Expert: Dave Coil - 8/16/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Dear Sir,

Could you please advice me how to do the flooring and carpet in my house.

Thanks and regards


Shajahan V.

Answer -
I need just a bit more information.   Are you installing flooring on a concrete slab or a plywood deck?

I'm going to install the flooring on the Concrete,  

Answer
Thank you for adding the information needed.  For a concrete slab installation of linoleum, carpet, wood, or tile,  Preparation is everything.  Where possible, make sure any holes or imperfections are dealt with, best you can.  To glue down vinyl sheet goods, prepare a template using paper of any size or shape and tape it into the configuation of the floor.  You should be able to transfer that shape to the vinyl and cut it very close to a perfect fit.   Using a multipurpose adhesive..and 1/16" notched trowel, spread glue and lay the vinyl in place.   For carpet, you will install a "tack strip" (stips of wood with tiny nails in it) so the wood is 1/4" to 1/2" away from the walls for baseboard.  Any carpet padding will lay within this perimeter.  The carpet is installed from wall to wall, except that you may need to cut it 1/4" too small and allow for stretch to get to the walls.  Carpet needs to stretch.