DIY: Fitting a carpet / Using a carpet knee kicker
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- My attempt at fitting a carpet in my lounge.
This project took one afternoon to complete (@ 4 hours).
For a professional finish a good quality carpet kicker should be used.
I was watching this video with great interest and some trepidation as I am about to take the plunge and DIY fit a carpet. Thanks for sharing with us and I think you did a great Job, I guess like anything the more you do it -the better you get at doing it. I take my hat off to you Sir- Bravo !
That's very kind of you to say so. Appreciate your support. Despite some of the criticisms in the comments section the carpet still looks great and absolutely no problems at all. Good luck my friend. Des
You reminded me of my first carpet job at my home a week ago. All you experienced, I did too! Great job. I was sour for 5 days🙂
Ha, ha. I hope it was worth it my friend. Really appreciate your watching the vid and for commenting. Best wishes, Des
Looks great - I love people who will give it a go. Nice work Des!
You're very kind. Thank s for your support. Best wishes, Des
Good job for a complete amateur but just so you know set one wall as you did and then walk to the other side and kick onto the pins then you won't see all those bubbles up against the smooth edge and the carpet will have a bit of stretch but be careful if you have already made cuts because it will definately come away. good job mate watching from NZ (I've seen worse from qualified layers hahaha)
Hello there my friend. Greetings from blighty. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my pitiful vid and for taking time out to offer you valuable advice. Much appreciated, Des
Excellent instructional video👍
Glad it was helpful! ATB, Des
Great video. I’ll be fitting my carpet soon thanks for this
Glad it was helpful! Stay safe and well, Des
Nice vid! Thanks a lot! I've learned lots of things from the vid and from the comments.
I'm delighted to hear that my friend. I too have improved my ability and technique by some very constructive feedback. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your weekend. Regards, Des
dude you why didnt u just but it to the back wall and stretch it towards the front door?
Friendly tip. Kick the carpet from the middle while your stuffing.
Thank you. Mental note to self. ATB, Des
Thanks for posting. helped me out for sure.
Glad it helped my friend. Des
Great job mate ! 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks very much for your support. ATB, Des
Kick b4 tucking anything, 11 minutes in you'll see the bump ur making, or at least make sure when u tuck its all under the wall first 👍🏻and push the carpet down on the tack strip or its not hooking and holding the stretch, but it looks decent 👍🏻
Hello there. Thanks very much for watching and for taking time to comment. Appreciate your kind words. Des
*Please note I'm not a professional carpet fitter*
Yup, we know.
Done this for a while now, just a few tips to make it easier.
1 stretch before you cut the small excess pieces
2 use a hammer to push the carpet into the tacks (rub the head of the hammer back and forth over the carpet on the tacks)
3 get the right tools. There are other stretchers but I prefer the knee kicker when I'm by myself. There is a carpet edger to tuck and cut in the carpet instead of using a box blade and a 5 in 1.
4 lift your other knee right before the business knee hits the knee stretcher, it helps stretch the carpet better.
5 tack a corner and then stretch. Work at opposite ends like changing a tire
6 if you can get an extra hand, use it
I'm not a professional but what I've learned is. You weren't really wrong but there are better/ easier ways
Sounds like great advice that. Thanks for taking the time to waqtch and share your valuable comments. Best wishes, Des
He did right streching...joshp u cant use both knees while streching carpet....its a carpet not very heavy thing...u only take ur other knees up when carpet is short to next wall...
U cant take up ur other knees with ur foot all the time ...its not only one time kick...thx
Hello Des, I'm. currently looking at buying all the resources needed for new carpets. Do you know any good websites/cheapest websites for gripper rod, underlay and the carpet itself. Thank you. Harry.
Hello there Harry, I hope you're well my friend.
I bought my underlay and gripper rod from:
www.onlinecarpets.co.uk/ to purchase my .
(Great prices and delivery.)
I bought my carpets from Carpetright.
