The Carpet Needs Cutting

The key to installing professional looking carpet is to take your time and give each section the same amount of care and attention.

The carpet needs cutting.

You may need to change the blade several times during a large carpet project. Cut two or three feet then scoot back and resume cutting from a comfortable position. Place a long straightedge down to draw a marker line on the back of the carpet where a straight cut is required and then keep the straightedge on that line as you make the cut. It s usually easier to cut carpet from the back so when cutting it into small sections fold a section over revealing the back then slice through the woven backing with a utility or carpet knife.

Cut through the painter s tape and carpet with a utility knife. Pull the edges off the tack strip along the wall and roll up the carpet piece to be discarded. If there s no need to save the carpet it is easier to cut the carpet into smaller sections with a utility knife and move the sections out one at a time.