Cutting carpet seems like a simple job, but getting it right is actually an art. Whether you're laying or removing the floor covering, knowing the little tricks of the trade can save you valuable time and money. The main thing to remember is to use a utility knife sharp enough to allow you to proceed quickly, with precision and control. In addition to this, you must work calmly to avoid mistakes and make sure that the various elements of the carpet blend into each other, with no obvious signs of conjunction throughout the room.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make Precise Cuts
Step 1. Use a sharp knife
This is the most important (and perhaps the only) tool you need to cut carpet; it is best to rely on a standard utility knife, although you can use a razor or scalpel. Whichever tool you decide to use, make sure the line is sharp and even.
- If you've got a utility knife with a removable blade, take a minute to insert a new one before you begin.
- You can also use a special power tool, which typically has a very sturdy blade and an automatic cutting mechanism that saves you the hassle of manual labor.
Step 2. Rest the tip of the blade on the carpet
Hold the tool with your dominant hand so that the diagonal blade is facing away from your body. Bring the cutting edge down and touch the starting point with the tip; apply enough pressure to penetrate and cross the hard back.
- The hardest part of the job is getting through the back of the carpet, which is the hard, flat part that rests on the floor.
- Do not let the blade go deep, otherwise you can break or blunt it, as well as scratch the base.
Step 3. Drag the utility knife in a straight line
Once the tip has pierced the carpet layers, pull the blade with a slow, fluid motion; you should be able to feel the rest give way under the action of the cutting tool. Use a ruler to guide the movement and pause every 30-60cm to reposition the tool before continuing.
- Lock your wrist to avoid crooked or uneven cuts.
- If you can't use a stripe, try to feel one of the seams in the back of the carpet; by following it, you can make straight and regular cuts.
Step 4. Replace the blade as needed
The wire loses its ability to cut very quickly after cutting several meters of hard material. Keep a spare blade close at hand to continue the work, as using a dull one will slow down the project.
You might think that stopping to change blades is a hassle, but it actually saves you a lot of time and effort in the long run
Method 2 of 3: Cut the carpet for installation
Step 1. Measure the surface
Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of the room where you want to lay the carpet. This way, you have an exact idea of the amount of material you need and can calculate the size of each section more easily.
- Most carpet rolls are sold with a width of 3.5m, so you need to take this into account when planning the installation.
- To find the interior surface of a room, multiply the length by the width.
Step 2. Work on a small area at a time
The "trick" for a precise and professional installation is to take your time and give each section the right attention. Unroll the carpet as you proceed, separating it into more manageable strips; make an incision for 60-90 cm, move and resume from a more comfortable position.
The roll itself can be a handy reference point for drawing straight lines
Step 3. Make the cuts on the back of the carpet
When space permits, turn the roll over and penetrate the blade directly into the back face to get more precise cuts with less effort and less risk of error. This side is flat and hard, which means you don't have to work your way through the fibers.
- Draw a line with a pencil or permanent marker to indicate the cut point or simply use the seams as a visual reference.
- By folding the carpet, you have a safer surface to cut without scratching the floor below.
Step 4. Proceed carefully around corners, openings and edges
Depending on the layout of the room, space should be left for the fireplace, a tiled section or other details. First, measure these areas to know how much carpet to remove; if you are afraid of making a mistake, you can lightly etch the carpet before making the actual cut.
- It is worth making a pattern of the cut lines on a scrap piece of cardboard.
- It is best to leave the more complex contours to a professional.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the Old Carpet
Step 1. Use the tip of the knife to make a hole in the surface
Start from a section that is about one meter from the wall; make an incision of about 10-12 cm, enough to allow you to insert a hand.
Cutting the carpet every few tens of centimeters is a good technique for large or abnormally shaped rooms from which you cannot lift the carpet in one piece
Step 2. Lift the loose cover with your free hand
Insert it into the opening you just made and move the carpet away from the floor; at this point, you can finish the cut without the blade coming into contact with the pavement.
If the carpet has been stapled or glued, more effort is required to perform this work by hand; use a putty knife to peel off a corner of the fabric until you can grab the flap
Step 3. Continue cutting the liner as you lift it
The combined action of the blade and the lift should allow you to detach large strips in no time; every few tens of centimeters it backs up and grabs another free flap. Make the cuts across the section, roll up the carpet strip, and set it aside so it doesn't get in the way.
- Since you'll be throwing away the old coating, you don't need to be particularly delicate or precise.
- Don't work quickly because haste causes accidents.
Step 4. Pry along the outer edge
Remove the liner from the perimeter and corners using a crab hammer, crowbar or a pair of pliers; in doing so, there is no risk of the sections getting stuck or resisting when you have to remove the carpet. Once the edges are peeled off, work around the perimeter of the room and loosen the rest of the rug by hand.
- If you are having difficulty, you can use the utility knife to pry the trim off the baseboard.
- Once the carpet is cut and freed, roll it up, take it out and throw it away.
Step 5. Dispose of the rest of the materials
Before stopping work, carefully inspect the floor that is now exposed; remove any visible staples or lumps of glue using a scraper and finally vacuum to remove any residue. After cleaning, you can install new carpet, parquet, tile or laminate.
- Unless you plan to reuse the old carpet, you can throw it away when the project is finished; remove all the remaining staples and the remains of glue with a scraper.
- An industrial vacuum cleaner is the most suitable tool for collecting dust, fabric filaments and other materials left over after the coating has been removed.
Advice
- Take the measurements twice to make sure they are correct.
- You can lay or lift the carpet in half the time by working with another person.
- Wear work gloves, safety glasses and bricklayer's knee pads when you have to do a very demanding job; in this way, you protect yourself and are a little more comfortable. If you are sensitive to dust, you should also use a face mask.
Warnings
- Profiles along doors and other transition edges are difficult to cut and place properly; let a professional take care of these parts.
- Proceed with extreme caution when handling the utility knife; the blade is very sharp and even the slightest loss of grip can cause a serious injury.