I bought the carpet bolster from Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JAOFJ0S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought the knee kicker from Screwfix:
www.screwfix.com/p/knee-kicker/19665
(you can buy these slightly cheaper from Amazon but if there's a problem it can be lots of hassle returning and obtaining a replacement, not to mention the time factor involved)
I bought the stapler from Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003OWR2HA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought the staples from Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NLZAOM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Stanley knife and blades - any DIY store.
Hope this helps Harry.
ATB mate, Des
+21centurycaveman Des you're a legend. Keep up with the DIY content and be happy :-)
Thanks very much Harry. Good luck mate and respect for having a go. Ten / eleven years ago I'd never done anything like this sort of stuff before and now I'd feel pretty confident about tackling pretty much anything. Don't expect to do a perfect job first time and watch vids on YT and read comments from a number of sources to try and gauge the best way forward. There may be a number of ways to do the same job. Good luck buddy. Des
Notice the carpet bubble up when he's tucking? Thats why we use a stretcher...
If your carpet has an apparent design direction... lines for example.. these often look better when laid parallel along the longest wall in the room... and check for FAULTS in the carpet BEFORE you cut into it... If your not using a power stretcher, use a carpet kicker to stretch the carpet onto the grippers BEFORE you pack it into the skirting board... otherwise you'll create a very unsightly join... Check out FloorsbySouthernboys a professional carpet fitter - HOW TO PACK CARPET TO BASEBOARD.
Thank you very much for your constructive feedback. Will check out. Best wishes, Des
Doesn't wreck you knees if you do it right. This job wrecks you back.
Nice job, especially for a beginner. I'm doing my third apartment now. But this time I'm using a Roberts Knee Kicker and a Roberts Carpet Trimmer. Kinda expensive tools but well worth it. Saves a lot of time and pain. Thanks for the video!!
hey, my pleasure. Sounds like you're doing a great job mate. Best wishes, Des
Dull blade tip is SUPERB! CHANGE OFTEN!
its a loop pile if you had a decent kicker you dont need the teeth out it will just hook
Nice sharp teeth out a click or two isnt a bad Idea. A newbie is more likely to skate across the pile and make a mess :)
Why not you using gum on it?
im about to attempt this tomorrow aaarrrghh lol
You are stretching wrong ! But no stress you got there! Peace!
Cheers buddy. ATB, Des
How do you do it right?
🙏Well done mate great effort!
Much appreciated! Best, Des
The carpet does not get fit. It gets stretched, not kicked.
Great stuff helpful tips to help me do a better job,nice job you’ve done
Glad to help. Take care, Des
Question though Gary G, what are you gripping the carpet too? did you install carpet tack strips to anchor your carpet ? I though the knee kicker was to stretch and lock your carpet into the carpet strips that should be placed around the perimeter of your floor?
+Elvi ALT-A Hello there and thanks for watching. You're absolutely right. The carpet was stretched and secured to the carpet strips around the perimeter of the room.
When you install carpet you kick then you push the carpet down onto the tack strip before releasing the kicker if you do not do that process properly the carpet will be loose and not installed properly!
Thanks for the tip buddy. Des
Looks OK but We should learn from professionals.
Wait till the wrinkles show up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice video I'm planning of doing my own carpet fitting soon but just wondering don't you need to stretch it over the gripper before you cut the carpet to tuck down ?
Hello there and thanks you for watching. If you're a professional you may be able to do it this way but as an amateur I personally don't find it that easy, especially if it's a really hard backing. However, I've laid quite a few carpets now and this way is absolutely fine. Main thing is that the carpet is pulled over the gripper rod and held into place. I can honestly say that I've never had one come up yet. Good luck my friend. Take care, Des
Funny to watch another guy install,i been doing it over 30 years
Was thinking same thing n i only got half your time lol
Brandon Yankowski: after 30 yrs have noted any knee problems? Looks painful to even watch.
@@wanelly you're hittin with your thigh not your knee
great job
Thank you for your support. Have a great weekend where you are . Des
Has he finished yet ? I fell asleep 💤
Patience is a virtue .............. nearly there mate ....................... ;?)
