Installing Laminate Flooring Over Carpet Padding

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.

Installing laminate flooring over carpet padding.

In most cases you will not want to use a vapor barrier type underlayment when installing laminates on a standard plywood subfloor because wood is a natural material that needs to breathe. A breathable foam type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or osb subfloors. Before you begin make sure you have the necessary tools for installing your floor. You can install laminate flooring over carpet though generally not recommended.

Unintended nicks or tears during the installation process can violate the integrity of the attached vapor barrier. Will carpet or carpet padding work like a laminate flooring underlayment. Laying underlayment over an existing flooring. Carpet removal from house of humble blog why can t i use carpet underlayment.

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. 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 underlayment will do more harm than good in the long run.

Most laminate flooring underlayment is 1mm to 3mm thick. Put simply carpet underlayment is too thick. Adding another vapor barrier is an extra level of protection. 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.

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. Carpet its padding and all its staples must be completely removed down to the subfloor before you install laminate flooring. 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. How to install floating floors over carpet.

Carpeting commercial or needle bond. Utility knife to cut vinyl planks ruler.