Adding Boat Carpet

If you want to customize your boat, you can add carpet for added comfort and eye catching style. Installing carpet is not a difficult task as the area is not as large as it would be in your home. When you select the color and style of carpet you want to install, ensure that manufacturer recommends it for a boat. Carpet that is made for boats is treated to be moisture and UV resistant. Carpet that isn't specially treated will attract mold and odor.

Step 1 - Prepare the Room

Before installing your carpet, you will want to ensure that the surface and smooth and free of dirt and debris. If the area that the carpet is going to be installed has any previous carpeting, you will want to ensure that there are no lumpy spots from glue. Use a medium grade sand paper to sand down the glue.

Step 2 - Prepare the Carpet

Lay the carpet out in the sun for 15 to 30 minutes. The carpet will be more pliable and the sun will act as an iron to get most of the wrinkles out. After the time has elapsed, you will be ready for installation. After you have measured the room, apply the dimensions of the room to the back of the carpet using a chalk line to snap down cut dimensions.

It is important that your measurements are accurate. While it is difficult to not have seams when applying carpet in a house, try at all costs to avoid seams in marine carpet. However, if seams are necessary, make sure that the separated pieces are arranged so that the piles are going in the same direction. This will make the seams less obvious to others. After you have made your chalk impressions, use your scissors to make the cuts.

Step 3 - Spread the Glue

Depending upon the consistency of the glue you have chosen, one gallon of glue can cover approximately 90 square feet. You may only need one gallon of glue depending on the area you are carpeting. You will have to be expedient in laying the carpet on top of the glue because it dries quickly. With your partner and putty knife in hand, begin spreading the glue.

Step 4 - Laying the Carpet

As your partner is applying the glue in small areas, begin laying the carpet down behind him. As you are laying the carpet, be sure that you are smoothing it out thoroughly to remove any wrinkles and buckling.

Step 5 - Final Touches

After the carpet has been placed over the entire area, visually inspect your work for any inconsistencies. If you laid the carpet correctly, there should be no wrinkles and lumps.