How to Glue Down Carpet

The main reason to glue down carpet is to keep it in place. This method of fastening the carpet to the floor works extremely well in a number of situations and unlike using tack strips it is quite easy.

Step 1 – Clean Floor

Use a vacuum or a broom to thoroughly clean the floor. You must make sure that there is no dust left over before you begin. Dampen a mop very lightly and mop up the floor to fully remove any remaining dust. If there are any nails which are sticking up then either remove them or pound them down until they are flat against the surface. Allow the floor to dry for a few hours before continuing.

Step 2 – Roll the Carpet

Take your carpet roll and roll it out on the floor. Pull it in place until one side of the carpet is fully flush with one wall. Roll the other side out to the second wall. Use your putty knife to press down on each side of the carpet until it is tightly rolled up to each wall. You will probably need to cut the carpet to fit the room properly. Use a utility knife to do this. If you are struggling to cut the carpet with the knife then replace the blade.

Step 3 – Glue First Side

Start on one side of the room and pull the carpet back about half the distance of the room. Use a trowel to apply a layer of glue to each of the outside corners. The area covered by glue should be between 12 and 16 inches in length. Pull the carpet back into position and smooth it out until there are no wrinkles. Use a straight piece of wood or hard plastic to press the carpet down into the glue.

Step 4 – Glue Second Side

Pull the second side of the carpet out about half way carefully. When doing this it is important to make sure that you do not pull too far and you do not shift the side you have already glued. Apply a layer of glue in the remaining corners and pull the carpet back in place and press it down into the glue.

Step 5 – Finishing it Up

Smooth the carpet out using your foot. A roller can also be used for this purpose. Make sure you have removed any wrinkles or creases which formed in the carpet during the process. Stand in each corner where the glue was placed for several minutes. Once you have performed this step, allow the glue to cure for at least 24 hours before anyone walks on it. Once it has had time to dry, test the carpet to ensure that it is securely mounted to the flooring it was installed in by gently pulling near the corners where the glue was placed.

That's all there is to gluing down carpet. It's time to enjoy your handiwork!