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Carpet is most often affixed to the floor by tacks in tack strips rather than nailed or glued directly to the subfloor. The tack strips are nailed to wood subfloors. Even if you want to install carpet over concrete, you’ll adhere the tack strips to the concrete with masonry nails or a liquid adhesive.

While it is possible to install carpet yourself, it is a challenging DIY project that requires precise measurement, proper cutting skills, and knowledge of correct installation techniques. The process involves multiple steps, including removing old flooring, installing underlayment and tack strips, and stretching the carpet to prevent wrinkles, which can take several days to complete.

Before starting, consider these factors:

• Warranty: Many manufacturers' warranties are voided if the carpet is not installed by a professional.

• Tools: You will need to buy or rent specialized equipment like a knee kicker, carpet stretcher, and seam roller.

• Complexity: DIY installation is most suitable for simple, straightforward rooms. Projects involving stairs or floor vents are significantly more difficult.

• Cost: While you can save on labor, the cost of tools plus the risk of expensive mistakes—which may require re-installation—can make hiring a professional more cost-effective in the long run.

Given the potential for errors, voided warranties, and the need for special tools, hiring a local carpet installer is often recommended to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Carpet padding costs an average of $510 to purchase and install in a 225-square-foot room. The price can range from as low as $170 to as much as $850, depending on the brand, the thickness, and the labor cost. Although carpet padding will increase the overall cost of carpet installation, it also helps the carpet hold up longer, reduces noise in the room, and provides more insulation.

While not always required, experts recommend removing baseboards before removing old carpet and installing a new one. This practice leads to a smoother process and a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. Removing the baseboards allows for a seamless carpet installation without the risk of damaging either the carpet or the trim. It also provides a good opportunity to repaint or stain the baseboards and inspect the underlying wall for any issues. If you prefer a quicker option, you can carefully cut the old carpet along the edge of the baseboards, but this may result in a less polished installation for the new carpet.