Stretching carpet?

Question

what do they mean when it says you have to "stretch" a carpet you are laying?

Answer 1

You can use the kicker like #2 said but  a true stretch will use either the correct stretch which is a long pole w/ teeth on 1 end and the tighten it till the carpet is taunt.. Some newer carpets can be stretched in w/ a "crab" stretcher.. That is ok on some carpets.. DON T let any one install by just a knee kicker you ll have wrinkles in the carpet  within a year or 2.. And it can still happen on occasion w/ a stretcher but it s rare..  GL

Answer 2

wall-to-wall carpet has to be stretched to fit tight and flat.  At the perimeter of each room are wood strps that have sharp metal prongs that grab and hold the carpet as it is stretched tightly to each wall.

Answer 3

The above answer is correct, you use what is called a "kicker" to stretch the carpet to the nail strip. You can rent them at most tool rental places. You kinda have to know what you're doing though. As far as the stretching goes that is, not the renting.