Carpeted flooring is a great way to add comfort, style, and value to your home. Here, we will guide you through the process of installing a carpet for your Brisbane home. With a little planning and effort, you can have a beautiful carpet that will last for years to come.

What is a Carpet?

A Carpet is basically a textile floor covering which provides warmth, comfort, and softness underfoot. It can be created from a variety of synthetic or natural materials chosen for their distinctive qualities, such as stain resistance or added durability.

There are different types of carpet, and each one has a distinct appearance and texture. It can be challenging to decide between these various carpet types and colors. So, choose one that is ideal for your needs as a good quality carpet can last many years.

Price Ranges of Carpets Based on the Type of Material

Your choice of material can significantly affect how much your carpet costs. Here’s a guide to the various types of carpets available on the market, along with some indicative pricing to aid in your decision-making on your carpet flooring options.

Cost of Carpet Installation in Brisbane

The average cost of carpet installation in Brisbane is around $25 per square meter and $25 on a per-hour basis. However, the overall cost will vary depending on a number of factors such as the following:

• Size of the project
• The kind of carpet to be installed
• The type of underlay
• Whether or not the installation involves stairs
• Amount of prep work needed before the actual installation

Necessary Materials and Tools in Carpet Installation

Before beginning your DIY carpet installation process, see to it that you have everything you will need on hand. The following materials and tools are needed in installing a carpet.

• Carpet
• Carpet Padding
• Carpet Tack Strips
• Carpet Stapler
• Carpet Staples
• Carpet Seam Tape
• Carpet Roller
• Tape Measure
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Pry Bar
• Putty Knife
• Sandpaper
• Broom
• Vacuum
• Mop
• Utility Knife
• Scissors
• Seaming Iron
• Duct Tape
• Knee Kicker
• Power Stretcher

Step-by-Step Process on How to Install a Carpet

Installing a carpet is one way to significantly enhance the aesthetics of any room. While the installation process is not necessarily complicated, there are certain steps you need to follow carefully to get the desired result. Check out this step-by-step guide.

1. Measure the Room’s Dimensions

The first step is to measure the room’s dimensions. That is the length and the width. To calculate the floor area, simply multiply the length by its width.

If the room is not exactly square or rectangular, just divide it into sections and measure each section. Try adding your floor area estimate by 10 to 20 percent so that you will have enough material to cover any if there are minor variations in measurement.

2. Remove Doors, Baseboard Molding, and Old Carpet (if Applicable)

It’s important that your surface is absolutely clear and flat. Therefore, you have to remove the old baseboard molding, doors, and old carpeting. If there isn’t any old carpet to rip out, all that’s left to do is take out the doors and baseboards.

To remove doors, use a screwdriver. On the other hand, to remove the baseboards and transition pieces that might be holding the old carpet in place, use a hammer or a pry bar. 

3. Clean the Surface

See to it that the floor is smooth and clean. To smooth the surface and remove any remaining glue, staples, or paint, you can use a putty knife and sandpaper. After that, sweep the floor and vacuum it.

4. Nail the Tack Strips into Place

If you intend to install the carpet with a pad, tack strips must be installed around the perimeter, excluding the doorways. The tack strips will keep the carpet in place. If you’re replacing a carpet, check if you can still reuse the old tack strips or not.

With the tacks angled away from the room’s center, place the strips approximately a half-inch from the wall. Each tack strip should have two nails in it, with each strip butting against the other end to end.

5. Install the Carpet Padding

Cut the carpet padding to the proper size with the use of a utility knife or even a pair of scissors. The margins of each padding strip should butt, and they should each extend from the inside edge of the tack strip to the opposite inner edge.

The seams in between each strip should be sealed with duct tape. When the floor is completely covered, use a carpet stapler and work your way around the room’s perimeter attaching the padding to the inside edge of the tack strips.

The padding should lie entirely flat. You must first remove any lumps or bumps before moving forward.

6. Lay Out the Carpet for 24 Hours

It’s important to give your carpet 24 hours to acclimate to the humidity and temperature of your home. It may expand or shrink based on various conditions, so make sure it’s done with that process before setting it in place. Leave it rolled up throughout that time.

7. Cut the Carpet to the Appropriate Dimensions

Remember the dimensions that you have measured previously? Use it as a guide to cut the carpet to the appropriate sizes. It’s best to put a little allowance, though, to ensure that you have enough room to trim it down and have the right fit as intended.

