Installing new carpets can be an exciting moment for homeowners. However, during the installation, where should the carpet seams be placed? We have taken the time to explain the answer to this question in this article.
When installing carpet, the seams should be placed as so:
- Perpendicular to sunlight
- Close to the wall
- Away from high traffic areas
- Not under furniture
- Starting at the farthest corner of the room
As you can see, when installing carpet, you want to make sure that it is aesthetically pleasing. That's why in this article, we will take a closer look at the best place to put the carpet seams. In addition, we answer other frequently asked questions about installing carpet, so read on!
Where Should Carpet Seams Be Placed?
Carpet seams are the joining of two pieces of carpet. In any room, you will have a directional flow that should be considered when installing a new carpet.
When installing your carpets, you want to ensure that the seams are going in a different direction than the flow. This will create a cohesive look and feel for the room.
The other important thing to pay attention to is how high-traffic areas are situated in relation to where you're placing your seams.
For example, if you have a living room with the kitchen off from it, it is best not to put the seam under your table as that would be considered a high-traffic area.
How to Install Carpet with Seams
To visualize how the seams should be placed, you need to start at the corner of the room. Installing carpet is like building a puzzle; it will be challenging to connect all pieces later on if you start at one end. So instead, start in the back right corner and work your way around the room.
When you reach a wall, measure the distance from the corner to the edge of the wall. This is how much carpet you will need to cut. Be sure to make allowances for doorways and other obstructions in the room.
Once you have your measurements, it's time to cut the carpet. You can use a carpet cutter or a utility knife to do this. Don't forget, when cutting the second piece of carpet, make sure it is going in the opposite direction. To visualize this visually, look at how your body is naturally spaced in a cross pattern.
Why Does Carpet Seam Location Matter?
You could have beautiful carpets in your home, but if the seams are in an odd place, it will ruin the room's entire aesthetic.
When you're planning where to put your carpet seams, use the method stated above and avoid putting them under heavy traffic areas or in direct sunlight. In addition, do not put a seam under furniture used often as that would be a high traffic area.
By following these simple tips, you can have beautiful carpets with invisible seams!
Will New Carpet Seams Go Away?
Carpet seams will usually start to disappear over time. However, if they are placed in the wrong spot, they may never go away.
For example, high traffic areas or seams under furniture can cause more wear and tear on the carpet, which will make the seams more visible.
If you have a problem with your carpet seams, contact a professional carpet installer to help solve this problem. They will have the knowledge and tools needed to make those seams disappear!
In addition, many homeowners decide to fix their carpet seams. Therefore, it is also important that you have a level surface for the repair and some adhesive, strong nylon thread/waxed dental floss, a curved needle, and a straight edge.
To fix the seams, follow these simple steps:
- Cutaway any loose fibers around the seam with scissors
- Remove any old adhesive with a putty knife
- Apply a new layer of adhesive to both surfaces of the seam
- Place the two pieces of carpet together and use a roller to press them down
- Sew the pieces together using a curved needle and strong nylon thread/waxed dental floss
- Use a straight edge to trim excess threads from the seam.
Keep in mind that carpet seams will be more noticeable to the homeowner. The reason being is that you will know they are there. However, if they are placed correctly, then guests more than likely won't even notice them.
The concern isn't so much that guests or potential buyers will carpet seams. Instead, the genuine concern is that the carpet will be more prone to wear and tear if they aren't placed correctly.
How Do you Make Carpet Seams Less Noticeable?
Besides following the above advice, you can make carpet seams less noticeable by using a seaming iron. This device will help to heat the seam and make it less visible.
When using a seaming iron, be sure that the adhesive is applied evenly to both seam surfaces. If it's not, then the seam may come apart over time.
Additionally, you can use seaming tape. This is a particular type of tape designed to cover up seams.
Be sure to read the directions on the package before using this tape, as it may not be compatible with all types of adhesive.
Although seaming tape can be a great way to hide your seams, it's important to note that it will add an extra layer of thickness to your carpet.
Carpet seams can be a bit of a headache to deal with, but by following these simple tips, you can have beautiful carpets that look seamless!
What Can Go Wrong with Carpet Installation?
There are a few things that can go wrong with your carpet installation.
For example, if the seams are not placed correctly, the carpets will be more prone to wear and tear. In addition, if the adhesive is not applied evenly, then the seams may come apart over time.
Another common mistake is that the carpet is not cut correctly. This can lead to bunching and visible seams.
It's also important to note that seaming tape can be a great way to hide your seams, but it will add an extra layer of thickness to your carpet.
These are just a few of the mistakes that can be made during your carpet installation. Even if you have your professional carpet installed, these issues can arise.
There are ways you can tell if your carpet was installed correctly, so read on!
How Do you Tell if your Carpet was Installed Correctly?
There are a few ways to tell if your carpet was installed correctly. For example, you can check the seams for evenness. If they are not even, the installation was likely not done correctly.
In addition, you can check the edges of the carpet for straightness. If they are not straight, the installation was likely not done correctly.
If the edges are bunched, then your carpet wasn't cut correctly. This will lead to an unprofessional look and affect how it wears over time.
Another way you can check for carpet installation errors is to look at the seams themselves. If you see any bubbles or ripples in the seam, the installation was likely not done correctly. These are signs that you should contact your installer and have them come back to fix the mistakes.
How Tight Should the Carpet Be?
In order for your carpet installation to look its best, the carpet must be tight. The carpet should be stretched up to two percent of its cut dimensions to be technical.
For example, if your carpet was cut to be 10 feet wide, you want it to be taut enough that the width is stretched out to 11 feet. This will ensure it looks best when installed.
When the carpet is not pulled tight, it's more likely to buckle and wrinkle. Wrinkles can also be a sign that the carpet is not installed correctly.
If you're having trouble getting your carpet to stretch tight, you can use a carpet stretcher. This is a unique tool that helps to tighten the carpet and remove any wrinkles.
Ideally, the carpet should be installed to have a slight tension on it when pulled. If you can take the carpet and stretch it to where you can hear it snap back, then it's too tight.
Lastly, if the carpet does not stretch when pulled, then there isn't enough tension on the carpet, leading to wrinkles over time.
Final Thoughts
Overall, installing carpet takes some strategy to make it look great. However, when it is stretched properly and the seams are correctly placed, you will have a carpet installation that looks its best. If you plan on doing the carpet installation yourself, then be sure to take your time and rent/buy the right tools for the job.
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