Stretching your carpeting

[kyblue]

I need to have our carpeting stretched. Can anyone tell me:
1. can you do this yourself (what tools do I need)
2. had someone do it (who did you use - and approx cost.)

Thanks

[cod168]

I'm not in TV so I don't know prices. I do know that all new carpet should be stretched versus kicked. The kick method is done as a fast way of doing the install. The stretch method is, from my research, the preferred method. It has to to will the backing of the carpet, not the carpet itself. I cant give any links, I lost them all when changing to a new computer. I don't think you can rent a stretcher, I've tried, and cant find one. Hope this helps.

[chuckinca]

I've never had to stretch a carpet - is this a Florida thing?

[Skip]

I've never had to stretch a carpet - is this a Florida thing?


Yes, in Florida EVERYTHING gets wrinkles!

Skip

[marianne237]

We had our carpet steam cleaned about 1-1/2 years ago. Afterwards, the carpet had buckles in it. About 2 months ago, we decided to have the carpet cleaned again (I have 2 dogs...makes 8 tiny feet tracking mud). I called a company that advertises in the local paper. He came and gave an estimate for stretching and steam cleaning. The job on stretching was great and he did remove a lot of excess carpet, but the steam cleaning part left a lot to be desired. Granted there are some permanent spots in the carpeting, but it took 2-1/2 days to dry.

The neighbors agree we all seemed to have carpeting installed in the same manner....after one steam cleaning, wrinkles or buckles appear. We don't think it's a "Florida" thing, but perhaps an installer problem.

[chuckster]

Don't think it is an installer problem as much as a wear issue. After 2-3 years carpet will have stretched (the backing) and with foot traffic causing movement will produce wrinkles.

Hope this helps. :) :)

[nitehawk]

My carpet was about three years old and it buckled in three room. I never had my carpet steamed cleaned, and it buckled. i got the name of someone from the daily sun. They charged about $30 per room and they moved the furniture - sorry cant remember there name. They use a tool that looked like they had made it them self. It was a hand-truck that when braced against the wall it had a handle to stretch the carpet - worked well

[billyD]

I have lived here 11 years and my carpeting has never needed stretching but we took an upgrade carpet

[F16 1UB]

It's not a FL thing. Ours needs stretched in one room. When you have dogs that go from 0 to full throttle to 0 it may stretch. When it was installed new they gave a 2 yr warranty against it. Now 8 yrs have passed. I had my in laws house done and the guy charged $200. It took him about 4 hours. That was in OH last May. 3 BR, Hall, LR, DR The place was vacant.

[The Great Fumar]

You might consider having your little dogs stretched,,I've found its cheaper and much more fun......

fumar

[Ooper]

After about 2 years, we had to have our medium grade carpet stretched and then again about 1 year or two later. The second time it was stretched, you could see the seams in various places. Over the last few years, we have completely gotten rid of the carpet and replaced it with tile. We love it.

[nONIE]

NOT funny fum, Not funny at all, !!!!! >:(

[renielarson]

kyblue

Samhass had her carpet stretched so you may want to pm her with your questions.

I find having to stretch carpets strange because living in Michigan for the past 35 years I've never had to stretch my carpets. We have high humidity in Michigan like Florida has, so I wonder why it is more common here than there.

[Mikitv]

Having moved around a lot and built lots of homes we have had all different types of carpets and I never had a problem with stretched carpet until our last home here in Arkansas. We didn't find out until after the home was completed what an absolute jerk and inferior carpet dealer we had. The carpet was in the master bedroom and just stretched everywhere. I had it replaced this summer by Lowe's and so far it is a much superior job. It is not the heat or humidity here in Arkansas but the carpet layer. The other rooms so far have been okay but who knows since they don't have a lot of traffic.

Just IMHO.

[Rokinronda]

Nonie, I think Fumar is going to need a stretcher after we get a hold of him!!! >:( sorry topic :cop: but Fumar is asking for it!! :bigthumbsup:

[chuckinca]

FUMAR TO THE STOCK!

FUMAR TO THE STOCK!

[railroader12]

Being a former carpet installer, I agree with Mikark, it's usually the insatller did a bad job.
However, you can stretch your own carpet and check home depot rental for the tools.
Sorry, I'm an old kicker myself, but not any more. (bad knees)