Installing Laminate Flooring Over Carpet Padding

Most installers and builders recommend not installing laminate flooring over carpet as there are too many variables that can create a mess.

Installing laminate flooring over carpet padding.

Vapor barriers and laminate flooring underlayment. Utility knife to cut vinyl planks ruler. Unintended nicks or tears during the installation process can violate the integrity of the attached vapor barrier. Installing laminate flooring over carpet underlayment will do more harm than good in the long run.

Carpet its padding and all its staples must be completely removed down to the subfloor before you install laminate flooring. A breathable foam type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or osb subfloors. Some types and styles of commercial or indoor outdoor carpeting may look harmless but it and any adhesive used to glue it down must be removed before installing a laminate floor. How to install floating floors over carpet.

If your installation is over concrete we recommend a 6 mil poly vapor barrier even if the underlayment you are installing already has a vapor barrier attached. Laying underlayment over an existing flooring. Carpet removal from house of humble blog why can t i use carpet underlayment. Adding another vapor barrier is an extra level of protection.

Installing laminate flooring over carpet is not recommended in most installation situations. Carpeting commercial or needle bond. Since carpet is usually plush and soft your laminate flooring would not have the support it needs to keep the locking system sturdy. Installing a vapor barrier over this can cause moisture to become trapped within the material leading to the growth of mold or warping in the material.

When it comes to installing a new flooring material you sometimes have the option of installing the underlayment for your new floor directly on top. Before you begin make sure you have the necessary tools for installing your floor. Tile cutter or table saw to cut vinyl or laminate planks plywood optional for high pile carpet. Most laminate flooring underlayment is 1mm to 3mm thick.

Put simply carpet underlayment is too thick. You may be able to successfully install your laminate floor over carpeting as long as it is less than one quarter inch thick is set on suspended wood sub floor and is fully adhered.