- 1). Pull the carpet back a couple of inches at the transition point. Vacuum the subfloor to remove any grit and foreign objects that may have accumulated under the edge of the carpet. Trim away 1 1/2 inch of the carpet pad at the transition line, using a utility knife.
- 2). Nail down a carpet tack strip that covers the entire length of the transition to the subfloor under the carpet. In addition to the tacks sticking out of the strip, each 3-foot length of tack strip will have three or four nails in it. Use a hammer to pound the nails into the subfloor. Nail the tack strip 1/2 inch from the the edge of the ceramic tile with the tacks slanted toward the ceramic tile. Butt the ends of the tack strips up against each other if you need to use more than one.
- 3). Pull the carpet edge taut and bring it over the tack strip. Use a length of 1-by-3-inch lumber to press the carpet into the tack strip so it will catch.
- 4). Trim the carpet at the point where it meets the tile, using a utility knife. Slant the blade of the utility knife so it leans toward the tile so you will make a slightly beveled cut in the carpet with the longer side of the bevel passing over the tile by 1/4 inch. Cut carefully. If you cut away too much carpet, you will not be able to proceed.
- 5). Tuck the edge of the carpet under just at the point where the carpet meets the tile. Use a putty knife held perpendicular to the floor and a hammer. Take your time---you don't want to miss and hit the tile, which could break.
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