Updated 13/11/23
Purchasing new carpeting is exciting until it’s time to pay the bill! In fact, some buyers decide that carpet fitting isn’t that hard, and they can do the work themselves rather than hiring a professional carpet fitting team. However, that’s not a very good idea for many reasons.
In the following sections, we’ll look at why a DIY carpet fitting isn’t usually the right idea. Let’s get started!
1. Inexperience Can Lead to Spending More
Carpet is not as simple as buying a roll and laying it out, something like a rug. There’s a lot that goes into ensuring the carpet is the right size, fits all the angles in the space, and more. As a DIY job, you may not have the experience to handle the more complex parts of installing carpet. These can include:
- Seam attachments
- Tight corners
- Covering stairs
- And more
One mistake and you may ruin a large part of the carpet. Such a big mistake would require you to buy additional pieces of carpeting to fix this one mistake. But if you make more than one serious mistake, you’ll have to buy a lot more carpeting.
2. Laying Carpet Requires Specialty Tools
Do you have all the right tools to lay carpeting? It takes many specialised tools to install carpeting, including the following:
- Carpet knife
- Utility knife
- Knee kicker
- Carpet stretcher
- Seam roller
- Staple gun
- Stair chisel
Buying these tools may be possible; however, that’s a pretty expensive investment for tools that will sit around and gather dust once your carpet installation is completed.
3. Carpet Manufacturers May Not Honour Their Warranties for DIY Carpet Fitting
Many carpet manufacturers offer warranties for their carpets; however, these warranties are usually only available for professional installation. This makes sense because the manufacturer can’t guarantee their products will last when installed incorrectly.
If you have flooring issues in the future, it’s best to have the warranty intact. This is like having insurance for your car or health—a carpet warranty can save you a ton of money if the carpet is damaged or experiences product failure.
4. Quality of Installation May Suffer
Another consideration is that a DIY carpet installation may not have the same quality as work done by professionals. Fitting your carpet yourself can definitely save money; that’s true. But if the carpet is not laid correctly, it may not look good or last as long as it should.
You could have problems such as carpet that’s loose or wavy, or has visible seams, and more.
5. Laying Carpet Takes a Lot of Time
Carpet fitting usually includes the following steps:
- Removing all the furniture from the room
- Removing the old carpet (and disposing of it)
- Flooring cleaning (cleaning up the dust and dirt under the old carpet or flooring)
- New carpet fitting
- Putting all the furniture back again
- Removing & trimming doors (if the new carpet is thicker than the old carpet)
Each of these steps involves plenty of labour and time. For instance, it can take over an hour to clean the flooring before you’re ready to lay the carpet. Without proper training and experience, carpet fitting in only one room can take 4-5 hours or more.
6. It’s Hard Work
Carpet fitting is also pretty hard work. If you’ve not worked out in quite a while, being out of shape can make laying a carpet quite a struggle.
When is DIY Right?
There’s no one right answer, and there may be times when DIY installation is the right choice. Consider these questions if you’re considering a DIY carpet fitting project:
How much carpet are you installing? Are you doing the entire house? Are you fixing one area or doing an entire flooring renovation? If you’re only putting in new carpet in one room or a small space, this may be a good time to do the project yourself. However, if you’re installing carpet in the entire house, that’s a job best left to the professionals.
Next, consider the room your carpeting. Is it a spare room that doesn’t get much attention? If so, this could make a great DIY project. What’s the shape of the room? Are there stairs involved? If you’re installing carpet in a large space or an oddly-shaped room, that’s another job that’s best to leave to professional carpet fitters.
In these cases, a DIY carpet installation may be a great choice. However, remember that carpet is a big investment. You want to ensure it’s installed correctly. For the best outcome, hiring a professional carpet fitter is the right choice.
Why Use a Professional Carpet Fitter?
There are many reasons to choose a professional carpet fitter over doing the work yourself. For instance, carrying a carpet is not easy. Professionals know how to carry carpets correctly. It’s a fact that carpeting can be heavy to lift. In addition, they also know how to avoid damaging walls or other fixtures when carrying carpets.
What’s more, a large carpet could become damaged if it’s not folded to get it through the doorway.
Floor Preparation
Preparing the floor for the new carpet is an essential part of the work. This can include repairing the subflooring, joists, and more. In addition, the underlay must be laid smoothly, without creases or bubbles, to help the new carpet lay flat and smooth.
Carpet Fitting
There’s more to fitting a carpet, too. The carpet must be stretched using special tools and bolstered with gripper rods to remove any air pockets for the last time before it’s sealed to the floor. It takes quite a bit of skill to keep the carpet flat. In addition, carpet fitters also make sure the door closes securely; otherwise, they need to trim the doors to make them fit over the carpet.
Summing It Up
Carpet fitting can be done as a DIY job in certain instances. However, in most cases, it’s best to leave carpet fitting to professionals who have the knowledge and experience needed to properly install carpet.
When your carpet is laid by professionals, it will last for years to come and create a beautiful space that feels like new!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is DIY carpeting really cost-effective?
Embarking on a DIY carpeting project may initially seem cost-effective, but when factoring in tools, potential mistakes, and the value of your time, professional installation often proves more economical in the long run.
Can I install carpet without specialised tools?
Achieving a seamless carpet installation requires specialised tools for cutting, stretching, and seam concealment. Attempting DIY without these tools can result in a subpar finish.
How does DIY carpeting impact carpet warranties?
DIY installations may void carpet warranties, as manufacturers often require professional installation to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Are health hazards associated with DIY carpet installations?
Improperly installed carpets can harbour mould and mildew, posing potential health risks. Professional installation minimises these hazards through precise techniques.
How long does professional carpet installation take?
While DIY projects can consume weeks, professional installers efficiently complete the task, ensuring a quicker turnaround without sacrificing quality.
Can DIY carpet installations achieve a professional finish?
Achieving a professional finish requires not just skills but also experience. Professionals bring both, ensuring a polished and flawless carpet installation.
