If you've ever gone to a major rug warehouse, you probably noticed that some rugs are sold by the yard. This is because they are typically used in wall-to-wall carpeting. The problem is, sometimes you don't want to have wall-to-wall carpeting. Sometimes, you want to get a rug cut and bound so you can add it as an accent to your floor. It can be done! But, the question is, where? We researched to find the answer to this question for you!
Most "big box" stores that sell custom rugs will also cut and bind them as an added service. This includes stores like Home Depot. If you bought your carpeting from a commercial or warehouse-style carpet retailer featuring custom sizing, there's a good chance they offer carpet binding too. You might also be able to bind your own carpet.
Getting a carpet that's made to order can be rough, especially if you are looking for carpet remnants. If you want to get that custom carpet that's perfectly paired for your home, don't worry. We did the research, so keep on reading!
Which Stores Are Most Likely To Offer Carpet Cutting And Binding?
Carpet cutting and binding is an excellent way to get the rug you want, without having to too much for it. It's their way of repurposing carpeting remainders. The following places are most likely to be able to help cut and bind a carpet using the remnants you buy:
Lowe's
Lowe's is a major hotspot for all things home improvement, and the majority of stores can do carpet cutting and binding in-house. Moreover, they sell carpet remnants so that you can get everything in a one-stop-shop. To find out if they offer it in your area, call it up. Most Lowe's offer it for free, though some areas may have a charge.
Home Depot
Home Depot is Lowe's top competitor, and they're famous for advertising their cutting/binding services. However, there's a catch. To access those services, you have to buy the carpeting from Home Depot. Even so, it's a great service to get. The best news about Home Depot's service? It's free.
Mom N' Pop Stores
Throughout every corner of the country are small, family-owned stores ready to give you the service you need. At times, many smaller flooring stores offer carpet cutting and binding as a free service. If you think there places nearby that might have this service, give them a call and compare pricing.
Can You Bind Your Carpet Yourself?
Absolutely, but you're going to need the right tools for the job. Most stores have DIY binding tools that make it easy to bind carpet remnants yourself. The easiest way to do it is with the use of binding tape. It's possible to find biding tape in most colors, so if you were worried about finding a carpet color that goes with green walls, don't fret. They have a tape that will work with it.
Click here to get binding tape from Amazon.
Is Cutting And Binding Remnant Carpeting Easy?
While it is doable on your own, most people prefer to get their rugs cut and bound by professional companies for various reasons. Besides making sure that your carpet's edges are cut perfectly straight, getting them professionally bound will yield more secure bindings. In most cases, professional companies will also have the best selection of bindings.
Unlike many other types of carpet edge treatments, you do not have to know how to sew to do this. You also don't need a sewing machine or other expensive equipment. The most rudimentary binding methods can be done with hot glue, binding tape, and a pair of 2x4s.
Can All Carpets Get Bound?
In theory, yes. In practice, it can depend on the type of carpet that you choose. Some carpets are better for binding than others. For example, you probably won't be able to properly bind a carpet that's made out of jute. Binding carpets that have a print on them might not be that good since the print can be cut off unevenly.
Is It Worth Getting A Rug Cut And Bound?
It all depends on what you are trying to do and how you do it. Getting a rug cut and bound is a smart idea if you need a rug that is not a standard size. Since cutting and binding your rug can be done for any dimensions, and at times, can even be done in a custom shape. This makes it a great pick for people who are big into custom-heavy arrangements.
Of course, there's also a matter of cost-effectiveness that comes with a rug that's cut and bound on its own. In many cases, these kinds of "easy-make" rugs are made of carpet remnants. Since remnants are trimmings, this can make it easy to get a cheaper carpet that would otherwise cost a bunch. It's an affordable way to reduce, reuse, and recycle!
How Much Does Professional Rug Binding Cost?
Professional rug binding is one of those things that is best done at a store that offers it for free with a purchase. If you can't get a free service near you, the price can add up pretty darn fast. Professional rug binding can cost anywhere from $1 to $4 per linear foot on average. Since most carpets are at least four square feet, this can lead to a minimum price tag of $16 to $64 a pop.
Do Custom-Bound Carpets Need Any Special Care?
Nope, at least not with a traditional binding. You will need to clean your carpets as often as with a regular carpet. Much like with a regular carpet, you also will have to replace your rug fairly frequently. With most other aspects of carpet maintenance, you can treat your brand new rug the same way.
Are There Any Other Ways To Treat Edges Of A Cut Rug?
There are! One of the other ways you can add some finality to your cut rug is by using a technique called serging. Serging is a carpet binding style that uses a looped stitch to bind the edges of the carpet. Many people find it to be a durable option, especially if you have a carpet that has a low pile.
Serging a carpet is starting to gain a little more traction among the home improvement scene, particularly among people who love bohemian looks. However, there are several reasons why people don't always prefer serging a carpet. There are several reasons for this, the most common including:
- It can be hard to find a place to serge a carpet.
- Serging a carpet is also notably more expensive than common binding.
- One little snag on the serge thread can cause a permanent wrinkle or ding in the carpet's edge.
- Many people don't like the fact that it is a stitch used inside clothing garments like shirts.
- Some also find the appearance of serged edges to be tacky or unsightly.
Conclusion
Getting a custom cut and bound carpet rug is becoming increasingly popular, especially as people start to turn their attention to apartment living and hardwood floors. The ability to get the perfect rug, custom cut to the ideal size your room needs, is something that deserves consideration, even if you have the money to get a pre-fabricated rug.
Of course, the hard part is finding a place that will do the cutting and binding cheaply. If you cannot find a mom and pop store nearby, checking out a big box store like Home Depot is usually your best bet. As with all things related to home improvement, it's best to shop around, and if you're willing to get crafty, don't be afraid to DIY it.