How To Cut Carpet: Step-by-Step Guide

When installing carpet yourself, one of the most important skills is knowing how to cut it cleanly and accurately. A good cut ensures your carpet fits neatly against walls, around corners, and at doorways just like a professional install.

Luckily, you don’t need complicated tools. Our retractable knife is all you need to make safe, precise cuts in any room.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to cutting carpet properly with a retractable knife.

Why Cutting Carpet Correctly Matters

Accurate cutting is essential for:

Neat edges along walls and skirting.
Fitting around corners or door frames.
Avoiding waste from mis cuts.
Achieving a professional-looking finish you can be proud of.

What You'll Need

Carpet to be installed.
Retractable knife with sharp blade.
Straight edge or metal ruler (for guiding cuts).
Tape measure.
Pencil or chalk for marking.

Shop our retractable knife

How To Cut Carpet with a Retractable Knife: Step by Step

1. Measure and Mark Your Cut

Use a tape measure to measure the space carefully.
Add 5–10 cm extra length for trimming if needed.
Mark your cutting line on the carpet backing with chalk or pencil.

2. Prepare Your Knife

Extend the blade of your retractable knife to a suitable length.
Ensure the blade is sharp as a dull blade can snag or tear fibres.
Always retract the blade when not in use.

3. Position the Carpet

Lay the carpet on a firm, flat surface.
For final trimming in the room, press it tightly against the wall or skirting.
Use a straight edge or metal ruler to guide your cut for long, straight lines.

4. Make the First Light Cut

Score the carpet backing lightly along your marked line.
Keep your knife at a shallow angle for better control.
Don’t try to cut all the way through in one pass.

5. Deepen the Cut

Repeat along the scored line with slightly more pressure.
Two or three passes usually cut through the backing cleanly.
For thicker carpets, continue carefully until the blade is through.

6. Trim and Tidy Edges

After cutting, check for any loose fibres.
Use the retractable knife to carefully trim any stray strands.
For final fitting in corners or around door frames, make small, precise cuts as needed.

Safety Tips When Cutting Carpet

Always cut away from your body.
Keep your fingers clear of the blade path.
Retract the blade fully when not in use.
Change blades when they become dull to maintain control and clean cuts.
Keep tools out of reach of children.

Shop our retractable knife for safe, clean carpet cutting

Final Note: Get a Perfect Finish

Cutting carpet doesn’t have to be intimidating. With careful measuring, marking, and the right tool, our retractable knife, you can achieve professional-looking results in any room.

Ready to start your project?
Browse our full carpet range or contact us today for expert advice and free samples.