ANYone Have Experience with "Do-it-yourself" Carpet?

[apoppin]

i am considering doing wall-to-wall-carpet myself [in October] . . . and this looks interesting:

Legato? Carpet System

i have looked at it at Home Depot and it "looks" like any other carpet . . . cost is about the same for similar quality . . .~$27 a sq yard [pad is included and of course i will install myself]

anyone know about this?

any big disadvantages?

Basically it is w2w carpet that is installed [yourself] --in PANELS . . . guaranteed for 10 years not to show seams

 

[apoppin]

no one has experience with wall-to-wall carpet -- in panels

i thought the posters at ATF OT knew everything
:Q



anyway, i am buying carpet next week . . . looking for ideas

 

[apoppin]

OK . . . no one? . .. i thought the old married folks would be up by now.
:Q

SUGGESTIONS as to WHERE i can find out "more" info [from the consumer side]?

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I'm going to suggest that this carpet SUCKS, because it almost certainly does.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea i'd be scared of seams showing eventually

 

[jme5343]

I've not used it, but the brights spots to me, were 1) If my kids spill grape kool-aid on a couple panels, you just use some of the extra you have and replcae the panels. 2) Self-install, obviously 3.) Even if you decide it's not for your living room, you can always use it in a kid's room, den, or some other low traffic area.

I'm considering it for a couple bedrooms, but I'm in no hurry. If you decide to be the guinea pig, please post your results

EDIT: This thread has some good info from both sides.

 

[doze]

If I were you I would buy a very small amount and do a closet or similar area first to see if it's worth the time/effort.

 

[waggy]

a buddy of mine did something like that. the parts came in squares with sticky pads you put down. it was ugly but cheap wich is perfect for the basement.

 

[richardycc]

I saw these at home depot, my conclusion is that they are too expensive for DIY project. you can get similiar quality regular carpet installed by a pro for about the same price.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: jmebonner
I've not used it, but the brights spots to me, were 1) If my kids spill grape kool-aid on a couple panels, you just use some of the extra you have and replcae the panels. 2) Self-install, obviously 3.) Even if you decide it's not for your living room, you can always use it in a kid's room, den, or some other low traffic area.

I'm considering it for a couple bedrooms, but I'm in no hurry. If you decide to be the guinea pig, please post your results

EDIT: This thread has some good info from both sides.

'timing' is everything . . . the old married people ARE up
:Q


[my birthday was yesterday . . . i am recovering from the 'shock' . . . no party]

thanks very much for the link!
:thumbsup:

it seems to be fine . . . the people with the problems look like they don't know how to follow directions . . .

i AM going to buy this . . . i have a self-contained studio apartment to install it in first - if it looks/wears/installs well, i will do the whole house. . . . if not, i will return it.

the panel carpet 'looks' no different than other carpet . . . you can pick an ugly colour.

and of course, i will post my results here - *with pics* even
:thumbsup:

of course, i'd like to hear other experiences . . .

==============
EDIT:

Originally posted by: richardycc
I saw these at home depot, my conclusion is that they are too expensive for DIY project. you can get similiar quality regular carpet installed by a pro for about the same price.

IMPOSSIBLE . . . Legato is $27 a square yard . . . pad is included.

you get 'garbage' in regular carpet for $27 installed.
{you get to pick carpet that's ~$20 a yard --pad & intallation run about +$7 more}

 

[DrPizza]

I'd suggest figuring out how to do regular wall-to-wall carpetting yourself. It's not hard, especially since the invention of a power stretcher. There are several websites that show you exactly how to do it. Buy a GOOD carpet knife and rent the rest of the equipment. A good carpet knife makes those utility knives look like butter knives. Oh, and buy some bandaids. But, *if* you cut yourself, it's a nice clean cut that heals nicely. Bleeds like a sonofabitch, but, you'll live. I did 4 rooms in my house last year; no problems at all. I believe all of the carpetting had at least a 15 year warranty; the living room's warranty is 20 years. Even with 3 dogs and a cat, it looks just as good as it did the day I put it in. If it lasts 10 years, I'll be happy; but knowing my wife, she'll want to remodel the living room in about 8 years. She can't go a year without completely redoing at least one room (if not 3).

