How to Fit and Install a Carpet Edge Strip for a Door

Installing an edge strip applies one of the finishing touches to a properly installed carpet. A carpet edge strip, which is also known as a carpet transition piece, will normally be used in a doorway. However, a carpet transition piece will be needed anywhere that a carpet ends and a different type of flooring material begins. No matter what type of carpet you install, whether the pile is deep or shallow, you’re going to want an edge strip or transition piece to make the transition from carpet to tile, wood, linoleum, etc smooth and natural looking. There are many different brands and styles of carpet edge strip available. Visit your local home improvement or hardware store and decide which style and color fits with your carpet and room décor. For the list of tools and the installation process, see below.

Step 1: Measure Door Opening

There are two ways to do this. The easiest is to place the edge strip against the door frame at floor level with one end butted against the corresponding side of the door frame and marking the other side with a pencil or other marking device where the other side of the door frame meets the edge strip. The other way is to measure the width of the door at floor level and transfer this measurement to your edge strip.

Step 2: Cut

Using the correct type of saw, carefully start the cut on your edge strip from the underside and verify the proper measurement. Cutting on the underside ensures that if your measurement is off at all, you won’t be showing any marred surfaces when you correct the measurement.

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

Place your edge strip in the doorway where you wish to have it and make sure it is square with the door opening. Holding it securely with one hand, mark at least four of the screw openings with your marking device. Remove the edge strip and use the drill with the proper bit to drill pilot holes for the screws being used. If you have a concrete slab floor, you will need to use a ¼ inch masonry bit and screw inserts to secure the edge strip in place.

Step 4: Secure Edge Strip in Place

Place the edge strip back on the floor and line up the screw holes with your pilot holes. Use the drill with the screwdriver tip and install the four screws needed to secure the edge strip to the floor.

Step 5: Trim and Insert Carpet

Extend the carpet in the doorway to full length. Fold the carper back upon itself so that it extends ¼ inch into the edge strip. Fold the excess under itself and coat it with the carpet seam sealer. Insert this bent portion into the slot on the edge strip and smooth the carpet towards the doorway in order to securely seat the carpet in the edge strip.

The project of installing a doorway carpet edge strip as listed above should be able to be accomplished in less than an afternoon once the carpet is installed.