Carpet seams can stick out on your flooring like a sore thumb. However, you can minimize them or remove them completely from high-traffic areas using the right method. We have researched ways to reduce carpet seams in these areas, and in the post, we will go over them.
The best way to hide carpet seams will depend on the type of carpet that you have and the cause of the seams. However, common methods include using a brush, glue gun, carpet adhesive, or a roller and going over the seams of the carpet until they appear more blended. If the seams are caused by fraying or badly installed carpet, you may need to repair the areas and then reattach them.
Minor carpet seams can be fixed by simply vacuuming or brushing the carpet. This will help blend the seams by fluffing and pumping the fibers up, which will, in turn, close any gaps in this area. In this post, we'll talk more about how to get rid of these seams and prevent them. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Methods to Hide Carpet Seams in High-Traffic Areas
Often, carpet seams are caused by badly installed carpet. For example, if the carpet is not pre-stretched, it may develop seams almost immediately. Also, if the edges of the carpet aren't rolled back after they are laid flat, it can cause seams to develop.
Seams may also come from the synthetic backing on tufted carpets, as it can cause them to shrink or curl if they are exposed to too much direct heat during installation. Some carpet seams are unnoticeable, and some can become focal points.
However, if your carpet has obvious overlays and gaps, it's best to repair these areas. Let's look at ways to do it.
Apply Carpet Tape
Carpet tape is typically the go-to method when it comes to getting rid of seams. Not only is it an inexpensive choice but it's fairly easy to install. This particular solution works well for high-traffic areas, as it can help keep the carpet laid flat against the floor during everyday wear and tear. This is how to apply it:
- Use a tape measure to measure the seam that needs to be repaired.
- Next, measure and then cut the carpet tape that you'll use to repair the seam and be sure that the tape fits the carpet length.
- Pull the carpet back so that about 6 or 7 inches of backing on both sides of the seam are visible.
- Then take a pencil and draw a straight line on the edge of the floor where the carpet meets. This will be where you'll apply the tape.
- Next, place a weight on the carpet to hold it in place while you remove the adhesive from the carpet tape.
- Place the carpet tape over the penciled area that you drew on the floor. Make sure to apply the tape evenly. Go back over it with your hand so that it's firmly pressed against the floor.
- Afterward, roll the edge of the carpet back down on top of the tape and go over it with your hand a few times so that it adheres well.
- Brush the carpet with a roller to hide the seam.
- Then apply the weight or heavy object to the repaired area and let it sit on there for one to two hours before allowing traffic in the area.
Find this carpet tape on Amazon.
Use A Seam Sealer
A seam sealer is another great option for getting rid of peaks and visible seams in your carpet. This solution is the best option when you have carpet seams on the ends of the carpet that have come loose because of everyday wear and tear. Here are the steps to use it:
- Start by lifting the carpet to expose the seam. If the seam is located between two separate carpeted areas, be sure to lift both of them. There should be about 5 to 6 inches of carpet backing visible so that you can apply the seam adhesive.
- Then, take your seam adhesive and apply it directly to the back of the carpet edges. Only apply a thin strip of about 1/8th of an inch wide. Be sure to apply the adhesive to both sides where they join.
- Next, lay the carpet back down and place a weight on it so that the seam adhesive bonds well.
- Let the weight stay there for a few hours before allowing traffic.
Check out this seam sealer adhesive on Amazon.
Use a Glue Gun
If the carpet has a significantly large or high seam in the high-traffic area, hot glue may be a better option. This also works well on carpet areas that have frayed edges, as it will allow you to join them back together easily. Here's how to use it:
- Start by inspecting the carpet for any frayed fibers. Then cut these fibers with your carpet shears. Be sure not to cut the carpet too low, as it may create a dent in the seam.
- Add a glue stick to your glue gun and wait for it to heat up. Be careful where you set the glue gun while it's heating, as you don't want to accidentally burn your floor.
- Lift the carpeted area beneath the seam so that it's exposed. You should have a few inches of visible backing on each side. This is where you'll place your glue.
- Once the gun is hot enough, place a light, thin strip of glue along the length of the edges.
- Next, lay the carpet back over the area and brush it with your carpet roller.
- Then place a weight over the carpet seam and let it sit there for a few hours.
Is it normal to see carpet seams?
For the most part, carpets seams shouldn't be visible. This can distract from the overall decor of the room and take attention from the main focal points. However, preventing seams in a larger room can be more challenging, which is why they're more acceptable.
But in smaller rooms, carpet seams will be more noticeable. This is why it's better to prevent them during the installation process.
There are some seams, however, that are universally unacceptable. This includes those with high peaks or that cause an obvious gap or overlay in the carpet. And of course, this is always exacerbated when the carpet pile is low or dark-colored.
Do seams in carpet go away?
It depends on the type of seam and its cause. Some seams will remain in place until they're repaired using one of the aforementioned methods. Other seams will simply go away with time (and vacuuming), provided they're relatively low and located in high-traffic areas.
Smaller seams in high-pile carpets will also be less visible over time. You can also steam clean the carpet (which causes the fibers to expand) to help speed up the process to get rid of the seam.
How do I put two pieces of carpet together?
To put two pieces of carpet together, you'll need to apply some form of adhesive between them at the seam. For this, you can use a glue gun with glue sticks, carpet sealer adhesive, or carpet tape. All of these methods are very effective at bonding the carpet to the floor.
However, the glue gun method will work best in high-traffic areas, as the adhesive is the strongest and most durable out of all of the options.
What type of carpet hides seams the best?
High-pile carpets and those with plush fibers with loops will hide seams the best. For example, Berber and shag carpets are excellent at hiding seams.
Wrapping Things Up
If you have carpet seams in a high-traffic area of your home, there are a few methods that you can use depending on how visible the seam is.
You can use glue, adhesive, or carpet tape to help hide the seam. The type of carpet that you have will also factor into how well it hides seams—with high-pile, looped carpets being the best at it.
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