8. Roll Out the Carpet in Place

Now, it’s time to roll out the carpet on the floor. At the same time, it should cover the tack strips as well. Start in one corner of the room and have 3 to 4 inches of excess carpet on each side of the wall.

To make seams and cover the entire floor, align the edges of the carpet as necessary. Also, check the texture of the carpet and see to it that it’s pointing in the direction you intended.

9. Connect and Seal the Seams

There will be a seam if more than one piece of carpet must be joined. To ensure that the seams match up exactly, the carpet should be cut with the utmost precision.

Apply seam tape to join the two or more sections of carpet together. The adhesive should be melted using a seaming iron. When the adhesive has cooled, press firmly against the carpet edges you’re joining and use a carpet roller to finally seal the seam.

10. Stretch and Tack the Carpet

Select one side of the room, then use a knee kicker to attach the carpet’s edge to the strips. Place the kicker’s front along the carpet about 3 inches from the wall. 

After that, hit the padded side and the carpet should then be stretched along the strips. Then, connect to the other carpet strips by using a power stretcher. Moreover, stretch the carpet into the corners and nooks of the walls using the knee kicker.

11. Cut the Excess Carpet

Typically, there are some excess carpets left around the edges of the room. Use a utility knife to cut those excess carpets. Ensure the remaining carpet is tucked in close to the walls so that when the baseboards are put back again, the edges will be totally hidden.

12. Put Back the Doors and Baseboards

After the carpet is finally installed, it’s now time to put back the baseboards and doors that you have removed previously. Moreover, it is recommended that you vacuum the carpet after the installation to get rid of any debris and cut carpet strands.

Main Elements of a Carpet

Every carpet is made up of four major elements, and these will affect how your carpet looks and functions. You must consider each of these when selecting a carpet to have an idea of how different types of carpet will feel and hold up in your house.

1. Carpet Fibers

The term “carpet fiber” simply refers to the material that makes up your carpet. You can choose from either natural or artificial fibers which are readily available in the market.

Various types of carpets can have fibers with varying thicknesses and this is achieved by weaving various strands of yarn fiber strands together. Each strand is also known as a ply, and the more ply there are, the thicker each individual fiber of your carpet will be.

2. Carpet Pile

The arrangement of each fiber on your carpet is referred to as the carpet pile. This can considerably affect the appearance and functionality of the carpet.

For instance, shorter, denser-pile carpets are typically preferable for high-traffic areas of the home because they are less likely to compress or tear out. On the other hand, longer piles are much softer.

3. Carpet Grade

Carpet grade indicates the quality of a carpet and there are a number of factors that can affect this such as the fiber, face weight, and construction. The grade also may also imply the carpet’s durability.

4. Carpet Backing

Carpet backing literally refers to the back of the carpet. There are two components to every carpet backing: the primary backing, where the fibers attach, and the secondary backing, which acts as a barrier between the floor and the carpet padding.

There are many different kinds of carpet backing, which can be made of synthetic or natural materials.

Various Types of Carpet Fibers

There are several options when it comes to carpet fibers and each feels and reacts to wear and tear and stains differently. The fiber you choose will also play a significant role in terms of its durability. Check out the following various types of carpet fibers.

1. Nylon

Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic fiber options for carpets as it is affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and durable. It is also stain- and fade-resistant. There are several nylon products available, ranging from expensive carpets to low-cost alternatives.

2. Polyester

Polyester is similar to nylon, though it is slightly less expensive. It has good wearability, and is moisture- and stain-resistant. When made into a thick pile, polyester is remarkably soft.

While polyester carpets offer excellent value for the money, they aren’t quite as resilient as nylon. It can’t withstand wear and tear as nylon does.

3. Cotton

Cotton is one of the most expensive carpet types you can purchase and is totally organic. It is a very soft material. Although it is easy to clean, stains don’t come out properly on it.

This type of fiber may require frequent carpet cleaning and is vulnerable to fading. It works well in a space without a lot of children or pets playing around.

4. Wool

Wool is one of the best materials for carpeting in your home. It is a high-quality natural fiber that’s resilient and durable. If you clean it frequently, it doesn’t get dirty very easily and is fairly stain-resistant.

The drawback of a wool carpet is that it’s not easy to maintain. You wouldn’t want to place it in a room that receives a lot of direct sunlight because the colors may fade as well. Additionally, it might cost up to twice as much as a carpet made of synthetic fiber. 

