Tackless strips may seem inappropriately named, as they consist of a strip of wood that's full of tacks pointing upward. They're called tackless because they eliminate the need for tacking carpet from above.
Tackless strips can be cut to size with tin snips (figure A). Special tools designed specifically for cutting tackless strips are also available.
When installing tackless strips, butt the ends of the strips together so that there are no gaps from one strip to the next (figure B).
Install the strips 3/8" to 1/2" from each wall so that the tacks point toward the wall. The space between the strip and the wall, known as the "gully," provides the room needed for the carpet to grab onto the strips.
Carpet padding should be laid next to the tackless strips but should not overlap them. The carpet can then be placed over the tackless strips (figure C ) and set into place with a knee kicker (figure D), which has teeth that grab into the carpet so it can be stretched over the tackless strips and held in place. Once the carpet is held securely, the edges can be tucked under the baseboard.
If you're installing carpet over a concrete subfloor, you'll need masonry tacks to hold the tackless strips in place. Another option is two-part epoxy (figure E) designed to secure the strips to to concrete.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
