you shouldn't apply the glue in clumps.
Step 10: Put the second piece down.
Carefully let down the other piece of carpet, flattening its edge against the edge of the first piece.The edges need to be joined together evenly.Press down on the edges until you can smooth them out.The nap should stay out of the glue.The back of the carpet needs to be put in place.
Step 11: Take care of the seam.
While the glue is wet, wipe it off with a damp rag.The seam should be fixed with a rolling pin or seam roller.When the carpet is dry, brush the fibers along the seam with a carpet brush.It will help mask the seam.If you are using seam glue, this completes the process.
Step 12: The seam should be positioned as usual.
Seam ironing is an alternative method of ironing.The same preparation and positioning steps need to be followed.If you follow the steps listed in the "Positioning the Seam" section, you won't have to worry about applying seam glue.
Step 13: The seam should be applied with a seam seal.
Carefully lift back both edges of the carpet and apply a thin bead of seam sealer along the cut edge of one piece.Make sure that the top portion of the carpet is not affected by the sealer.The carpet will be protected from unraveling.Work quickly.The rest of the process is wet.
Step 14: Take a piece of seaming tape.
Put a piece of seaming tape on the floor.The tape should be wide enough to extend the entire length of the seam.Since seaming tape is not double sided, you may need to hold the edges down with a weight or board to prevent the tape from moving as you work.
Step 15: Put the pieces together.
Start from the sealed edge and end with the unsealed edge.Press the edges together.The seam between the two pieces should be centered over the seaming tape.The second piece should not fall apart if the seam sealer gets on the second edge.
Step 16: Put a seaming iron on the tape.
Press the carpet into the seaming tape with a special iron.Work your way down the seam.As you heat it, the tape becomes stickier.As you work, push the edges into the hot glue.Pull on the pieces after you've worked your way down the carpet.Go back over that point with your seaming iron if the seam appears loose.
Step 17: The seam should look neater.
You can use the cleaner recommended on the label to clean up residual sealer.If you want to mask the seam, you should brush the carpet with a carpet brush.If you are using a seaming iron, this is the final step.