Like most textile products (e.g., t-shirts and jeans), carpets are known to stretch. You don’t need to be a professional to notice when your carpet needs some attention. If it looks baggier and more relaxed than when you first installed it, consider giving it a nice stretch.
Other signs that suggest you have loose carpeting are waves, wrinkles, and ripples created due to high traffic across the carpet. As soon as you notice these signs, it is essential to restretch your carpet and make it even to avoid permanent damage.
Don’t know how to Stretch Carpet?
Keep reading to find out how to stretch your carpet to preserve its functional and aesthetic value.
How to Stretch a Carpet
An incorrectly installed carpet may be wrinkled from day one. But even the most professionally installed carpet will eventually need some form of repair. The corners can loosen due to high humidity, degraded adhesive, and other factors beyond your control.
Is it possible to stretch the corner of the carpeting by myself? If so, do I need specialized tools? These are some of the most common questions asked by homeowners. While many DIY enthusiasts who want to save a few bucks might prefer to tackle the project by themselves, carpet restretching is a labor-intensive process, so be prepared to work.
Before you start, you will need a pry bar, a pair of pliers, a utility knife, work gloves, a screwdriver, a knee kicker, and a power stretcher. These items are expensive, so if you only need to stretch the carpeting on one side of the room, calling in a professional carpeting installation team might be a better option.
If you decide to do it by yourself, here is how to do it:
Step 1: Clear the Room
First, it is essential to remove all furniture and home decor items from the carpet. Once you remove everything, vacuum the floor to ensure the workspace is clean.
Step 2: Pull the Carpet
Use the pliers to pull up the carpet around the room. Usually, the carpet is stuck to a tack strip, so make sure to pull gently to protect your carpet.
Step 3: Place the Carpet Stretcher
Learning how to stretch a carpet is not difficult but it requires being careful of every move you make. Press the power stretcher against the wood piece to avoid breakage. Some carpet stretchers come with an extension pole, which you can extend to the opposite wall.
Step 4: Start Stretching
Once you lock the stretcher onto the carpet, you can adjust the tool’s tension. If the tool requires more strength, you will need to readjust the tool and use less pressure. Repeat the process until a smooth and tight carpet covers the floor.
Step 5: Cut the Carpet
Now that you are done with the stretching, the carpet may appear larger. Trim the excess carpet or tuck it underneath the baseboard.
If you don’t have the necessary equipment, don’t know how to stretch a carpet, or aren’t comfortable doing it by yourself, your best option is to work with professionals.
Contact us today at 206-488-0169 to discuss your carpet stretching needs.