210 CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Carpeting
Carpeting is selected and specified by the type of construc-
tion and the type of pile fibers. The types of construction
(how they are made) are tufted, woven, and knitted;
punched and flocked have become available more recently.
In comparing carpeting of similar construction, factors such
as pile yard weight, pile thickness, and the number of tufts
per square inch are evaluated in different carpets. Carpeting
is generally available in widths of 9, 12, 15, and 18 feet, but
not all types come in all widths, with 12-foot widths being
the most common.
Pile fibers used include wool, nylon, acrylics,
modacrylics, and polypropylene for long-term use. Acetate,
rayon, and polyester fibers are also used. The type of pile
used will depend on the type of use intended and the ser-
vice required. The installed performance of the carpet is
not dependent on any single factor, but on all the variables
involved in the construction of the carpet and the pile
characteristics.
The cushion over which the carpeting is installed may
be manufactured of animal hair, rubberized fibers, or cellu-
lar rubber. The cushion increases the resilience and durabil-
ity of the installation. The cushion may be bonded to the
underside of the carpet, but it is more common to have sep-
arate cushions. The type of cushion used will depend on the
intended usage of the space, and a variety of designs are
available for each type of material. The various cushions
within each group are rated by weight in ounces per square
yard. The heavier the cushion is, the better and more expen-
sive it will be. Cushioning is generally available in widths of
27, 36, and 54 inches, and 6, 9, and 12 feet.
Specifications. The specifications should state the type
of carpeting required, pile yarn weight and thickness, num-
ber of tufts per inch, construction, backing, rows, and other
factors relating to the manufacture of the carpet. Many spec-
ifications will state a particular product or “equal,” which
means the estimator will either use the product mentioned
or ask other suppliers (or manufacturers) to price a carpet
that is equal in quality. In the latter case, the estimator
should compare the construction specifications of the car-
peting to be certain that the one chosen is equal. Different
types of carpeting may be used throughout the project. Take
note of what types are used and where they are used.
The cushion type required and its material, design, and
weight must be noted. If variations in the type of cushion
required throughout the project are evident, they should be
noted.Estimating. Carpeting is estimated by the square yard
with special attention given to the layout of the space for the
most economical use of the materials. Waste and excess mate-
rial may be large without sufficient planning. Each space
requiring different types of carpeting, cushion, or color must
be figured separately. Most carpets must be installed with all
pieces running in the same direction. If the specifications call
for the color to be selected by the architect/engineer at a later
date, it may be necessary to call and try to determine how
many different colors may be required. In this manner, a
more accurate estimate of waste may be made.
Certain types of carpeting can be bought by the roll
only, and it may be necessary to purchase an entire roll for a
small space. In this case, waste may be high, since the cost of
the entire roll must be charged to the project.
The cushion required is also taken off in square yards,
with the type of material, design, and weight noted. Since
cushions are available in a wider range of widths, it may
be possible to reduce the amount of waste and excess
material.EXAMPLE 16-7 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
Using 12-foot-wide carpet, the following linear feet of carpet will
be required.
Bedroom 1 8 0
Bedroom 2 8 2
Bedroom 3 11 5
Bedroom 4 10 0
Living/Dining Room 30 0
Hall (3 30 90 sf ) 9 0
Closets 6 0
Total Carpet 8 7 Labor. Subcontractors who specialize in carpet installa-
tions do this type of work, and they may price it on a unit
basis (per square yard) or lump sum. Additional charges are
common for stairs. The time required for the installation is
shown in Figure 16.12.Square yards of carpet991 sf>9 sf per sy111 sySquare feet of carpet 82 ¿ 7 – 12 ¿991 sf of carpetFIGURE 16.11.Labor Hours Required for Resilient
Floor Installation.Labor Hours
Tile per 100 s.f.
Resilient Squares
9 9 1.5 to 2.5
12 12 1.0 to 2.2
Seamless Sheets 0.8 to 2.4
Add for felt underlayment Add 10%
Less than 500 s.f. Add 15%FIGURE 16.12.Labor Hours Required for Carpet Installation.Squares per
Carpet Labor Hour
Carpet and Pad, Wall to Wall 8 to 20
Carpet, Pad Backing, Wall to Wall 10 to 22
Deduct for Gluing to Concrete Slab 10%
Less than 10 Squares Add 15% to 20%