Carpeting over concrete floors can be a quick, affordable and smart way to warm up a cool room, reduce noise in your workplace and turn a bland and uninspiring space into somewhere warm and inviting. This task can be simple, but it does require planning, patience and the right tools.
Choosing The Right Carpet
As concrete is a cold hard surface and a carpet creates a warm layer on top, there is a danger of condensation and damp forming on the underside of the carpet. For the best results, invest in a good-quality synthetic underlay to provide extra cushioning and a barrier between your carpet and the floor.
For a commercial environment, consider a carpet that can stand up to heavy wear and aggressive cleaning. While carpets like these might not create that luxurious and cosy atmosphere, they are incredibly practical, and they will still soften up the feel of the space and reduce noise. Pattern matching is tricky for first-time carpet installers, so stick with a neutral scheme.
Preparation
As with any DIY job, most of the hard work lies in preparing for work. In addition, taking the time to do a good job on the preparation can make a huge difference to the way your carpet looks and lasts.
Empty the room completely, clean the floor thoroughly and check for any damp, mould and drainage issues. Resolve these before installing your carpet. Remove doors and skirting boards to make installation easier and remember to sand the bottoms of the doors to be sure they close smoothly over your new carpet.
Fill any cracks in your floor and use a levelling product to even out the surface. Allow plenty of time for these to dry thoroughly and make sure your room is a stable temperature and not too humid. Be sure to keep the room well ventilated while installing your carpet and preparing the surface.
Installation
Lay your gripper rod around the perimeter of the room. Work around the room, a wall at a time, and attach the strip to the floor using masonry nails. Leave a gap between the gripper rod and the wall that roughly corresponds to the depth of the carpet’s pile, as this is where you will tuck the carpet under for a snug fit.
Place down your underlay, keeping seams close together and sealing with duct tape. Use a utility knife to remove any excess. Measure the area you are covering and cut the carpet to size, plus an extra 15cm all around. Use seam tape and a steam iron in locations where seams meet.
Lay your carpet out and use a knee kicker to ensure it sits snugly in the far corner. Work back into the room, starting in the centre of a wall and working towards each corner, ensuring the carpet lies flat and is securely gripped.
Finally, cut off the excess and push the carpet into the gap between the gripper rod and the wall. Finally, reinstate your doors and skirting boards.
Sound a bit too much like hard work? Our carpet company in Melbourne specialises in commercial carpet sales and offers a high-quality installation service. Contact the team today for help and advice.
