Many homes, offices, stores, restaurants, and other buildings have carpet that was installed by a carpet installer. Before installing the carpet, these craft workers first inspect the floor to determine its condition and, if necessary, correct any imperfections that could show through the carpet. Then they measure the area to be carpeted and plan the layout of the carpet, keeping in mind expected traffic patterns and placement of seams for best appearance and maximum wear.
For wall-to-wall carpet, installers first lay and tack or tape a cushion or underlay. Next, they roll out, measure, mark, and cut the carpet, allowing for 3 to 4 inches of extra carpet on each side for the final fitting. They then install the carpet by stretching it to fit evenly on the floor and snugly against each wall and door threshold, and trim the excess. Finally, they attach the carpet to a stripping to hold it in place.
Because most carpet comes in 12-foot widths, wall-to-wall installations require installers to tape or sew sections together for large rooms. They join the seams by sewing them with a large, curved needle and special thread or by using heat-taped seams (a special plastic tape made to join seams when activated with heat).
Carpet installers use handtools such as hammers, drills, staple guns, and rubber mallets. They also use carpet-laying tools, such as carpet knives, knee kickers, and power stretchers.
Carpet installers get paid either an hourly wage or by the number of yards installed.
Installers work under better conditions than most other construction workers. Because carpets are installed in finished or nearly finished structures, work areas usually are clean, well lighted, safe, and comfortable. Installers kneel, reach, bend, stretch, and frequently lift heavy rolls of carpet. Installers generally work regular daytime hours. However, when recarpeting stores or offices, they may work evenings and weekends to avoid disturbing customers or employees.
Carpet installers held about 62,000 jobs in 1992. Many worked for flooring contractors or floor covering retailers. Two of every 3 carpet installers are self-employed.
Installers are employed throughout the Nation, but are concentrated in urban areas that have high levels of construction activity.
The vast majority of carpet installers learn their trade informally on the job as helpers to experienced installers. Others learn through formal apprenticeship programs, which include on-the-job training as well as related classroom instruction.
Informal training is often sponsored by individual contractors and generally lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 years. Helpers begin with simple assignments, such as installing stripping and padding, and helping stretch newly installed carpet. With experience, helpers take on more difficult assignments, such as measuring, cutting, and fitting.
Apprenticeship programs and some contractor-sponsored programs provide comprehensive training in all phases of carpet laying. Most union-sponsored apprenticeship programs consist of weekly classes and on-the-job training that usually last 3 to 4 years.
Helpers and apprentices should be 18 years old and have manual dexterity. Employers also want individuals who are clean, courteous, and tactful. A high school education is preferred, though not necessary. Courses in general mathematics and shop may be helpful. A driver's license and a criminal background check are usually required.
Carpet installers may advance to supervisors or installation managers for large installation firms. Some installers become salespersons or estimators. Many installers also go into business for themselves as independent subcontractors.
Employment of carpet installers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to the continued need to renovate and refurbish existing structures and a growing demand for carpet in new industrial plants, schools, hospitals, and other structures.
The use of carpet as a floor covering continues to be popular. In the many houses built with plywood rather than hardwood floors, wall-to-wall carpet is a necessity. Similarly, offices, hotels, motels, and shopping centers often cover concrete floors with wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet will continue to be used in renovation work. Moreover, new fibers that are more durable, stain, and crush resistant and that come in fashionable colors will contribute to the growing demand for carpet and, consequently, for carpet installers. Despite this growth in demand, however, most openings will arise as experienced installers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Although this occupation is less sensitive to changes in economic conditions than most other construction crafts, it too is affected by downturns in the economy. When the economy slows down, the demand for new carpet falls, lowering the demand for carpet installers. However, because much of their work involves replacing carpet in existing buildings, employment generally remains relatively stable even when new construction activity declines.
Median weekly earnings of all full-time carpet installers were about $375 in 1992. The middle 50 percent earned between $275 and $510 per week. The top 10 percent earned more than $700 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $185.
Carpet installers get paid either on an hourly basis or by the number of yards installed. The rates vary widely depending on the geographic location and whether the installer is affiliated with a union. According to limited information available, union carpet installers earned between $16 and $25 an hour in 1992, including fringe benefits. Starting wage rates for apprentices and other trainees usually are about half of the experienced worker's rate. Some installers belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America or the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades.
Nonunion carpet installers are usually paid by the number of yards installed. In 1992, they received between $1.50 and $2.75 a yard.
Carpet installers measure, cut, and fit carpet materials. Workers in other occupations involving different materials but which require similar skills include carpenters, cement masons, drywall installers, floor layers, lathers, painters and paperhangers, roofers, sheet-metal workers, terrazzo workers, and tilesetters.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor