CFI Carpet Installation Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When installing carpet on stairs, which method provides the most durable and professional result?
- Waterfall method with glue only
- Cap-and-band method with tackless strips on each tread and riser (Correct answer)
- Single piece stretched over all treads without fastening
- Stapling directly to each tread center
Correct answer: Cap-and-band method with tackless strips on each tread and riser
The cap-and-band method uses tackless strips on both the tread and riser, securing carpet at each step for a tight, durable installation.
Question 2: What is the correct direction to lay the pile of carpet in relation to the primary light source in a room?
- Parallel to the light source
- Away from the primary light source or entrance
- Toward the primary light source or entrance (Correct answer)
- Perpendicular to all windows
Correct answer: Toward the primary light source or entrance
Carpet pile should face toward the primary light source or main entrance so it reflects light evenly and looks its best.
Question 3: During a glue-down carpet installation, adhesive is allowed to sit before carpet is laid. This wait time is called:
- Cure time
- Open time (Correct answer)
- Flash time
- Set time
Correct answer: Open time
Open time is the period after adhesive is spread and before carpet is laid, allowing solvents to flash off and the adhesive to reach proper tack.
Question 4: When seaming two pieces of carpet together, the seam should be positioned:
- In the center of the room for equal tension
- Perpendicular to the main window
- Away from high-traffic areas and not under doors (Correct answer)
- At the doorway threshold for easy access
Correct answer: Away from high-traffic areas and not under doors
Seams should be placed in low-traffic areas and not under doors, as foot traffic and door movement accelerate seam failure.
Question 5: What tool is used to trim the carpet edge tightly into the wall-floor junction after stretching?
- Row cutter
- Stair tool
- Wall trimmer (Correct answer)
- Seam iron
Correct answer: Wall trimmer
A wall trimmer (also called an edge trimmer) cuts excess carpet flush with the baseboard for a clean finished edge.
Question 6: Which backing type on carpet allows moisture vapor transmission and is preferred for below-grade slab installations?
- Unitary latex backing
- Action back (woven) (Correct answer)
- Urethane cushion attached backing
- PVC backing
Correct answer: Action back (woven)
Action back (woven polypropylene) is breathable and allows moisture vapor to pass through, making it suitable for below-grade concrete slabs.
Question 7: A power stretcher should extend from one wall to another with the head positioned how far from the opposite wall?
- As close to the wall as possible, touching the baseboard
- 2 to 6 inches from the wall (Correct answer)
- 12 inches from the wall
- Exactly halfway across the room
Correct answer: 2 to 6 inches from the wall
The power stretcher head should be positioned 2 to 6 inches from the wall to allow the carpet to hook onto the tackless strips without overcrowding.
CFI Carpet Installation Techniques 2
When installing carpet on stairs, which method provides the most durable and professional result?