Oh, and get GOOD padding. That's just as important as the particular carpetting you purchase.

As far as those do-it-yourself panels; they created those for a little niche market: do-it-yourselfers who are afraid of carpetting. But, there's an old saying: do it right or don't do it at all. I think that applies in this case.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I'd suggest figuring out how to do regular wall-to-wall carpetting yourself. It's not hard, especially since the invention of a power stretcher. There are several websites that show you exactly how to do it. Buy a GOOD carpet knife and rent the rest of the equipment. A good carpet knife makes those utility knives look like butter knives. Oh, and buy some bandaids. But, *if* you cut yourself, it's a nice clean cut that heals nicely. Bleeds like a sonofabitch, but, you'll live. I did 4 rooms in my house last year; no problems at all. I believe all of the carpetting had at least a 15 year warranty; the living room's warranty is 20 years. Even with 3 dogs and a cat, it looks just as good as it did the day I put it in. If it lasts 10 years, I'll be happy; but knowing my wife, she'll want to remodel the living room in about 8 years. She can't go a year without completely redoing at least one room (if not 3).

Oh, and get GOOD padding. That's just as important as the particular carpetting you purchase.

As far as those do-it-yourself panels; they created those for a little niche market: do-it-yourselfers who are afraid of carpetting. But, there's an old saying: do it right or don't do it at all. I think that applies in this case.

first of all, i am not "afraid" of installing w2w carpet myself . . . i have a herniated neck disk . . . if the power stretchers can take the 'oomph' out of installing, i might be able to do it. i used to do all my own auto repair but now tend to do only the lighter/simpler jobs.

. . . and 'panel carpeting' would be perfect for my apartment . . . guests tend to ruin carpet.

Anyway, do you have any links to those websites that you used? i'd like to see a really well-detailed one.

 

[apoppin]

thought i'd better check in with the "weekday" crowd . . . first.

it looks like i am gonna "try" it . . . anyone with DiY experience laying carpet . . . or "panel carpet"?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

I was looking at that carpet this weekend. I'm not willing to risk it at this point... I've got about 600sqft and thats too much money should something go wrong during installation or down the road.

I've decided to pay for installation. Looks like we'll get getting a berber that is about 1.50 sq ft and another 1 sq ft for padding and installation. Thats roughly $22.5/sqyd and it will be done in a day.

 

[jme5343]

Originally posted by: apoppin
thought i'd better check in with the "weekday" crowd . . . first.

it looks like i am gonna "try" it . . . anyone with DiY experience laying carpet . . . or "panel carpet"?

I've laid carpet w/ kickers and a stretcher. It's work. That said, I first did a small room 10x12 or so. Next up was half the house 13x40 or so, many dividers, a hallway, couple angles. I had to seam it, which was interesting.

The next job, 14x40 and 2 11x14 rooms I paid to have done and it was worth every penny

If it's a simple square room, you shouldn't have any trouble, but I'll never do anything complicated again...

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: jmebonner

Originally posted by: apoppin
thought i'd better check in with the "weekday" crowd . . . first.

it looks like i am gonna "try" it . . . anyone with DiY experience laying carpet . . . or "panel carpet"?

I've laid carpet w/ kickers and a stretcher. It's work. That said, I first did a small room 10x12 or so. Next up was half the house 13x40 or so, many dividers, a hallway, couple angles. I had to seam it, which was interesting.

The next job, 14x40 and 2 11x14 rooms I paid to have done and it was worth every penny

If it's a simple square room, you shouldn't have any trouble, but I'll never do anything complicated again...

i figured - even with the new power stretchers - it is MAJOR work laying W2W carpet

that's why i am looking into the "panel" idea - it looks easy as heck . . . best of all - i will ONLY do the apartment, first . . . IF it looks good, i will do the house . . . if not, then i will just 'live' with the Apt and return the unused panels and get professional carpet layers.

good plan?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: jmebonner

Originally posted by: apoppin
thought i'd better check in with the "weekday" crowd . . . first.

it looks like i am gonna "try" it . . . anyone with DiY experience laying carpet . . . or "panel carpet"?

