Are there a lot of windows in the room? Will there be heavy or light traffic in the room? Do you have kids or pets? Is there direct access from outside? How large is the room? Dealers will also typically try to sell you on Stainmaster, Teflon, and Anti-Static technology at various levels of expense to you. Remember, the decision’s up to you. Get something that’ll serve your purpose, but don’t get pushed into expensive options you don’t want.

Consider carpet made from olefin face fiber. A chemical-resistant fiber that will stand up to aggressive cleaning solutions like bleach, this might not be the softest or most attractive carpet, but it will last. [2] X Research source

Typically, the carpet rule of thumb is that light carpet can seem to create more space in a smaller room, while a darker shade of carpet can add coziness to a bigger space.

Rent or buy a moisture reader to test the humidity yourself. You should do this a week or more prior to carpet installation day to allow plenty of time for the waterproofing to be done.

Tack strip is also known as gripper rod (UK), carpet gripper, Smooth edge (Can), tack strip, and gripper edge. [3] X Research source Alternatively, you can use glue-down carpet, rather than tack strips.

Generally, you’ll work from the centers of each wall toward the corners. As a novice, you might want to avoid using a power stretcher, since they can overstretch or even rip carpet. They are hydraulic, heavy, and very expensive.