As well as wanting your new carpet to look good you will want it to be installed in the most common sense and environmentally sensitive way possible. Start off the right way by vacuuming even the old floor coverings before removing them, and then the floor itself after the carpet has gone, to minimize dust in the air. Keep the room well ventilated or air-conditioned while doing this and plan to keep the room well ventilated while installing carpet, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring professionals.

The use of staples or brad nails is usually standard for installing carpet but you can also use adhesives, depending on the surface type, or a combination of glue and staples. While staples and nails can secure the carpet edging, the carpet may pull over time and wrinkle. If you want to ensure fewer wrinkles, you can use an adhesive around the edging in conjunction with the nails.

If glue is being used as the main way of attaching the carpet, even though this is not usual in residential buildings, check that the installers are using an adhesive that has been tested and meets the relevant low emission criteria. Keep the room well ventilated, if possible, for up to 72 hours after the carpet installation. People with serious allergies or similar sensitivities may find it is better to leave altogether while the old carpet is being taken up and the new carpet installation is being completed.