CArpet seams??

Oh I'm going nuts! I have big rooms in the new house and I'm squeezing over to seam or not to seam... Any opinions? How much does the installers skill have to do with it? Is it better to pay more from a small long time shop for installation than get it done somewhere cheaper with not as good installers?

[Atomic Rooster]

Remember, you get what you pay for. You should pay a little more with the experienced shop. They are more than likely to do the job right and take the time to do a proper hidden seam. The guys that did the linoleum and carpeting in our apt. did a poor job. ALL seams in the lino are highly visable and the carpet seams are very noticeable. (That's ok though, we didn't have to pay for it.)

[Brainchild]

did mine myself. I did a fair job, but will pay to have it done next time.Get someone with references,and possibly some work you can look at,kida tricky to get the seams to look right.

[thekingofpain]

I recently had carpet seamed in the beachpad---it was actually seamed between new and old carpet of the same make and design, the seam only allowed alot of heavy sensitive electronics not having to be moved---you cant see the seam even tho the carpet is 10 years old between em---I think experience is key, the guy told me before doin the job it wouldnt be noticeable and he was 100% correct...

Originally posted by thekingofpain
I think experience is key, the guy told me before doin the job it wouldnt be noticeable and he was 100% correct...

I've heard that too... And seen seams one company put down big jump off the carpet and poke you in the eye seams!

[RedFury]

Absolutely get someone experienced in carpet laying if you are at all worried about seams. My dad is/was a carpet layer and would always complain about having to go back and fix badly done jobs by the less experienced. Not only do you have to worry about the seams, but because you have large rooms, you need to worry about the carpet being stretched properly! Otherwise you'll be riding the carpet waves.

There are alot of factors that most people aren't aware about when it comes to the art of carpet installation. I'm only aware of them because I happened to hear alot about it, and I still get to talk to carpet layers on jobs that I'm working on. My dad told me that Berber carpets are some of the hardest to seam together ( although you wouldn't know it by looking at the ones he installed )

Even after watching my dad lay carpet over the years, I installed the carpeting in my 3 bedrooms ( used carpet, had to seam it together ). The overall look is good, but you can tell I did it by looking at the seams, and where the carpet meets the hallway carpeting.

So, I guess I'm saying go with quality over saving a buck to save yourself the headache of a job done poorly.

[swamp-fox]

Another thing with carpet is QUALITY padding. I don't recommend that cheapo "rebond" padding (chopped up foam). When I worked for an interior designer the carpet man we used was almost twice the cost of any other's, BUT when you're putting carpet in a million dollar house you better use the best man in town. They also have to seam it flowing the same way the carpet ran off the mill. These guys would nail the carpet to the floor at the seams then hot glue it together and hand trim everything. Couldn't find their seams. Did I mention quality PADDING.

I'm not an expert but this is what I saw and heard from the experts.

swamp

I thought all of it was "rebond" ?

[swamp-fox]

I believe its called waffle padding. It's all one color (yellow, orange, brown) and "clay" based. heavy but will last many years. I helped them install many yards and never saw them use the chopped up stuff. Always the waffle pad May have to ask for it special. I did all the furniture refinishing, remodeling, painting etc and just helped them move the new carpet around and remove the old carpet.

Oh I just had a thought If you're going to repaint. Cut about 6 inches of carpet around all the baseboards, doors etc. and paint before they install the new carpet. You never know, the new carpet may be shorter than the old carpet and after you install the new you'll see where you stopped painting. Its also easier to sand, putty, and paint without the old carpet in the way. Don't forget to vacuum all the dirt and hairballs before painting the baseboards.

swamp

Thanks for the tip swamp but it's going to be new construction.
I'll look into that pad