Dumb question. The best way to cut carpet.

[Spoon]

Hello all. I am installing my ESW IP in the basement and I was looking for some advice in the best way to cut the carpet to lay my tile. I don't want to cut to much away. I have laid out my tile on top of the carpet. how much gap should I leave. I don't want to leave much cause that will mean less stretching but I want to have enough room to work with my thinset. I thought about taking painters tape around the tile then cutting down the center. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the help.

 

[Lakeside21]

I would make a rough cut much smaller than you need your final cut to be,but similar in shape. Then I would make some straight cuts toward your your final dimension trying to stay between the loops of the carpet. Then flap the excess back and do your thing. It will give you a little access under the carpet and if your straight cuts are off a bit the seam will blend together.

 

[kappel15]

If it is stretched in carpet, pull it loose from tack strip and fold it back out of your way. Then the pad also. Then an installer can restretch it back to your hearth. kap

 

[tiger]

I got one of these, it says it cuts carpets, so far I haven't found anything it wouldn't cut:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B64ZEE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[kappel15]

You can cut carpet with a utility knife. Main thing is to fold everything back from work area. When you are done, you can then put carpet back up to hearth and trim it in. If this is stretched in carpet, I would still advise to hire an installer to restretch carpet back up to hearth. kap

 

[peirhead]

Be sure to take Lakeside's advice to cut LESS than you think you might want to...I measured thrice. cut once and still cut off too much...really hard stretching the carpet back !!

 

[LuvMyPellets]

A carpet knife also works!

 

[mithesaint]

Build a raised hearth and place it on the carpet. No cutting needed. That way you don't have an ugly hole in the carpet if you ever take the stove or tile out.