How to Measure, Build and Create Carpet Seams?

(Plus: Carpet Seaming Diagram)

Here is a Simple Room Layout that measures 15' wide by 20' long. This is equal to 300 square feet (33.33 yards). However, due to the extra seaming required, it will actually require using 324 sf. (36 yards.) of carpet.

Here's why...

Since this room is 15 feet wide... and because we are using 12-foot wide carpet,

there must be a 3-foot x 20-foot seam along one wall. The fill area is created by seaming together three pieces of carpet.

1. There would be way too much material waste if we created the fill area with just one solid piece, so to save money we will create the fill area using three pieces that need to be seamed together.

Based on the room width and length, three is the logical number of pieces to use to build the fill area. Using two pieces to build the fill area would cost a lot more money in materials and would create too much waste. Using four pieces to build the fill area would take more time to prepare and not be cost effective. Some installers charge extra for seam work beyond the norm.

2. From a 12' x 7' piece of carpet, three pieces will each be cut to measure 4' by 7'. That allows about 6 inches extra on all sides to allow for cutting, seaming and trimming. It is important to have enough material to work with. You must have enough material to complete the job.

3. With all seams, the nap of the carpet must always run the same direction. It's like petting a cat, the fur lays down one way and stands up the other way. We use a 12' x 7' piece of carpet to build the fill areas to keep the nap going in the same direction.

In the diagram below, you can see how three carpet pieces are cut with a straight-edge and then seamed together to create one long 4' x 21' piece for the fill area.

There will be plenty of carpet to complete in job when the main piece of carpet (12' x 20') and the created side fill (4' x 21') are seamed together.

Carpet Seaming Diagram

(Example For a 15' x 20' Room)

The nap is laying down in this direction >>>>>>>>

View or Print as a PDF File

Carpet Seaming Diagram: It requires two 4-foot seams to connect the three 4' x 7' pieces together. This creates a single piece 4' x 21' to fit the fill area, as shown with arrows. Then both sides of the 20-foot seam can be straight-edged and completed.

The total amount of carpet needed to complete this room is 12' x 27' (36 yards) or 324 square feet. The cost for new carpet, padding and installation can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to save money by choosing wisely and knowing where not to shop for carpet. Carpet Cost, Prices and Deals for 2025

Carpet Padding comes in 20, 30 and 40 square yard rolls, depending on what type of padding you choose. Carpet manufacturers have minimum requirements for padding that must be followed or you can void your new carpet warranty. You can call the mill and ask what padding is recommended, once you have selected the carpet of your dreams. Learn about Selecting the Right Carpet Padding

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