PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Floors and Stairs
How to Install Carpet on Concrete (Basement) Download Article Co-authored by Mark Spelman
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Buying Carpet
|
Prepping the Room
|
Laying Carpet
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 415,755 times.
Whether doing it for aesthetic reasons or to help warm up a cold room, carpeting concrete floors is something most people can do in a day or two. Why pay someone else to do it? By learning to prep the room for carpeting and using the right materials, you'll ensure that the job will go quickly and smoothly.
Things You Should Know
Measure your room and pick a carpet that will stand up to concrete, suit your lifestyle, and match your drapes and paint.
Before you install the carpet, empty the room of its furniture and doors, check for moisture problems, air out your carpet, and prepare the concrete.
Lay a tack strip and padding strips before cutting the carpet, forcing it into the corners of the room, and finishing the edges.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Buying Carpet
Download Article
1 Measure the room to be carpeted. Take these measurements to your carpet dealer to make sure you get an ample amount of carpet for your job. Be sure to tell them that you are carpeting over concrete since that requires different carpet material as well as slightly different tools than carpeting over wooden surfaces.
2 Bring any drape or paint samples to the carpet dealer for comparison. If you've already painted the walls or planned for any other decorating in the room, take in some samples of the colors so you can make an informed choice at the store. Advertisement
3 Prepare for the dealer's questions. Typically, you'll be asked some basic questions about the room and your intended use for the room. These questions are designed to help you pick the most appropriate carpet, and are good questions to ask yourself anyway. It helps to give some thought beforehand so you don't have to make a hasty decision. A dealer may ask:
Are there a lot of windows in the room?
Will there be heavy or light traffic in the room?
Do you have kids or pets?
Is there direct access from outside?
How large is the room?
Dealers will also typically try to sell you on Stainmaster, Teflon, and Anti-Static technology at various levels of expense to you. Remember, the decision's up to you. Get something that'll serve your purpose, but don't get pushed into expensive options you don't want.
4 Select a carpet that will stand up to the concrete. Make sure the entire carpet is constructed of synthetic products only. Some carpet is backed with jute, which is too absorbent to use on concrete. If you're not going to install your carpet on a subfloor, you'll need to make sure that you're picking a kind of fiber that will stand up to concrete's tendency to collect moisture.
Consider carpet made from olefin face fiber. A chemical-resistant fiber that will stand up to aggressive cleaning solutions like bleach, this might not be the softest or most attractive carpet, but it will last.[1]XResearch source
5 Decide on a style of carpet. You can choose between patterned or solid carpet, as well as a light or dark color. You can also choose tight or loose fiber loops and pick between a solid or mesh subsurface.
Typically, the carpet rule of thumb is that light carpet can seem to create more space in a smaller room, while a darker shade of carpet can add coziness to a bigger space.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Prepping the Room
Download Article
1 Completely empty the room. Remove all furniture as well as anything else that rests on the carpet.
2 Check the room for moisture problems. Any drainage issues in the room you're planning to carpet need to be addressed before carpeting. Ignoring the problem now could result in a costly and expensive project down the road, especially if you end up with harmful mold and end up having to tear out the carpet and repeat all your hard work.
Rent or buy a moisture reader to test the humidity yourself.
You should do this a week or more prior to carpet installation day to allow plenty of time for the waterproofing to be done.
3 Air out the carpet out before installation. Carpeting is a chemical soup full of solvents. Allowing it some time to air out will cut down on fumes when you install it.
4 Remove any doors for ease of installation. You might have to sand down, or use a saw to undercut, the bottom of the doors and trim door jambs to ensure smooth closing after the carpet installation.
5 Lift any baseboards. You may need to remove the baseboards in order to install your carpet. Alternatively, the carpet may fit under the baseboards; in that case you can leave them in place.
6 Fill in any cracks or imperfections in the surface. Before the surface dries, fill in any holes or cracks, making sure the top of the repair is level with the rest of the concrete surface. Small cracks and fractures can be fixed using a cement based, waterproof filler (e.g., Armstrong 501).
7 Use a leveling product to flatten any low spots in the slab. Be sure to let the product dry, then sand and smooth the surface.
8 Clean the concrete thoroughly, using the appropriate cleaner for the stains you find. Follow the washing with a mold and bacteria killing solution of 1 part household bleach to 15 parts water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
9 Control the temperature in the room. For about 48 hours prior to and after installation, the temperature should stay between 65°F and 95°F (18°C and 35°C) and humidity between 10% and 65%. By observing these conditions, your carpet installation should go smoothly.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Laying Carpet
Download Article
1 Lay the tack strip. Cut a piece of tack strip the length of one wall, and attach it to the floor with masonry nails. The tack points should be facing the wall. You should also use a liquid nail glue along with the nails for a secure fit. Leave a gap the thickness of the carpet's pile between the gripper strip and the wall. This is where you will tuck the edges of the carpet during installation.
