What type of material is typically used for tack strips?

Tack strips are typically made of wood because of their strength, flexibility, and ease of installation. Wood provides the necessary durability to hold carpet securely in place while allowing for the slight movement and expansion that occurs with temperature changes. Additionally, wood tack strips can be easily nailed down to a subfloor, ensuring a sturdy foundation for carpet installation.

While both metal and plastic might be used in some niche applications, they do not provide the same level of grip and tension that wood does, which is crucial for effective carpet installation. Concrete, on the other hand, is not used for tack strips at all, as it cannot provide the proper anchoring system necessary for secure carpet application. Thus, wooden tack strips remain the standard and most effective choice in the industry.