How To Use Double-Sided Carpet Tape

Double-sided carpet tape holds the bottom side of carpet or carpet tiles onto the floor. The tape adhesive is so strong that it is usually used for installations intended to be permanent, although some manufacturers offer a removable tape for temporary installations. The floor surface must be clean for the tape to adhere properly.

1. Stretching the Carpet

Unroll the carpet completely in the room in which you wish to install it. Allow it to relax and stretch out for an hour or so.

2. Roll Half

Roll half of the carpet back onto itself.

3. Taping the Room

Unroll strips of carpet tape and stick them down along the perimeter of the floor in all exposed areas. Make tape X shapes with strips of tape 6 inches long every foot or so along the areas inside the perimeter of the room. Leave the protective paper on the topside of the tape.

4. Unroll, Then Roll Again

Unroll the carpet over the taped area; then roll up the opposite side of the carpet. Roll it far enough to see some of the tape on the floor.

5. Taping the Other Half

Tape the exposed half of the floor, applying tape to the perimeter and interior as you did with the first half.

6. Making Cuts

Unroll the carpet and trim excess material by making slits from the top down — from the wall down to the floor. Use a straightedge and utility knife to make the actual cuts. Trim around protrusions and corners until the carpet lies flat and fits the floor perfectly.

7. Peel the Backing off Half the Tape

Fold half of the carpet back onto itself. Peel the paper backing off the exposed tape, then carefully set the carpet atop the tape. Repeat the process with the other side.

8. Roll it Smooth

Walk over the carpet, running a carpet roller over the entire area — especially the perimeter — to ensure the carpet and tape stick together.