Tack strip is also known as gripper rod (UK), carpet gripper, Smooth edge (Can), tack strip, and gripper edge.[2]XResearch source
Alternatively, you can use glue-down carpet, rather than tack strips.
2 Lay padding strips. Cut padding strips the length of the room, and place them side by side across the room. Keep your rows abutted, and cover seams with duct tape. Trim any excess with a utility knife. Apply glue to the corners as well as to various spots throughout the body of the padding.
3 Cut carpet to size, allowing approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) excess all around. Patterns have to match in length to hide seams. Place seam tape, adhesive side up, where pieces abut. Use a steam iron to activate the adhesive and join the pieces together.
4 Lay carpet out and use a rented knee kicker to force the carpet into the far corner. Using the power stretcher, stretch the carpet across the room to the opposite wall. Hook the carpet onto the tack strip. Continue this until the carpeting is smooth and flat.[3]XResearch source
Generally, you'll work from the centers of each wall toward the corners.
As a novice, you might want to avoid using a power stretcher, since they can overstretch or even rip carpet. They are hydraulic, heavy, and very expensive.
5 Finish the edges. Cut off excess carpet, and push carpet behind tack strip, using a wide blade putty knife if necessary. Cover edge of carpeting at doorways with metal door jambs and replace doors. Finish off with baseboards of your choice.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
You can use carpet tiles, rather than large sections of carpet, for covering concrete. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
When you seam your carpet, make sure the pile runs in the same direction on all pieces before activating the seam tape adhesive. Take care not to get the adhesive on anything but the carpet. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Wear heavy duty gloves when working with tack strips. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Always trim carpet from the back using a sharp carpet knife and a metal straight edge to ensure even cuts. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 14
Wear eye protection when hammering masonry nails into the concrete. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 17
Don't prime the floor unless it can be qualified. If moisture did get through the concrete, any kind of primer in the world would release and bubble. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 25
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Carpet
Padding
Adhesive
Carpet knife
Duct tape
Straight edge
Tack strip
Masonry nails
Hammer
Carpet stretcher
Knee kicker
Seaming tape
Iron
Putty knife
Metal door jamb
Cleaning supplies, such as a mop and bucket
You Might Also Like
How toFit Carpet GrippersHow toInstall CarpetHow toStretch CarpetHow toRelay CarpetHow toLay Laminate FlooringHow toLay Tile on ConcreteHow toInstall Vinyl Plank Flooring on ConcreteHow toSeam CarpetHow toInstall a Floating FloorHow toInstall Vinyl FlooringA Beginner's Guide to Cutting CarpetsHow toInstall FlooringHow toReplace Laminate FlooringHow toInstall Marble Floor Tile Advertisement
Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. This article has been viewed 415,755 times. 44 votes - 95% Co-authors: 26Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 415,755 Categories: Carpets and Rugs | Floors and StairsArticle SummaryX
To install carpet on concrete, choose a carpet that is constructed of synthetic products only as natural fibers are often too absorbent. Before you install the carpet, make sure to check the concrete for any moisture issues that need to be addressed. Then, lay tack strips around the perimeter of the room and install your strips of padding. After that, lay your carpet, starting at the center of the room and tightening the carpet with a rented knee kicker as you move toward the walls. Finally, finish with your edges. For more from our Contractor reviewer on how to fix any leaks you find, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish German Italian French Indonesian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 415,755 times.
Reader Success Stories
Aim Mbumba K.
Nov 25, 2018
"This article opened my mind regarding installing a carpet. Really nice job, and professionally done. Thanks."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional Co-authors: 26Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 415,75595% of readers found this article helpful. 44 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote
Aim Mbumba K.
Nov 25, 2018
"This article opened my mind regarding installing a carpet. Really nice job, and professionally done. Thanks."
Wayne Schultz
Dec 15, 2016
"Exactly what I was searching for. I can go into the job confidently. "
Mark Marion
Jan 8, 2017
"I like the photos and descriptions. Helpful hints were good too."