I've laid carpet w/ kickers and a stretcher. It's work. That said, I first did a small room 10x12 or so. Next up was half the house 13x40 or so, many dividers, a hallway, couple angles. I had to seam it, which was interesting.

The next job, 14x40 and 2 11x14 rooms I paid to have done and it was worth every penny

If it's a simple square room, you shouldn't have any trouble, but I'll never do anything complicated again...

i figured - even with the new power stretchers - it is MAJOR work laying W2W carpet

that's why i am looking into the "panel" idea - it looks easy as heck . . . best of all - i will ONLY do the apartment, first . . . IF it looks good, i will do the house . . . if not, then i will just 'live' with the Apt and return the unused panels and get professional carpet layers.

good plan?

Most commercial carpet is panelized. The carpet in my office is made of 12" squares and its impossible to see the seam. If something gets damaged, they pull out the old and put in a new one. Though, you tend to see the new ones because of the lack of wear.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

Originally posted by: apoppin
. . . and 'panel carpeting' would be perfect for my apartment . . . guests tend to ruin carpet.

As wiz stated above, the gleaming new section of carpet that you just replaced will stick out just as much as the stain would have. I don't think that this should be a significant factor in your decision.

Really, it's not that much more expensive to have someone lay it for you, especially if you are injured.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

i just got a quote tonight for installation

total sqft = 768 + 12 step stair case

install fee = $452.00 and will probably take 1 day, maybe 1.5 days.

well worth it IMO.

cheers and beers,
HBD

 

[richardycc]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: jmebonner
I've not used it, but the brights spots to me, were 1) If my kids spill grape kool-aid on a couple panels, you just use some of the extra you have and replcae the panels. 2) Self-install, obviously 3.) Even if you decide it's not for your living room, you can always use it in a kid's room, den, or some other low traffic area.

I'm considering it for a couple bedrooms, but I'm in no hurry. If you decide to be the guinea pig, please post your results

EDIT: This thread has some good info from both sides.

'timing' is everything . . . the old married people ARE up
:Q


[my birthday was yesterday . . . i am recovering from the 'shock' . . . no party]

thanks very much for the link!
:thumbsup:

it seems to be fine . . . the people with the problems look like they don't know how to follow directions . . .

i AM going to buy this . . . i have a self-contained studio apartment to install it in first - if it looks/wears/installs well, i will do the whole house. . . . if not, i will return it.

the panel carpet 'looks' no different than other carpet . . . you can pick an ugly colour.

and of course, i will post my results here - *with pics* even
:thumbsup:

of course, i'd like to hear other experiences . . .

==============
EDIT:

Originally posted by: richardycc
I saw these at home depot, my conclusion is that they are too expensive for DIY project. you can get similiar quality regular carpet installed by a pro for about the same price.

IMPOSSIBLE . . . Legato is $27 a square yard . . . pad is included.

you get 'garbage' in regular carpet for $27 installed.
{you get to pick carpet that's ~$20 a yard --pad & intallation run about +$7 more}

$27/sqyd will get you some decent stuff, I paid around $22 installed, 2nd thickness (3 levels) weardated nylon, with 8pounds pad. installation was 60cents/sqft or $5.4/sqyd. you need to shop around.

 

[Parrotheader]

I've got some second-hand (or is it foot? HA! Thank you I'll be here all week!) square-panel carpeting from my dad's old company. It's Milliken stuff too and extremely high quality. Higher-quality than the berber carpet I likely would've bought otherwise.

I didn't use it upstairs, but I did put it in my partially-finished room in my basement on top of the concrete slab foundation. It looks surprisingly good IMO (although obviously not very soft since there's no pad underneath.) I used the same thing in my apartment in college when it was just old 60s white tile floor. It made the place much warmer and quiet.

Installation wasn't too bad IMO. But that's all relative I suppose.

 

[apoppin]

thanks for the continued replies and opinions . . . i am still 'looking'

just *passed* my insurance inspection yesterday . . . carpet this month . . . well, as soon as i am done painting . . .