While easy to acquire, a carpet iron is a rare tool to own. Not many people install carpet frequently enough to need their own items to do it. If you prefer to do your own projects, you may want to know more about this device. We've done the research and found some must-know information on the temperature range on a carpet iron.
A carpet iron can reach temperatures between 145 degrees Fahrenheit and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Many irons also have different heat levels for greater control over temperature.
Keep reading to learn about which temperatures are best to use on carpet, what a carpet iron is used for if a regular iron will seam carpet, and how to seam carpet without any heat.
Carpet Iron Temperatures
The overall temperature range for a carpet iron is between approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many carpet irons, also referred to as carpet seam irons, have more specific heat settings. Many irons can switch between four different heat levels, with one being the lowest and four being the highest.
Each iron will be different. However, the following ranges are good examples of varying heat levels on an iron.
- First heat level: 125 degrees Fahrenheit to 224 degrees Fahrenheit
- Second heat level: 212 degrees Fahrenheit to 322 degrees Fahrenheit
- Third heat level: 330 degrees Fahrenheit to 396 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fourth heat level: 392 degrees Fahrenheit to 428 degrees Fahrenheit
Picking a Temperature
The correct temperature for seaming carpet will depend primarily on what type of carpet seam tape you purchase. Some heat bond tapes require less heat than others. Always double-check the instructions before selecting a heat setting. Once you determine the correct melting temperature, set your carpet iron to it.
If your iron has different heat levels, set it to the lower level to achieve the temperature. For example, if your adhesive will melt in either heat level two or three, use level two first. This will provide the most protection to your carpet while still seaming your carpet together.
What is a carpet iron used for?
A carpet iron is a tool used for seaming multiple carpets together. Since carpet is installed in strips, it's essential to keep these separate pieces together. A room with a well-seamed carpet doesn't look like it has multiple pieces fit together. It looks professional and makes a room look better.
To seam pieces of carpet together, you'll need to:
- Lay the carpet pieces, so they overlap by 3 inches.
- Measure 1 inch from the edge on the top layer of the carpet and cut across.
- Put the top layer back over the bottom layer of the carpet.
- Use a straightedge to mark the edge of the cut piece of carpet. Use this as a guide to cut the bottom layer.
- Place a line of carpet seaming tape where your two pieces of carpet will join together. Check out "How To Use Seam Tape On Carpet" for some great tips!
- Join the pieces of carpet together snuggly, matching up any patterns or designs.
This is when you'll need to use a carpet seaming iron. This type of iron typically comes with its own holder, so you don't have to worry about storage while you're waiting for it to heat up. Instead of a triangular shape like irons for clothes, these have a rectangular heating area. While many come with a heat guard, some products don't include one.
Instead of ironing the carpet, you actually iron the area below it. Once your iron is to the correct temperature, gently lift the edges of your carpet, so the machine is heating the adhesive tape directly. As your adhesive melts and you move your iron, make sure to straighten your carpet.
Check out this heat iron for carpet tape with added heat guard on Amazon.
Can you use a normal iron for a carpet?
If you're not regularly installing carpet, you probably don't have a carpet iron. While there are options to rent or buy your own carpet seaming tools, you can also use a regular clothing iron. Although using this method is more difficult than using an iron made for seaming carpet.
Since a normal iron wasn't designed for construction use, it can be cumbersome for large projects. Its bulky design means you have to lift your carpet higher so it can reach the adhesive below. You also run a risk of burning the surrounding area. This can be counteracted by lightly wetting the nearby floor or using a wet towel as a barrier. Carefully clean your iron if you use this method. Carpet seaming tape is very sticky and can break a normal iron.
Can you seam carpet without an iron?
If you don't want to use heat to seam your carpet, there are alternative methods. While some techniques are more of a short-term solution, some may be durable enough to last longer.
Pressure Sensitive Tape
Regular carpet seam tape is activated with heat. A pressure-sensitive tape will either have one or two sides of adhesive and is activated with pressure. To use this tape, cut the correct size that you need. Then, apply one side to the floor and gently place your carpet in place on top. Finally, apply pressure by stepping or pushing firmly. This will complete the bond and seam your carpet together.
Check out Robert's brand pressure-sensitive tape roll on Amazon.
Gel Double Sided Tape
A variation of standard pressure-sensitive tape, the gel double-sided tape is another great option for smaller projects. The gel provides extra stickiness, and the tape is enforced with fiberglass materials. To use this tape, cut the correct size out and carefully position it on your floor. Then, place the carpet on top, and you're finished.
Check out this DIY gel carpet joining tape on Amazon.
Carpet Seam Glue
Using carpet repair glue is another viable option for quick fixes. To use, squeeze the desired amount of glue onto the floor. Then, position your carpet and press firmly. It's important to allow carpet seam glue to dry for the appropriate amount of time.
This amount of time is typically 24 hours, although it can vary by brand. Remember that carpet seam glue is ideal for small areas or fast fixes. If you need to do a large area, consider non-heat activated tape or a carpet iron and adhesive.
Check out this Robert's brand universal carpet seam sealer on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Seaming your own carpet is possible for any person who enjoys doing it themselves. The best way to get high-quality results is to either rent or purchase a good carpet seam iron. These devices have a wide temperature range from the low 100s to the mid-400s. This control makes it the best choice for carpet seaming.
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