5. Sisal

Another type of natural fiber is Sisal which was made from the Sisal cactus plant. Although it is a little rough material, it is also a strong type of carpet fiber. Due to its durability and ease of maintenance, Sisal makes a fantastic outdoor material.

Many homeowners use Sisal for their patios. Although Sisal carpets are widely available, this type of material is commonly used in area rugs.

6. Polypropylene

Polypropylene or olefin is a synthetic type of carpet fiber and made primarily from plastic. It is water-resistant and thus, is a good option for areas that experience frequent moisture. Additionally, because it was solution-dyed, it will not fade in direct sunlight.

In comparison to nylon, polypropylene is less robust and more friction-sensitive. Therefore, dragging furniture over this carpet won’t treat it well. Moreover, some Polypropylene-made carpets may feel a little waxy to the touch.

7. Triexta

Triexta is a relatively new carpet fiber available on the market. It is a high-quality polyester that is extremely durable and stain-resistant. It doesn’t require an additional stain treatment because it is naturally stain resistant, making the carpet softer.

Triexta’s main disadvantage is that due to its extremely tiny fibers, vacuuming may be difficult. It is not also recommended in heavy-traffic areas as well.

Benefits of a Carpeted Flooring

Across the world, carpets are considered a highly common type of floor decorating. They have historically been connected to comfort and luxury. On the other hand, there are many practical benefits of this soft floor covering such as the following.

1. Enhances Room’s Appearance

Carpets provide various fashionable options for your home with a wide range of colors, styles, and patterns. It can enhance the room’s appearance and value perception as it gives a stunning contrast to smoother surfaces like furniture and walls.

Carpet can serve as either a focal point or a neutral foundation, depending on the aesthetic you’re going for. Your choice will represent how you wish to customize any space in your home, whether it is a conventional or modern style.

2. Provides Safety Protection

Slipping on hard surfaces can be dangerous. With a carpeted floor, the room has a soft-landing surface and helps avoid slips, preventing some falls to happen. This is very useful on stairs or in baby’s rooms.

A carpet’s cushioning effect and impact-absorption property come from its soft and durable fiber material. This provides safety protection for the whole family, especially toddlers and older individuals.

3. Provides Warmth and Comfort

With a carpet, your flooring will have better thermal insulation and resistance. It keeps warm air longer than other flooring materials which are advantageous in areas with colder climates. Moreover, it offers a comfortable place to sit, play, or work.

4. Minimizes Noise

Carpets have a high capability for sound absorption, which minimizes noise. This is beneficial in apartments or with first-floor rooms, making it easier to work, learn, and sleep. A cushion pad placed underneath your carpet reduces noise even further.

5. Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

A carpet can function as a passive air filter since it traps dust and other small particles. It improves indoor air quality by removing different particles from the breathing zone. This is excellent, especially for those who struggle with allergies and asthma.

6. Cost-Effective

Generally speaking, carpet is substantially less expensive than hard surface flooring. Hard surfaces flooring products like solid hardwood and vinyl floors will need special preparation before they can be installed. Carpet typically eliminates these concerns.

Top Carpet Suppliers in Brisbane

Here are some of Brisbane’s top suppliers to consider when buying a carpet. Contact them and ask for a quotation.

1. Carpet Clearance Warehouse

In Brisbane, Carpet Clearance Warehouse is a reputable supplier of branded, high-quality carpet, vinyl, and timber flooring. For more than 30 years, they have been offering carpeting solutions in South East Queensland including Brisbane.

2. Bennie Carpet & Vinyl Warehouse

Either it is for your home or office, Bennie Carpet & Vinyl Warehouse provides a wide selection of flooring solutions in the Brisbane area. From carpets to high-end rugs, vinyl flooring, and bamboo flooring, they have everything you could possibly need.

3. The Wholesale Carpet Man

Top Fit Flooring Xtra offers carpet, hard flooring, window furnishings, and rugs to meet all of your household and commercial needs. They provide a free estimate and measure, which is a good benefit for any customer.

4. Choices Flooring

Choices Flooring has a wide variety of flooring options, including carpet, bamboo, premium vinyl, and wood. They also offer installation of these flooring options. Simply contact their store for a free estimate and measurement.

5. Just Carpets

Since its founding in 1983, Just Carpets has been a family-run business. Through the years, it has developed to become the carpet supplier of choice for both residential and commercial buyers in South East Queensland.

Carpet installation might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. So, whether you’re looking to install a new carpet for your Brisbane home or replace an old one, this guide shows you everything you need to know.