Laying down carpet can be ideal for a person who wants to do the installation on their own. There are two types of carpet installation methods to choose from: glue down and stretch in. Stretch in carpet rolls are for broadloom carpet types, or carpet that is woven on a wide loom. Broadloom carpet can be extremely advantageous as it can be laid without creating seams. Natural materials such as wool, sisal and horsehair are often used to make broadloom carpet. Broadloom carpets can also made with synthetic products like nylon and plastic.

Glue down, or double glue down installation is only suitable for specific types of broadloom carpet. During the glue down process, the carpet and/or the carpet pad is glued directly to the subfloor. This carpet installation method is reserved for laying down patterned carpet in high traffic areas, and when carpeting outdoors. Both glue down and stretch-in carpet can be laid over radiant heat systems. They cannot be installed over unsealed concrete, existing carpet and carpet pad, or unfinished waxed floors. Before laying down your carpet, make sure that all concrete subfloors are properly sealed and that they pass a pH alkalinity test.

If you're in the process of laying carpet in your home, you may have a question or two about the process. The carpet FAQ section on FindAnyFloor.com features the most commonly asked carpet installation questions. Find the answers to all of your questions here.