I’m going to install built-in cabinets in a room which has wall-to-wall carpeting. The cabinets should sit on the subfloor, not the carpet, so I need to cut the carpet back. I’ve ripped out plenty of carpet, but never installed it. It seems to me that I remove carpet, pad, and tack strips from where the cabinets will sit. Then I install new tack strips just in front of the cabinets, use a rented carpet stretcher to hook the carpet over the tack strips, and trim the carpet to fit. Is this basically it, or am I missing things?
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That's basically it. Just put the tackless so the points angle toward the wall. Keep the inside edge about a fat fingertip space away.
Depending on the lay of the carpet....if it's in good shape and tight....you might try to find some carpet tacks(nails). I think I've even seen them at a HD or Lowes......thay are short nails with a big head......used in situations like this where you'd layout for the cabinet......nail these in thru the carpet giving yourself enough working room.....then cutting the carpet back. They just keep the carpet from relaxing.
Then install the cab's, run new tackless...and hand tuck the new cut. No power stretcher needed.
Otherwise....do as first intended. Sounds like a plan. A decent carpet knife for under $20 makes for a better cut with less hassle. Remember to crease the cut line to a tight fold......a wide carpet stair chisel is nice to have....but a stout putty knife of even a wider brick chisel will do the job.
How much pressure to put on the power stretch is a judgement call for each carpet....so will just need a slight bit to keep it taught........and I've stretched 6 to 8 inches out of a carpet back in the days of cleaning them. All depends on age and original install.
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