Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Jun 23, 2008 06:40am | #1

   I wouldn't worry about anything sinking into the carpet. If it gets moldy under there, it will be hard to get to. If you have a set back toe space, it will be difficult to get a tack strip in close. It's probably better to cut the carpet out and run the tack strip before installing. You need to be careful to leave enough carpet to chink in and watch out you don't get pull a run. Another way is to add a board to the toe kick afterwards, on top of the cut carpet. If it's a wood floor, you can cut the carpet without extra and staple it down, The toe kick board will cover it.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   crookedshack | Jun 23, 2008 07:03am | #2

   Hammer1, Thanks for the reply. The subfloor is Advantech so I like the suggestion about cutting the carpet and stapling it to the subfloor. There is not going to be a toekick as the trim will wrap around the entire bottom of the book case and window seat from one side of the room to the other. Thanks for your reply and I will also be mindful of any runs.

2. 
   Piffin | Jun 23, 2008 03:38pm | #3

   For any built in, you should always cut back the carpet and re-anchor it first.

   I have done quite a few demo jobs where DIYs have built over carpet and every one of them caused problems with settling or mold when spills and leaks wet the carpet under, or difficulty changing carpet later. Keep in mind that carpet is an 8-10 year product, but the built ins could be there still when the house burns down.

    

    

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1. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 25, 2008 07:46am | #6

   "For any built in, you should always cut back the carpet and re-anchor it first."

    

   why?

   you don't think it'll stay stuck if ya run a 2x on the flat across the carpet and screw it tight down into the carpet ... then build on top of that?

   or build the built-in as a unit ... set her down on top of the carpet and firmly attach to the studs?

    

   what's gonna go wrong?

   and when carpet changing time comes ... pop the trim and cut it with a utility knife.

   I've done it both ways ... don't really see one as being all that better than the other.

    

   for customers ... I cut the carpet ... 'cause sooner or later they'll read someone on the internet say that's the only way.

   for my own house ... and for non-customer customers ... I go which ever way is quickest and easiest.

   and so far ... none of the carpet I've built-in'd has burst into flames.

   Jeff

        Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 25, 2008 01:12pm | #8

   I don't know about flames, but the carpet will settle/squash. That causes misalignment of doors or other problems. Say it is shelves, who wants all the shelves pitching towards the front so the books slide off.Like I said, I have seen it and had to demo because of it.And if it ever needs re-stretching, you just made that guys work harder. He's cussing you now. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 25, 2008 09:48pm | #9

   step one ... build a strong carcass.

    

   and all the carpet guy has to do is slit the carpet and lay down a new row of tackless

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

3. 
   IdahoDon | Jun 25, 2008 05:06am | #4

   I'd say the course of action depends on your skills or willingness to bring in someone to help.

   Yes, it is best to cut back the carpet, install tack strip and at least kick the carpet in to get it to hold on the tack strip.  However, there is always the chance that you aren't getting the carpet stretched enough with only a kicker.  The best carpet installers I've used say it just doesn't make $$ sense to try to do it yourself and they would fit me into their schedule as needed for small jobs.  Having said that, they almost always just kick it in as I would do.

   Depending on how thick the pad/carpet is and how wide a toe kick or base might be, I will sometimes carefully mark out the outline of the builtin where the carpet would need to be cut, and staple the heck out of it so the staples will be hidden.  Then cut the carpet and install the builtin.  A tack strip would probably be slightly better, but this seems to keep the tension, is very quick, and looks good in most situations.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

1. 
   crookedshack | Jun 25, 2008 05:56am | #5

   Hey guys,
   Thanks for the help. I have cut the carpet and re-attached the tack-strip and so far so good. I was totally aware that cutting the carpet back was the right thing to do but was a little intimidated since I have never done it before. First time went smooth so it shouldn't be too much of an issue in the future. Thanks again guys.

2. 
   Piffin | Jun 25, 2008 01:08pm | #7

   That is what I do - staple / tack and then cut. That holds the tension already there in place. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!