Areas less than 25 feet on both sides can be either stretched over the pad or glued directly to the underfloor. Due to the comfort issues, most residential carpet is stretched over padding. Runs longer than 25 feet cannot be stretched tight enough to prevent wrinkles.

If the area absolutely must have a pad, the options are enhancer back or double stick installation. Enhancer is normally available in commercial styles only.

Double-stick installations involve gluing special padding to the floor and then gluing the carpet to the pad. The downside to this installation is the cost. The padding is more expensive, and the labor runs about twice the cost of regular glue down.

Direct glue down is the most popular choice for business or office use. Commercial, tight looped Berbers and short dense cut piles will perform well when glued directly to the underfloor. Without padding the cost is less, and it can be taken up and replaced easily. However, it does not have the softness underfoot that padding has.

It is not necessary for you to stay on site while the work is being done. It is helpful if you can be there when the installer starts to answer any questions he may have about how you want the work done.

If the order is to be paid C.O.D., then you must be present when it is completed to pay the final invoice. If this will not be possible, please discuss the issue with the salesperson when you place your order, and we will see what arrangements can be made.

If rolling carts or wheelchairs are used in the area, the carpet should always be glued directly to the floor. Padding will make it more difficult for wheels to move over the carpet, and the ripple effect of the wheels imbedded in the materials will cause delamination of the carpet backing. Pivoting wheels on padded carpet destroy the pad.

There are a number of variables that determine how visible seams will be. The style and color of the carpet and the amount and direction of the light all play a major part. The installer will do his best to minimize the visibility by cutting the seam without losing yarn from the surface, securing the two pieces together snugly, and trimming the seam.

You can go a long way toward reducing the visibility of the seams by your choice of material. If the carpet is a loop material, purchase enough material to install the job without cross-grain seams. If you have flexibility in style, remember multi colors, multi-levels, and patterns show seams less than solid colors.

Light colors make the seams more noticeable because they reflect light rather than absorb it. If you have a strong light source or direct sunlight coming into the area, make sure the seams run into the light source, not at a 90-degree angle to it. Discuss the issue with the salesperson and let them know your preferences.

It is possible for glue down carpet to be installed without electricity if there are no stairs and no upholstery work. It is also possible for a single room to be stretched in if there are no seams, stairs, or upholstery. Otherwise, there must be electricity available.

If power has not been connected, often a neighbor will allow plugging a drop cord into their system. That should be arranged in advance. The last option is a portable generator. If a generator is the only option, please make the salesperson aware of this at the time of purchase so that arrangements can be made, and the additional costs be included in the quoted price.

We have had good success with installing carpet and flooring based on the customer’s measurements. If you are confident that your measurements are correct, we will use them. If you are not, we will be happy to send someone out to measure free of charge.

It is important to understand that we can only accept responsibility if we measure. Any additional material and labor will be billed to you if the job is done using your measurements.

Carpet made today becomes very stiff at temperatures under 60°. It cannot be properly stretched unless the backing is relaxed. Ideally, the temperature should be 72° or greater to get a tight stretch.

Also, the glue used to put carpet down does not set right in cold temperatures. If the job is outdoors on concrete the temperature should be above 60° for three days in a row before the installation.

The only jobs for which we can accurately predict an exact time are the first jobs of the day. If you must have the installer arrive at a specific time, please request the first appointment of the day. You might have to wait a little longer to get on the schedule since those slots are usually taken first.

We will give the installer a phone number to call and notify you when he is leaving his previous job.

If you plan to move the furniture yourself:

It is best to get all the furniture out of the area to be covered. However, we understand that sometimes this is not possible. In those situations, you can have people available to move the furniture as rooms are completed or you can do the job in sections. The sections should be scheduled so you have time to move furniture back into the newly carpeted rooms and out of the next section by the scheduled appointment.

If you are moving the furniture, there must be a sizeable section with nothing in the area when the installer arrives so he can start to work immediately.

If you contract with us to have the furniture moved:

This service involves moving the furniture only. It is your responsibility to remove small breakables and unload shelves and cabinets. Stereo and computer equipment must be disconnected and reconnected by the customer.

If the job is a rental unit, the tenant must be prepared for the installation the same as a homeowner.

All households and businesses operate differently. We have no problem dealing with only one half of the team if that remains the situation throughout the entire process. However, what sometimes happens is one person makes the arrangements and after the installation is completed the partner raises questions about the material selection or how the job was done.

Please make your partner aware that if they intend to be involved, the time to do so is when the arrangements are first being made.