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Competencies covered

MSFFL2017: Install carpet cushion underlays and gripper accessories

MSFFL2018: Install unpatterned tufted and bonded carpet floor coverings

Metal mouldings


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Metal mouldings are used to finish off a carpet edge across a doorway or in other places where it butts up against another flooring surface, such as vinyl or timber.

Most metal mouldings are made of anodised aluminium.

They come in a range of colours and finishes, designed to match or complement the floor covering.

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There are three basic types of mouldings:

Border bars are often referred to by the brand name 'naplocks'.

They are used to protect the edge of the carpet when the adjoining subfloor surfaces are at the same level, or a very similar level.

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Cover strips are designed to be fixed over the top of the carpet, particularly where it transitions to a different floor covering.

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Multipurpose bars allow different types of floor covering material to be placed either side, such as carpet and vinyl.

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Fitting border bars

The installation methods described below relate specifically to border bars.

However, you can use the same techniques for most other types of metal mouldings, with minor alterations to suit the specific products.

To fit the border bar in a doorway:

  • cut the bar to the exact length - leaving a tiny gap between the jamb and edge of the bar

  • fix the bar into position using nails or screws, making sure there is a fixing within about 20 mm of each end

  • install the carpet into the bar and close the fold over the top - using a block of wood to protect the fold as you tap it with a hammer.
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If you are replacing old carpet and want to keep the existing bar, you should open it carefully using the following technique:

  • insert a flathead screwdriver under the fold at one end and gently lift it up

  • work along the bar until there is enough gap to insert a stair tool

  • use the stair tool to finish opening the bar, and then make any repairs to the pins in the bar by bending them back into shape.
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Learning activity

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Let's say you had to install a coverstrip across a doorway where the carpet joins a parquetry floor. The subfloor is concrete. You have decided to drill holes into the concrete, plug the holes and then fix the border bar into position with Phillips head screws.

Name all of the tools, accessories and hardware items you will need to bring with you to the jobsite to complete this installation.

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