@@21stcenturycaveman33 sorry caveman ....had a little drink after a hard day bashing carpets ... numb the pain ... I was looking to buy a new seamer on line and low behold you tube decided i needed to see lots of carper fitting videos... just being cheeky ... looked nice when you finished ... are you still fitting carpets ?
Hey buddy. No offence taken at all mate. Lol. This is just a DIY video and my pitiful attempt. Stay safe and well and have a nice weekend where you are. Best wishes, Des
Good job, nice and easy to follow your video. After seeing what fitters charge per sq m I'm going to try a less complicated room as my first project.
Hi there. That's exactly where I started - small rectangular room wityh minimal cuts and obstructions. Also, if it goes pear shaped it'll cost far less to rectify. Go for it. ATB, Des
Carpets not stretched nor pinned on the tack strip and 8:18 who taught you how to use a knife. Also stretch the carpet unto the tack strip before you cut and tuck
I'm going to attempt using one of these for first time hope I don't rip the carpet.
Hello there.Before using on your carpet suss it out first. For example, try adjusting the teeth to get them at the right depth (push them through the carpet to see how far they go through). I'm not pro' but I make sure the teeth dig into the backing of the carpet. If possible practice on a spare bit or an old offcut (perhaps the old carpet if you're replacing one?). Don't be afraid to put some pressure/weight on the knee kicker. I think the biggest risk of ripping the carpet is if it slides across the pile due to not enough pressure/weight on it. First time I used it it was a little scary to be honest as I had the same concerns as yourself. However, I practiced first and it all came good. After a short while though you'll just be doing it without thinking. Goo dluck and thanks for dropping by. Des
I'm fixing my skirting board, so please can you tell me how much gab should be between skirting board and floor?
6mm (1/4 inch) should cover it if you're fitting carpet,. That's what I would do. Hope this helps. Des
Stop saying ok
😂
you don't look like a pro carpet fitter but hell you Shure work like one good stuff
Hi there. Thanks for the vote of confidence buddy. Take care, Des
i think so as well. good job!!
Thanks very much for your support my friend. For someone whose worked in an office all his life I'm quite proud of my minor achievements. Have a great weekend mate. ATB, Des
Same here - I think so as well!
You're very kind. Thank you for your vote of confidence my friend. Best wishes, Des
But not bad for an amateur...
Not bad for a rookie :) I would offer a discounted install to help out, but It looks like you did it for fun lol Cheers!
Great video, and ignore the haters, you did a great job! 👍🏻
Thank you very much indeed. Negative feedback doesn't bother me any more to be honest. I've done enough now to know when I've done a decent job and to be honest with myself if I have not. Thanks for your time and your supportive comments. Best wishes, Des
The Tunney doesn't make ppl haters, okay, if they speak up to correct his obvious mistakes through constructive criticism, okay. The comments regarding the carpet install should not be taken personal, okay.
Did you lay the knap in the right direction?
Looks very nice
your pads over the tack strips
Ur tack strips are under the base 😆
Good advice at 2:30 about cutting to fit recess spaces.
Thank you. It catches many people out so worth being aware of. Take care, Des
Better tip... Rent a stretcher!
Great effort for an amateur. We call the first trim a “rough cut”.
Aha, rough cut it is then Sir!
i will be fitting my first carpet tomorow and this has made me feel more confident and helped alot thanks
My pleasure. Good luck with your project. Des
Door bar? Its a pin metal. Color: silver
Or not? Looked like a hybrid OT/pin...
Ok
Nicely done :-P I bet carpet fitters all have bad knee's in their old age lol
+Garry G Hi Garry. Can't see how they wouldn't have mate. My knees were buggered after 3 hours. Can't even begin to imagine whacking that thing every day for years to come. ATB
Fair play to you there pal, considering your an amateur at the job, yeah it might have taken you 3 hours to do the job where it would have taken me 40 mins but you didn't rush & came out with a nicely fit carpet, technique wasnt the best & as a lot of other people have said, you need to keep your hand on the carpet when tucking it behind gripper with the bolster so you dont cause a bubble, also another tip for you is to set a straight edge of the carpet on a straight wall (if there is one) this saves you having to cut any carpet from that wall & it can be bolstered on straight away allowing you to use the stretcher in the opposite direction. Always make sure the stretcher is sat on the gripper when using it or else you risk ripping the carpet.
