Key Takeaways
- Easy installation: Learn how to glue a floor carpet with a step-by-step guide.
- Affordable upgrade: Transform any room with a high-quality carpet for comfort and style.
- Durable results: Use T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive for a strong, long-lasting bond.
- DIY-friendly: Save money by installing your own carpet with the right tools.
Why Choose a Floor Carpet?
A high-quality floor carpet (or floor mat) brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of luxury to any home. Soft underfoot and available in countless colours, textures, and patterns, carpet flooring is an affordable way to transform your interior.
Beyond style, a floor carpet offers several practical benefits:
- Exceptional comfort – Cushioned surface ideal for barefoot walking or kids playing on the floor.
- Improved insulation – Helps retain warmth, reducing energy costs in cooler months.
- Noise reduction – Excellent for multi-storey homes or apartments by muffling footsteps.
- Child-friendly safety – Softer surface helps prevent injuries from slips or falls.
- Elegant finish – Creates a cosy, high-end look that suits bedrooms and living spaces.
However, carpets aren’t suitable for every space, avoid using them in bathrooms, laundries, or kitchens where moisture can be an issue.
Choosing the Right Carpet for Your Home
Type and Material
Carpets vary in fibre length, texture, and density. Decide whether you prefer:
- Soft or dense pile for comfort or durability
- Twisted or cut fibres for a specific texture
- Modular tiles or broadloom carpet rolls depending on your needs
Always feel the carpet in person, touch and walk on it to check comfort and quality.
Colour and Pattern
Lighter shades make small rooms appear larger, while darker tones add depth and warmth. Choose colours that complement your décor, or contrast them for a modern look.
Installation Style
- Broadloom carpet – Seamless, elegant finish, ideal for bedrooms or living areas.
- Modular carpet tiles – Easier to replace and ideal for high-traffic spaces or offices.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather:
- Serrated trowel – For spreading adhesive evenly.
- Sharp utility knife or carpet cutter.
- Tape measure and straightedge.
- Double-sided carpet tape (for temporary positioning).
- T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive – Ready to use, no primer required, mould-resistant and odourless.
- Flat board or roller – For pressing down the carpet.
- Soudal Swipex wipes – For cleaning excess adhesive.
Step-by-Step: How to Glue a Floor Carpet
1. Prepare the Surface
Remove any existing flooring and ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and smooth. Fill small cracks or uneven spots and remove dust, grease, or debris.
Lay out the carpet for several hours (or overnight) so it can flatten and adjust to room humidity. Leave around 5-10 cm excess at the edges to trim later.
2. Temporary Positioning
Before gluing, use double-sided tape to hold the carpet in place. Fix around the edges for small rooms or add cross strips for larger spaces. This prevents movement during installation.
3. Apply the Adhesive
Fold back half of the carpet and apply T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive across the subfloor using a serrated trowel.
This hybrid polymer glue:
- Bonds instantly with strong adhesion
- Requires no primer
- Is mould-resistant and odour-free
- Can be applied between 5°C and 35°C
Work efficiently, you’ll have around 20 minutes to position the carpet. Press the glued section firmly, then repeat for the other half.
4. Press and Smooth
Once the entire carpet is in place, press it down with a flat board or roller to remove any trapped air and ensure full contact with the adhesive. Open windows or doors to allow ventilation while the glue cures.
5. Trim and Finish
After the adhesive sets, carefully trim the carpet edges using a sharp knife. Install skirting boards along the walls and transition strips between rooms for a clean, professional finish.
Helpful Tips for DIY Carpet Laying
- Remove fresh adhesive easily with Soudal Swipex wipes.
- Always use sharp cutting blades for precise edges.
- Check product data sheets for application and curing details.
- Avoid walking on the carpet until the adhesive has fully cured.
Create a Warm and Elegant Home
Laying your own carpet is a satisfying and affordable way to upgrade any space. With the right preparation and T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive, you can achieve a durable, professional-looking result without hiring a tradesperson.
Whether you’re styling a cosy bedroom, quiet study, or a comfortable family living room, a floor carpet adds both beauty and warmth to your home, easily installed with your own hands.
FAQs
How do I know which type of carpet is right for my home?
Consider factors like foot traffic, comfort, and room size. Soft pile carpets are great for comfort, while denser piles are more durable. For high-traffic areas, modular carpet tiles may be a better option as they’re easier to replace.
Can I install a carpet myself?
Yes, you can install carpet yourself with the right tools and preparation. Be sure to follow the step-by-step guide and use the right adhesive, like T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive, for best results.
How long does it take for the adhesive to dry?
Most adhesives, like T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive, typically take 12–24 hours to fully cure. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for precise curing times.
What if I make a mistake or get adhesive on the carpet?
You can easily clean excess adhesive with Soudal Swipex wipes. Just make sure to do it promptly before the adhesive sets.
Can I use carpet glue for other types of flooring?
While T-Rex Floor & Wall adhesive is ideal for carpets, it can also be used for other floor coverings, such as vinyl, wood, and tiles, depending on the surface. Always check the product specifications before use.
What tools do I need to glue a floor carpet?
You’ll need tools like a serrated trowel for spreading adhesive, a sharp utility knife or carpet cutter for trimming, double-sided tape for temporary positioning, and a flat board or roller for pressing down the carpet.