Installing Laminate Flooring Over Carpet Padding

Vapor barriers and laminate flooring underlayment.

Installing laminate flooring over carpet padding.

Carpet removal from house of humble blog why can t i use carpet underlayment. Laying underlayment over an existing flooring. Installing laminate flooring over carpet underlayment will do more harm than good in the long run. Utility knife to cut vinyl planks ruler.

Most laminate flooring underlayment is 1mm to 3mm thick. Since carpet is usually plush and soft your laminate flooring would not have the support it needs to keep the locking system sturdy. 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. 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.

Put simply carpet underlayment is too thick. Carpet its padding and all its staples must be completely removed down to the subfloor before you install laminate flooring. Most installers and builders recommend not installing laminate flooring over carpet as there are too many variables that can create a mess. How to install floating floors over carpet.

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. Adding another vapor barrier is an extra level of protection. You can install laminate flooring over carpet though generally not recommended. Carpeting commercial or needle bond.

Tile cutter or table saw to cut vinyl or laminate planks plywood optional for high pile 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. 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. Unintended nicks or tears during the installation process can violate the integrity of the attached vapor barrier.

Before you begin make sure you have the necessary tools for installing your floor. Installing laminate flooring over carpet is not recommended in most installation situations.