When tucking into a door plate use the back of the knife and start from one end and just slide it under the plate, this leaves a perfect finish every time (if you have cut the carpet to correct size)
All the best though mate
Hi there John. I appreciate your time watching the vid and for your helpful feedback.Best wishes,Des
Ok, OKay? Ok? OKay?
I like the video vecouse he try but he don't know nothing about carpet sorry brother it is true
Hello there Sir. You're right I am no expert and as the title states it is a 'DIY' only. But here's the thing ... despite my lack of knowledge and skill I've fitted loads of carpets over the past few years and they're still going strong and looking good. No BS my friend. The point surely being that you don't need to be an 'expert' to do a decent job and you can save yourself money as well. Works for me! Best wishes, Des
Ok like I say i like the video because try and you did good but it is ok 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Sir. Best wishes to you and yours. Des
Next time get yourself hooked blades. It's painful to watch you cutting with straight blade.
I was scrolling through the comments to see if anyone else had mentioned hooked blades, before potentially mentioning it myself 😊
Nice job
+Harpreet Singh Thanks very much. We were very pleased with the finished result. Take care.
You forgot to show the hammering down the carpet to the side under wood with nails, hammering down the carpet! Good video though!
Aha. Sorry bout that my friend. Best wishes, Des
You should've named this video...Me trying to install carpet. Your title is misleading. It implies you know what you're doing. Do you make videos of everything you do?
Hi there and thanks for watching. I'm sorry but I disagree completely. I don't think there's anything misleading at all about the title. It clearly states 'Fitting a carpet' and that's what I did. It also clearly states 'Using a carpet knee kicker' which I again did. The title also clearly states 'DIY' which it is and there is nothing in the video which suggests that I am a professional. Unfortunately, you have chosen to interpret the title in the way that you have. With regard to the finished result, I personally think it looks pretty decent and I can honestly say that I've had absolutely no problems with it at all. I don't video everything but I do try to capture as much as possible to try and encourage amateurs to have a go and to give them the confidence to at least try. Have a good day where you are. Des
21st Century Caveman I disagree. You said DIY which stands for do it yourself.....obviously with help from your instruction. You should have said "Tried it myself"
@@everybodylovesscout Its pretty plain and simple that this video is on a DIY project, it doesnt say it is an instructional video. "My attempt at fitting a carpet in my Lounge " is the sub title. I think he made a very gallant attempt at something most people would be too scared to attempt - the results looked very good too especially for a DIY project/
No power stretcher no respect. Knee kickers don't stretch carpet. Rookie status
Hey, you da man! Yes, I am a rookie and the vid makes it clear that it is a DIY job. I also emphasize this in the vid so as not to inadvertently mislead anybody. From what little I know I am, however, aware that many carpet fitters in the UK do not use power stretchers and nor is there any need to that I can see in my humble opinion and in my limited experience. As a keen DIY'er I've fitted loads of carpet in my own home and in rental properties and never had a problem with them using these basic tools. Not entirely sure why you think your 'respect' is an accolade worth chasing? Have a peaceful day where you are Sir. Des
Nice one👍🏻
Thank you! Cheers! Des
I bought a kicker and recarpeted my whole house since then I've done another two houses for family too
Brilliant comment that mate. So glad to hear that it worked for you. Stay safe and well, Des
OK
you've cut all your corners In which was wrong, I know your not a fitter just by looking at you stretcher!! your knees were wrecked because it a crap stretcher the pads on those are rock hard your carpet wasn't properly hooked on to the gripper so soon as you hoover round the edge of the room it will just come straight out.