Niranjan Reddy
Mar 8, 2016
"Thanks for the exceptional information you make available." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Bedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Clutterbug Am I?Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toFit Carpet GrippersHow toInstall CarpetHow toStretch CarpetHow toRelay Carpet
Trending Articles
Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Watch Articles
How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully
Trending Articles
What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic Quiz
Quizzes & Games
What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat Kind of Mattress Should I Buy QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizInterior Design Style QuizTake QuizGhost Hunting GamePlay
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Floors and Stairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Co-authored by Mark Spelman 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Mark Spelman Construction Professional This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. This article has been viewed 415,755 times. 44 votes - 95% Co-authors: 26 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 415,755 Categories: Carpets and Rugs | Floors and Stairs Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play 
477 
1 Measure the room to be carpeted. Take these measurements to your carpet dealer to make sure you get an ample amount of carpet for your job. Be sure to tell them that you are carpeting over concrete since that requires different carpet material as well as slightly different tools than carpeting over wooden surfaces. 
2 Bring any drape or paint samples to the carpet dealer for comparison. If you've already painted the walls or planned for any other decorating in the room, take in some samples of the colors so you can make an informed choice at the store. Advertisement 
3 Prepare for the dealer's questions. Typically, you'll be asked some basic questions about the room and your intended use for the room. These questions are designed to help you pick the most appropriate carpet, and are good questions to ask yourself anyway. It helps to give some thought beforehand so you don't have to make a hasty decision. A dealer may ask: 
4 Select a carpet that will stand up to the concrete. Make sure the entire carpet is constructed of synthetic products only. Some carpet is backed with jute, which is too absorbent to use on concrete. If you're not going to install your carpet on a subfloor, you'll need to make sure that you're picking a kind of fiber that will stand up to concrete's tendency to collect moisture. 
5 Decide on a style of carpet. You can choose between patterned or solid carpet, as well as a light or dark color. You can also choose tight or loose fiber loops and pick between a solid or mesh subsurface. 
1 Completely empty the room. Remove all furniture as well as anything else that rests on the carpet. 
2 Check the room for moisture problems. Any drainage issues in the room you're planning to carpet need to be addressed before carpeting. Ignoring the problem now could result in a costly and expensive project down the road, especially if you end up with harmful mold and end up having to tear out the carpet and repeat all your hard work. 
3 Air out the carpet out before installation. Carpeting is a chemical soup full of solvents. Allowing it some time to air out will cut down on fumes when you install it. 
4 Remove any doors for ease of installation. You might have to sand down, or use a saw to undercut, the bottom of the doors and trim door jambs to ensure smooth closing after the carpet installation. 
5 Lift any baseboards. You may need to remove the baseboards in order to install your carpet. Alternatively, the carpet may fit under the baseboards; in that case you can leave them in place. 
6 Fill in any cracks or imperfections in the surface. Before the surface dries, fill in any holes or cracks, making sure the top of the repair is level with the rest of the concrete surface. Small cracks and fractures can be fixed using a cement based, waterproof filler (e.g., Armstrong 501). 
7 Use a leveling product to flatten any low spots in the slab. Be sure to let the product dry, then sand and smooth the surface. 
8 Clean the concrete thoroughly, using the appropriate cleaner for the stains you find. Follow the washing with a mold and bacteria killing solution of 1 part household bleach to 15 parts water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 
9 Control the temperature in the room. For about 48 hours prior to and after installation, the temperature should stay between 65°F and 95°F (18°C and 35°C) and humidity between 10% and 65%. By observing these conditions, your carpet installation should go smoothly. Advertisement 
1 Lay the tack strip. Cut a piece of tack strip the length of one wall, and attach it to the floor with masonry nails. The tack points should be facing the wall. You should also use a liquid nail glue along with the nails for a secure fit. Leave a gap the thickness of the carpet's pile between the gripper strip and the wall. This is where you will tuck the edges of the carpet during installation. 
2 Lay padding strips. Cut padding strips the length of the room, and place them side by side across the room. Keep your rows abutted, and cover seams with duct tape. Trim any excess with a utility knife. Apply glue to the corners as well as to various spots throughout the body of the padding. 
3 Cut carpet to size, allowing approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) excess all around. Patterns have to match in length to hide seams. Place seam tape, adhesive side up, where pieces abut. Use a steam iron to activate the adhesive and join the pieces together. 
4 Lay carpet out and use a rented knee kicker to force the carpet into the far corner. Using the power stretcher, stretch the carpet across the room to the opposite wall. Hook the carpet onto the tack strip. Continue this until the carpeting is smooth and flat.[3] 
5 Finish the edges. Cut off excess carpet, and push carpet behind tack strip, using a wide blade putty knife if necessary. Cover edge of carpeting at doorways with metal door jambs and replace doors. Finish off with baseboards of your choice. Advertisement 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.