Should Carpet Seams Be Invisible?

Nothing creates more angst between consumers, retailers and installers than the discussion of carpet seams. As an independent IICRC Senior Carpet Inspector, I am often asked to examine seams and in my experience, find seam issues to be at the top of the list in terms of consumer misunderstandings. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary a ‘seam’ is: “1 a: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing-usually near the edge.” When two pieces of material(s), are joined, a seam is required.

The industry standard regarding seams is located in a brochure called Carpet & Rug Institute Standard 104. Section 7.4 called Proper Seam Characteristics contains the following statement: “With any seaming method, a properly constructed seam:
*Has cleanly trimmed edges properly secured with seam sealer.
*Has tightly abutted edges without gaps or overlaps.
*Maintains reasonable pattern match where applicable.
*Will not be totally invisible”.

As the industry standard indicates, a seam will not be totally invisible. In my career, I have found that educating the consumer before they purchase the carpet is the key to preventing misunderstandings. I recommend that all retailers and flooring contractors obtain a complete copy of the CRI-104, and use this guide to prevent unrealistic expectations regarding carpet seams before carpeting is installed. (Click here for a link to CRI 104)

While an invisible carpet seam is not possible, there are many times when a carpet seam has been constructed incorrectly and is much more visible than it should be. As an inspector, it is my job to inspect the seam and make a determination about whether it was constructed in accordance with the industry standard.