Cutting around a fireplace hearth has me second-guessing my approach

I'm on a job where the fireplace hearth sticks out into the room. My cuts keep coming up short or too long. I've measured three times, but the carpet just won't lay flat. How do you handle tricky spots like this? I could use some pointers before I waste more material.

3 comments

3 Comments

gavinwood1mo ago

Try making a template from cardboard to match the hearth shape. It helps you transfer the exact cut onto the carpet without guessing.

dakotab271mo ago

Smart move from @gavinwood. That template trick is the kind of simple tip that saves a huge headache. It turns a scary cut into something you can check and double-check before the blade ever touches the good carpet. Really beats just eye-balling it and hoping for the best. Measure twice, cut once, as they say.

the_tyler1mo ago

Don't forget to account for carpet stretch when you transfer the template, or your cut might still be off.