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How to Install Indoor-Outdoor Carpet With Glue

Jay Kurz

Indoor-outdoor carpet is the easiest type of carpeting to install because it is thin and does not require tack strip or padding. This type of carpeting comprises waterproof, mold- and mildew-resistant olefin fibers that will not fade from ultraviolet rays.

How to Install Indoor-Outdoor Carpet With Glue

It comes in many different colors and styles, and you can install it with an adhesive or double-sided carpet tape. Installing it with adhesive can become messy, but it will give the carpet a longer-lasting bond to the floor. If you plan to remove the carpet in a couple of years, use the double-sided carpet tape; you'll find it much easier to remove than adhesive.

  1. Prepare the surface of the floor on which you plan to install the carpet by sanding down any high spots and filling in any low spots. Use a self-leveling floor compound to fill in any low spots in the floor. Render the floor completely flat before installing the carpet.

  2. Sweep the floor with a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or other debris.

  3. Measure the room, and cut the carpet to size using a straight edge and razor knife.

  4. Lay the carpet so it's centered in the room with 3 inches going up each wall. Fold the carpet in half without shifting the other half.

  5. Spread the carpet adhesive on the floor using an indoor-outdoor carpet notched trowel. Spread the adhesive as evenly as possible, and completely cover all exposed floor. Check the working time of the adhesive use to ensure that you spread it in time.

  6. Carefully lay the carpet back down onto the adhesive. Smooth the carpet out and roll it with a carpet roller. Trim the carpet to the walls using a razor knife. Let the adhesive harden and fold the other side of the carpet over and repeat the same process.