+Lisa McCarthy Hello there and thanks for watching. My video makes it very clear that I'm not a professional carpet fitter and I'm not pretending to be one! I agree that the knee kicker is not the best quality but I didn't say it was did I? It is meant for DIY and amateur use only which is the whole point of this video. Given the fact that this was an amateur job, I think it turned out really good and the finished job was a success. This carpet gets vacuumed at least 3 or 4 times a week and I am pleased to report that it hasn't come up from the edges yet! It has remained in-situ. Regards
Nick Heaton sounds like your up your own arse mate!! Your probably not even a fitter!! It's fitting carpet not open heart surgery Lol
Ive been a carpet fitter for 13 years and I think you done a good job for a first time and for a felt back carpet they never stick on gripper very well so bravo fella hats off to ya
+sausage man..you sound like a bell end mate he clearly stated he is not a pro it’s diy
Hello there and thank you for taking the time to drop by and comment. Your feedbackand support is very much appreciated. Have a great day where you are my friend. Des
I wish I'd watched your video first, I cut a straight line at the fireplace and it shrank in like you said, never mind, it's in an inconspicuous place and I'm gonna fill it with a slither of carpet if I can :-)
Hello there my friend and thanks for watching. Been there and got the T-shirt mate! When I first took the plunge and started to lay carpets myself I also made the same mistakes but that's how you learn - the hard way unfortunately! I hope that your job came good in the end buddy and a great idea with the slither! They've saved my bacon before too. Take care, Des
Yeah came out good thanks, it's not perfect as stretcher didn't feel like it was penetrating the full layer so I went easy with it, It's good enough for me, I see your bug out vid, I had a little 2seater 4x4 since 2010 and only seen a few days snow, a bit annoying, since it's becoming old and tired, as soon as I have to change it for a normal car we'll get some "playing in the snow" weather, maybe not this year, it's been so mild in the UK, not complaining tho, I work outside! catch you later, nice vids btw, I saw some proper bug out vehicles this morn at Stonehenge solstice, done out horse van's ect with stove/woodburners made from old gas bottles and such :-)
Good to hear from you again. Glad to hear that the carpet fitting was satisfactory. It's unusual for stuff to turn out perfect first time so it sounds as if you did OK given your lack of experience. Well done mate. It has indeed been a very mild winter which is great as I don't like the cold and certainly prefer summer. However, rather annoying as I've recently shelled out for 4 new winter tyres and new rims and could have saved myself a few hundred quid. Typical! Lol. Still, I'll keep them on till about April/May time and then swap them back to the originals. If we do get any poor weather in the meantime me and my lad will be out and about having a whale of a time! Take care buddy, Des
Having ago next weekend. Room is a rectangle so thought it would be the perfect shape to start
I wish you the very best of luck with that mate. Hope it's not too big to start with. Des
@@21stcenturycaveman33 16ft X 9ft but perfect rectangle and the door to do.
Nice
Thank you. Des
OK
Well done.That was a tough room to start on.Ive only ever done square or rectagular rooms as an amateur.
Thanks for that buddy. Unless you challenge yourself you never know what you can do. ATB, Des
BTW - nearly 4 yrs later it's still going strong, intact and hasn't come away from the edges.
You did a very good job of tbe video.I like the diy that goes thru the process thoroughly as you have because most people including myself only do theses things ocassionally or as a once off and it helps a great deal when it is gone thru slowly amd explains tbe process thoroughly including better ways of doing it next time. I have been doing up an old farm house for some years and have done everything myself and learnt as I went.Utube and the Internet have been invaluable.All the best and keep up the good work.If it wasnt for people like yourself putting this information out there I would not have got far.Cheers.
Nicely done!! There are better DIY carpet stretchers out there that don't require hitting with your knee. It has a lever instead. It's called "Kneeless carpet stretcher" on Amazon and it's about $75 U.S. I didn't know about it until I had already bought the knee kicker.. I hope this helps if there is ever a next time!
