Recommendations for Carpet Installer in NJ
- Thread starter oneillch
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beware of prices when you mention the B word... (boat). One reasonably priced company i had used in the pat for condo, office, etc... came in ridiculously high on a boat estimate.
in most cases you can do it yourself since you can reuse the old carpets for patterns, usually you dont' need binding around the edges.
in most cases you can do it yourself since you can reuse the old carpets for patterns, usually you dont' need binding around the edges.
And for those areas that you do need binding take a look at something called "instabind" Really nice looking stuff that can be applied by any DIY'er using a hot glue gun. No sewing required.
I made the above cockpit carpets myself using the instabind and they are holding up great 2 years later!
I installed carpet for many years to work my way through college and even after that. Installing carpet in a boat is more difficult due to the small space, many cutouts and care that must be taken around fine wood work, cabinets, etc. That said, you still shouldn't get ripped off just because its a boat. I've done a few boats and price each job individually based on my estimated time. I almost always glue the carpet directly to the floor with outdoor adhesive. If you use padding and tack strips, they can hold moisture, the tack strips will eventually rot and mildew and the carpet will probably get buckling in it due to changes in humidity and restretching it will be very difficult or impossible. Get a couple of estimates and ask specifically how the installer will be installing the carpet. Oh, I'm assuming this is for the interior cabin area of your boat. If its the cockpit, use snapin carpet and have it bound or use the instabind like Rommer. Most canvas shops can bind carpet with sunbrella binding.
I know we can use the old carpet as a pattern, but over the years of home/boat improvement projects I've learned that there are some things to tackle and this is not one of them. Besides, I don't have the space or time necessary to do so.
I agree that a tackless installation (glue down)is the only way to go, but has anyone ever had experience with a carpet tile installation on a boat? The tiles are glued down, have a rubber-type backing and the carpet does not fray when the tile is cut. I've used it in commercial applications and it can be very pricy, but it recently come on the market for residential use.
I agree that a tackless installation (glue down)is the only way to go, but has anyone ever had experience with a carpet tile installation on a boat? The tiles are glued down, have a rubber-type backing and the carpet does not fray when the tile is cut. I've used it in commercial applications and it can be very pricy, but it recently come on the market for residential use.
Don't use rubber back carpet or carpet tiles on the cabin of a boat. That rubber won't hold up well to a marine environment and if you ever want to replace it, the rubber will be a major PIA to get off the floor. You will be scraping rubber until your arms fall off. Also, for a glue down installation, you don't want to use the old carpet as a pattern. For this type of installation, I really don't use a pattern. I measure the length by the width and add 6 inches and cut my carpet to this size. I lay it in dry (no glue) and rough cut it so it lays nice and smooth. Then fold the carpet back half way, spread the glue with a notched trowel and lay the carpet in to the glue. Fold back the other half, spread the glue and lay down the carpet. Then final trim everything. Only use very sharp blades. As soon as they dull, change them. Try not to leave any raw edges of the carpet exposed, it will eventually unravel. BTW, the strongest fiber is nylon. Olefin supposedly holds up better to the uv, but will eventually mat down. Just look at your cockpit carpet. All the traffic areas are matted down as compared to the non-traffic areas. If you can get the boat to Long Island, I'll help you with it.
I used Captain Carpet in the Tuckerton area in 2006. $950 installed for the complete interior of my 34 silveton convertible. I will say the carpet chosen was on the cheap side, but thats my fault. Job was satisfactory for the price.
Funny thing about the "b-word." When we had a sofa delivered last year, the store asked us if they making the delivery on the first or second floor. I told them that we were at SEA LEVEL and assured them that they didn't have to worry about the stairs.
As for the backing on the commercial carpet tiles, it's not rubber and is rated for most applications. I always prefer nylon but an olefin/nylon blend is not too bad. You're always going to get a traffic pattern unless you use either a commercial low level loop or a 30-40 oz wt carpet. The carpet currently in the boat is seafoam green from 1995 and With the exception of the stains, it is actually in good condition. I have tried everything on the stains but it's beyond cleaning.
I think I'm going to give one of my carpet contacts in Rahway a call and see if they do installations at "sea level."
Thanks all for your input!
As for the backing on the commercial carpet tiles, it's not rubber and is rated for most applications. I always prefer nylon but an olefin/nylon blend is not too bad. You're always going to get a traffic pattern unless you use either a commercial low level loop or a 30-40 oz wt carpet. The carpet currently in the boat is seafoam green from 1995 and With the exception of the stains, it is actually in good condition. I have tried everything on the stains but it's beyond cleaning.
I think I'm going to give one of my carpet contacts in Rahway a call and see if they do installations at "sea level."
Thanks all for your input!
For stains, try a product called "Afta". Its made by Guardsman Products. Use only with a white rag as this stuff is really strong. I always carried this stuff during my carpet installation days. Who ever you use, if they use staples anywhere, make sure they are stainless steel staples. The staples typically made for carpet staplers are brass or brass coated and will eventually leave stains on the carpet. I know this from first hand experience. I stapled a runner in my boat and a couple of weeks later, I had little stains where each staple was and they wouldn't come out.
Seasure1, I am in Tuckerton at Total Marine I am curious what did it cost to have your boat done? My carpet is still in good shape and no UV problrms because the windows and sliding doors are tinted. We also have curtains for when the sun is really beating down on us.
Bill
Bill