PSA: That stretch-in method for hallways is a game changer I learned in Cleveland

Last month I was installing a 12 foot runner in a narrow hall and my knee kicker kept slipping on the hardwood underneath. A guy named Mike from the supply house told me to try stretching it in from the middle out instead of the ends. Saved me like 2 hours of fighting with the backing. Anyone else have a weird trick that just works for tight spaces?

2 comments

2 Comments

abbyc3318d ago

I read somewhere that some installers actually use a heat gun on the backing before they even start stretching. My buddy tried it after watching a video and said it made the carpet way more flexible in tight corners. Not sure if that works for every material though. I've also heard of people using double-sided carpet tape as a temporary anchor instead of messing with the kicker in slick spots.

the_max18d ago

Yeah I had a buddy try the heat gun thing last month on a nylon carpet and it worked great at first but then the glue residue got all over his trimmer blade. @abbyc33 that double sided tape idea might've saved him a headache honestly. He ended up just switching to a shorter power stretcher for the tight spots and that solved most of his problems.