Hello there and thanks very much for watching. The knee kickers certainly do their job and achieve the required result. However, the budget priced ones (such as the one I used in the vid) are OK if used occasionally for DIY purposes. However, I wouldn't want to use them regularly as they surely can't be good for your knees. I have seen vid's of people using the carpet stretchers you've referred to and they certainly appear to have advantages. The price you've described is also very appealing if they're any good. Both will inevitably have their pro's and con's. Certainly worth considering though. Thanks for your valuable feedback. ATB, Des
Huge respect for taking the time to share this and take people through your method. Zero respect to the idiots who make negative comments about how you made all these mistakes without offering the way "they" do it or just being morons in general. We'll done mate and keep creating videos!
Hi there and thanks for dropping by. I appreciate your kind words of support. Best wishes to you and yours, Des
hola soy de Chile y me gusto tu vídeo pero aun no puedo a prender yo creo que con practica o viajando a tu país a prendería mejor digo yo jajajaja
Hola mi amigo. Gracias por sus comentarios y saludos del Reino Unido. Te agradezco que esté viendo mi canal y espero que lo encuentre útil. Mis mejores deseos para usted y su familia. Des (he utilizado Google translate - espero que funcione!)
@@21stcenturycaveman33 Respect 👏
You definitely got it done! Congratulations! Just curious...wouldn't it have made the install easier to remove the base board before fitting and reinstall the base board afterwards?
Hello there. Yup, stitched up like a kipper. Got my money back though thankfully. Re. the baseboards. Definitely not. To remove them would involve damaging the plaster and having to repair them. Good question though. Take care, Des
Agree with des, i took it off my first time and was a complete cluster f#$k. Learnt my lesson
Hi thanks for the vid. What carpet is it your fitting looks like the sort of design and colour I'm looking for! Thanks
Hello my friend, here we go:
www.carpetright.co.uk/carpets/bergerac-carpet-3
You have an odd tendency to end your sentences with "okay". Lol i found it hilarious....
Hey, I hear what you're saying OK? Sorry! I even annoy myself sometimes. Best wishes, Des
ok
@@21stcenturycaveman33
Ok, OK, OK, okay, okay, okay, okay, yup ok.
a "wall trimmer" would help you cut in the carpet, just make sure that it has a plastic guard on it
Thank you so much for your valuable advice. Best wishes, Des
Decent end result... Fair play to you :-)
Thank you very much for watching and for your kind words of support. ATB, Des
wasting tons of carpet lol
Hi there and thanks for watching. There will always be waste with any job but the bits left over aren't big enough or useable for any other carpetting job. Best wishes, Des
I finally installed carpet in my office after watching your technique. It turned out great. Thanks.
That's fantastic news! Thanks for letting me know - that's made my day. Just goes to show that people shouldn't listen to the naysayers and those so-called 'pros' who repeatedly criticize DIY'ers like ourselves who can achieve great results by having a go. Well done. Best wishes, Des
@@21stcenturycaveman33 people (pros) will always criticise our diy work because the more we do the work ourselfs the less work they get my motto is you can do anything yourself if you put your mind to it and watch a couple of youtube vids always helps me nice one des and to the haters (Don`t hate us rate us)
That was excellently done - very well done and I hope you are enjoying your home - thanks for being willing to teach
My pleasure indeed. Hope your weekend is a pleasant one. Best wishes, Des
@@21stcenturycaveman33 Well it has been a tiring one - my husband's knees are bruised and bloody but at least the carpet is decently installed :) Your instructions were just right!
Hi there. So glad to hear that this project turned out for you both. ATB, Des
Great job!
This guy needs help in every department !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mmmmm this is why you hire professionals.
Where's your PPE! lol nice job
Well done.
Thanks very much. ATB, Des
one afternoon! lucky your not getting paid by the meter!!!!
+Timm Lashbrook What was supposed to be the hurry?
Ha, ha. Chance would be a fine thing buddy. I'm not a professional carpet fitter - I'm a DIY'er mate. I work in an office. Best wishes, Des
Thanks man for the informative vid. You saved me £200
That's fantastic news! Well done for having a go. Thanks for letting me know. ATB, Des