A quick talk with an old installer changed my mind about stretch ratios

I used to always pull carpet tight, real tight, till a guy named Frank who's been doing this since the 80s watched me for a minute and said 'ease up, you're fighting the backing.' He showed me how leaving a little slack let the seams lay flat, and I haven't had a ripple since. Any of you guys had a mentor who made you rethink something basic like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

thompson.xena19d ago

Man that thing about "fighting the backing" hit me right in the gut when I read it. I had an old painter show me the same thing with drywall mud once, told me to stop pressing so hard and just let the knife do the work. Changed everything about how I finish corners and now I never get those air bubbles.

barbara42919d ago

Did you ever catch yourself fighting that backing with a stubborn roller, too? I swear it's the same principle, just a lot more paint in your face when you get it wrong.