I like carpet and need to redo the family room.
Is this a “D.I.Y.” project?
Answer: There are several types of carpets available.
The “module carpet tile” which is a pre-cut square of carpet is especially easy to install.
The module carpet squares will cost between .45 and $3.60 a square foot. You can find some very nice patterns and colors for about $1/s.f. Add 5% to allow for waste. The carpet is precision cut into squares – usually 18”, 24” or 36” square. Do your measuring including closets, calculate the square footage, then go shopping. As usual, the preparation can take more time than the actual project. Once you have moved all the furniture out of the room or at least to one side of the room, and you have vacuumed the floor surface, it will take a couple of hours.
A sharp utility knife and a steel straight edge are all the tools that are required. The savings is in the labor to lay the carpet.
The best installation is to strike chalk lines in the center of the room in both directions. Lay four pieces and use the quick release glue made specifically for this type of carpet. Put a spot (about the size of a quarter) on each corner. This will hold the square in place while you continue on. When you get to the wall, measure the size of the piece you need and, using your sharp utility knife, cut a square to fit. Don’t discard the piece you cut off - use it at another wall or in a closet. If a piece or two gets damaged or stained, you can lift out the square and install a new piece. This is really a great product and you will be seeing more of it. Need to sound proof your teenagers room when he practices on his electric guitar? – hang the squares on the wall with the glue or tape.
