Hot take: I was convinced you always needed a power stretcher for a proper install

Talked to a guy at the supply house who does a lot of small, weird-shaped rooms in old houses. He said for anything under 10x12, a good knee kicker and proper tack strips are faster and just as tight. He showed me his method on a 9x11 sunroom job and honestly, it looked flawless. Anyone else skip the power stretcher for smaller spaces?

3 comments

3 Comments

tessa_clark746d ago

Tbh @simon_coleman has the right idea about control in tight spots. A good knee kicker and sharp technique gets it plenty tight for a small room. You really don't need the big tool for every single job.

robin_lee2d ago

Remember that time you tried to use a power stretcher in your old apartment hallway? We spent more time moving it around than actually stretching carpet.

simon_coleman7d ago

That guy is right on the money. A knee kicker gives you more control in a tight space where a big stretcher just gets in the way. I've done plenty of hallways and odd closets where a power stretcher would have been a wrestling match. The key is really knowing how to set your strips and work the carpet from the center out. You can get it drum-tight if you take your time with the kicker.