Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cut neatly
• Method 2 of 3: Cutting carpet to lay it
• Method 3 of 3: Remove old carpet
• Tips
• Warnings

Carpet cutting may seem like an easy job, but getting the job done neatly and properly is an art. Whether you're laying carpet or disposing of old carpet, knowing the intricacies of carpet cutting can save you valuable time and money. The most important thing to remember is to use a blade that is sharp enough to work quickly and with the necessary accuracy and control. Furthermore, it is simply a matter of taking the time to avoid mistakes and to ensure that the carpet fits neatly into the space.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cut neatly

1. Start with a sharp knife. This is the most important (and probably the only) tool you need to cut carpet. It is preferable to use a regular Stanley knife, but you can also use a snap-off knife or a razor. Whatever you use, make sure the cutting blade is nice and sharp.
   • If you're using a utility knife with interchangeable blades, take a moment to replace the blade before you begin.
   • You can also use a portable electric carpet cutter. Such a tool has a durable cutting blade and cuts automatically, making it easy to cut the carpet without having to do it manually.
2. Hold the tip of the knife against the carpet. Grab the knife with your dominant hand so that the bevel of the cutting blade faces away from you. Hold the blade down and touch the tip to your starting point on the carpet. Then apply enough pressure for the blade to go through the sturdy back of the carpet.
   • Carpet cutting is mainly about getting through the carpet backing. That's the hard, flat side that lies flat on the floor.
   • Do not push the cutting blade too deep into the carpet. You can dull the blade, break it off, or even scratch the floor under the carpet.
3. Draw the knife in a straight line across the carpet. When you have put the point through the carpet, pull the knife backwards with a slow, smooth movement. You should feel the carpet backing give under the cutting blade. Use a straight cut and stop every 50 centimeters to three feet to reposition the blade and straight before cutting further.
   • Keep your wrist still to avoid a sloppy or uneven cut.
   • If you don't have a rei, see if you can feel any of the carpet backing seams. If you follow a seam, you will be able to cut cleanly and straight.
4. Replace the blade when necessary. The blade will quickly become dull when you have cut through several meters of stiff material. To keep going, make sure you have new blades available. Cutting with a dull knife will slow the work down.
   • It may seem annoying to have to stop to change the blade, but it will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Method 2 of 3: Cutting carpet to lay it

1. Measure the space where the carpet will be placed. Use a tape measure or tape measure to measure the length and width of the area where you are laying carpet.This will give you an idea of ​​exactly how much carpet you need. It will also become easier to neatly cut all parts to size.
   • Most rolls of carpet are four meters wide, so be sure to take this into account when considering the best way to lay the carpet.
   • To find the area of ​​the room, multiply the length of the room in meters by the width.
2. Always treat one meter at a time. In order to install a carpet in a professional manner, it is important to take the time and to take the time for all parts. Unroll the carpet while you work and divide it into more manageable strips. Cut about three feet, slide back and resume cutting in a comfortable position.
   • You can use the roller itself as a handy tool for drawing straight lines.
3. Cut the back of the carpet. If you have room, turn the carpet roll over and run your knife over the carpet backing to make a cleaner and easy cut through the carpet without estimating. The carpet backing is hard and vlka, because it means you don't have to dig your way through thick fibers.
   • Mark the carpet backing with a pencil or permanent marker to indicate where to cut it, or simply use the cutting seams as a handy visual aid.
   • Folding the carpet allows you to cut it more safely so you don't scratch the floor underneath.
4. Slowly cut around corners, contours and doorways. In some rooms it is necessary to leave space for the fireplace, a tiled area or other irregular shapes. Measure these areas first so that you know how much carpet to cut away. If you are worried about making a mistake, you can make a slight incision in the carpet before cutting it all the way through.
   • It may be helpful to practice with an old piece of cardboard and cut it to size before starting the carpet.
   • It is best to leave complex shapes to a professional.

Method 3 of 3: Remove old carpet

1. Use the tip of the knife to make a hole in the carpet. Start with a section about three feet from the wall. Make a cut about four inches long. It should be big enough to put your hand in easily.
   • Cutting the carpet every meter is useful in large rooms or oddly shaped rooms where it is not possible to take the carpet off all at once.
2. Pull up the loose carpet with your free hand. Put your hand in the cut you just made and pull the carpet off the floor. You can now continue cutting without your knife ever touching the floor.
   • If your carpet is stuck with staples, glue or carpet tape, it may take some effort to do this manually. Use a putty knife to loosen one edge until you have a section large enough to grip.
3. Keep cutting the carpet as you pull it up. The combination of pulling up and cutting should make it possible to cut away large strips in a short time. Every meter, take a few steps back and grab the loose edge in a new spot. When you've completely cut a section, pull it back, roll it up and place it where it won't get in the way.
   • Since you are throwing away the old carpet, it is now not necessary to work accurately and carefully.
   • Don't work too fast, though, because that's how accidents happen.
4. Peel off the outer edge of the carpet. Pull the carpet off walls and corners with a claw hammer, pry bar, or pliers. That way it will not catch on anything and you will not experience any resistance when you take it off. When you have made a start, go through all the edges and remove the rest of the carpet by hand.
   • If the going gets tough, use your utility knife to cut the carpet where it rests against the baseboards.
   • Once you've cut and loosened the carpet, you can simply roll it up, take it out and throw it away.
5. Discard the remaining materials. Before you stop, check the floor under the carpet carefully. Remove any staples or dried clumps of glue that you see with a floor scraper. Then vacuum the area to remove all debris. After cleaning up, you can lay new carpet, a hardwood floor, a tile floor, or laminate.
   • Unless you want to use your old carpet for something else, you can just throw it away when the job is done. Remove the last staples and dried clumps of glue with a floor scraper.
   • A construction vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove dust particles, loose threads and other materials that are on the floor after removing the carpet.

Tips

• Measure the area of ​​the room twice to make sure you have the correct measurements.
• By working with someone else, you can install or remove the carpet twice as quickly.
• If you have to lay a lot of carpet, wear gloves, goggles, and knee pads to stay comfortable and protect yourself. You can also choose to put on a face mask if you are sensitive to dust.

Warnings

• Be very careful when working with a hobby knife. The blade is dangerously sharp and even the smallest mistake can lead to serious injury.
• It can be difficult to properly cut and install the carpet at doorways and other transitions. Leave this job to an experienced carpet layer.