This best practice guide equips carpet installers with expert tips and techniques tailored to the unique qualities of our handwoven carpets, ensuring a superior, professionally finished look. 

1. GENERAL GUIDELINES 

QUANTIFYING NODI JOBS 

For a premium finish, Nodi recommends quantifying jobs 

• With a minimal number of joins. To support this finish, we offer our carpets 4.0m (standard), and custom 4.5m and 5.0m widths. The maximum length of a Nodi carpet roll is 25LM. 

• With weaves running parallel to timber flooring and to align with adjacent carpeted rooms where possible 

• Using a premium 11.5mm underlay 

2. CARPET SPECIFICS 

 WEAVE DIRECTION - CHARACTERISTICS 

• The weave on Nodi carpets runs parallel to rolls width rather than length. This directional weave is particularly visible in the Tip Sheared Wool and Basket Weave Wool styles. 

• Cross joins are preferred over seam joins across all styles to enhance alignment and reduce visible seams. Where possible, plan joins to align with the weave direction for a more seamless look. 

• Weave direction across multiple pieces must run the same way, to avoid the appearance of pile reversal – this is particularly evident in Cut Pile Wool and Boucle Loop Wool styles. 

• For a premium installation, matching the carpet direction across all rooms is preferred, and aligning it with any timber flooring in neighbouring areas for a cohesive finish. 

PREVENTING DELAMINATION AT JOINS  

Due to the handwoven construction and secondary backing, Nodi carpet styles are susceptible to delamination when cuts are made into the rolls. For rooms with joins, carpets can either be conventionally installed (with the adaptations below) or double bonded for added stability. 

Conventional (Smooth edge) install 

1. Apply a glue between the carpet and underlay around the join area. Doing this step avoids added tension to the join, ensuring it stays closed over time. 

2. Use wide heat bond tape at the joins to strengthen them. 

3. Allow the glue to get tacky prior to stretching the carpet into place. 

4. Power stretch carpet into place, being mindful of the tension on the join. 

5. Apply weight over the join momentarily, then manipulate the weave with seam rollers. 

6. Trim back seam joins to further hide any loose threads that have popped up from loops being cut. This isn't a requirement on cross joins as these hide well in the Nodi styles. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is not advised to completely remove the cotton backing as heat tape does not adhere well to the primary backing alone. 

BASKET WEAVE WOOL – INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 

These tips and best practices have been compiled to support a consistent, high-quality installation specific to Nodi’s Basket Weave Wool. Due to the unique weave and structure of this style, attention to detail is essential at every step. 

Matching the Weave Pattern 

Basket Weave Wool has the appearance of a pattern and should be matched during installation to ensure a seamless visual transition across joins. If the pattern is not matched, the seam becomes highly visible and is difficult to fix once bonded. 

• Dry fit both sides first using chalk lines and visual cues to match the weave pattern exactly before committing to the seam and applying adhesive.  

Preventing edges unravelling 

• Always cut Basket Weave Wool using your red cutter. 

• Apply a water-based latex edge sealer immediately after cutting to stabilise yarns and prevent unravelling. Apply directly into the backing and slightly into the yarns. 

• Water-based latex is recommended as it penetrates the backing and locks in the fibres, providing flexibility and a cleaner finish. 

• Be especially careful with the raw edge during transport and positioning to maintain its integrity. 

• Alternate options: For high-traffic areas, hot melt glue may be used, though latex remains preferred for ease and flexibility. 

Drying Time Before Joining 

• Latex sealer: Allow 10-15 minutes for the latex to become tacky before making any joins. It should not be wet to the touch. 

• Hot melt glue: Sets much quicker - usually within 1-2 minutes. 

Recommended Seaming Method 

• Hot melt seaming tape (thermoplastic tape) is the preferred seaming method for Basket Weave Wool as it provides a strong, flexible bond and allows for some re positioning while aligning patterns. 

• In commercial settings or large areas, cool seam adhesives may be considered, though heat bond remains the go-to for strength and reliability. 

Conventional vs. Double bond installation 

• Double Bond installation is preferred in high-traffic or commercial settings and for insets, as it adds stability and minimizes weave movement. 

• Conventional method is typically used for standard installs, unless extra strength is required. 

Tensioning & Stretching 

• Where possible, avoid power stretching as it can distort the weave and damage the backing. 

• When tension is required, stretch gradually and evenly to avoid puckering or skewing the weave pattern. 

• Preferred tools: knee kicker for small adjustments and a crab stretcher (mini stretcher) for gentle tension. 

Tricks for Hiding Joins in Basket Weave Wool 

• Lighting: Avoid placing seams in areas with direct lighting (e.g. near windows or spotlights). 

• Traffic: Keep seams out of main foot traffic paths to reduce wear. 

• Tools: Use a carpet tractor (porky) post-seam to blend fibres and flatten joins. 

• Layout: Run the pattern parallel to the main line of sight to reduce visibility of any slight misalignments. 

Common mistakes with Basket Weave Wool installation 

Issue: Misaligned pattern at the seam 

Impact: Highly visible and difficult to fix once bonded 

Mitigation: Always dry-fit and align patterns before seaming & use proper tools for pattern matching and seam rolling 

Issue: Unsealed edges lead to unravelling 

Impact: Non-secure edges, unravelling and long-term damage. 

Mitigation: Seal cut edges immediately