Carpet Binding Basics

A man measures carpet.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Carpet binging tape
Carpet seam iron
Carpet remnants (for touch-up)
What You'll Need
Carpet binging tape
Carpet seam iron
Carpet remnants (for touch-up)

Carpet binding is a process of making sure that a room that is too large for one piece of carpeting can be covered. Binding joins the seams of different pieces of carpeting and helps keep the seams from unraveling. Binding tape can also be used to match the color of the carpet.

Select Carpet Binging Tape

Select carpet binding tape that matches or is close to the color of the carpet that you are seaming. Hardware stores and home improvement centers carry a wide variety of tapes that can be used to bind pieces of carpeting together. You can choose a tape that can adhere to different iron settings such as hot or cool, or not require an iron at all.

If the tape you select requires an iron, purchase a carpet seam iron as well. This tool is specifically designed for carpets and will not damage or ruin the area. You may also choose a double adhesive carpet binding tape that adheres to the floor and the carpet.

Step 2 - Bind Carpet Seams

Lay the carpet and at the end of each seam place tape to join the edges of one piece to another. Follow the instructions of the package to ensure that both ends are properly joined. Use the carpet seam iron to join the two edges by heating up the adhesive on the carpet binding tape.

Use Remnants for Touch-Up

Keep on hand remnant pieces of the carpeting in order to perform touch-up repairs on any rips or tears that may occur. The remnants can be trimmed to fit into the repair area and set in place using the carpet binding tape to set the replacement piece in place.

You can save remnants by ordering more carpeting than is needed or requesting that the installers save pieces that would have otherwise been thrown away. Save these pieces since it is a possibility that over time a style of carpeting in your home may become discontinued. Saving the remnant allows you to perfectly match the area that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Allow Carpet Seam to Set-Up

Press the seams in place firmly before completing the installation of the carpet. When the carpet has been completely installed, go over the area of the floor where the seam has been placed and walk over to determine if the seams have matched. You should allow time for the seam to join naturally before permitting heavy traffic over the carpet surface.

Carpet binding is a way to cover a large area with the correct style of carpeting. Professional installers are able to perform this task with ease and provide you with a seamless look throughout the area where you want the carpet to be installed.

If you choose to do this work yourself, consult with a carpet-store professional or home improvement carpeting specialist for additional hints and advice before attempting a carpet binding project.