How to Install Glue-Down Carpet
Bond broadloom carpet straight to a prepared subfloor with troweled adhesive. It needs a flat, clean, dry slab and close attention to the adhesive's open time.
What you need
Model 19062Square-Notch Adhesive Trowel, 4-1/2” x 11”
$24.53 each$16.68 each at 100 or more
Model 20550Black & Silver® Flooring/Roofing Knife, 2-1/2"
$17.92 each$12.19 each at 100 or more
Model 20200Flooring Long Point Knife, 2-1/2”
$8.14 each$5.65 each at 100 or more
Model 19040U/Square-Notch Trowel, 4-1/4” x 9-1/4”
$6.26 each$4.26 each at 100 or more
- carpet adhesive from the carpet maker
- latex seam sealer
- carpet roller
- chalk line
Steps
- Check the slab is flat, clean and dry. Moisture and pH testing is advised for slabs.
- Roll the carpet out and plan nap direction and seams.
- Rough-cut oversize from the back on a sacrificial surface.
- Fold half the carpet back. Spread adhesive with the notched trowel the adhesive label names, holding a steady angle.
- Let the adhesive reach the label's open time. Do not lay into wet adhesive.
- Lay the carpet into the adhesive from the fold line outward, then roll the whole floor.
- Seal the seam edges with latex seam sealer and close the seam into the wet bed.
- Trim at the walls, wash the trowel, and keep foot traffic light until the adhesive cures.
Tips
- The adhesive label sets the notch size, not the tool.
- Lay all pieces with the nap running the same way. Reversed nap looks like two colors.
- A glue-down floor is not bonded until it is rolled.
- Skipping seam sealer lets seam edges fray.
Watch out
- Floors from before the 1980s, including vinyl-asbestos or asphalt tile and black adhesive, can contain asbestos. Test before disturbing.
- Ventilate for adhesive fumes and read the SDS. Some adhesives are flammable.
Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.