Carpeting over laminate flooring is a way to update a room's look and feel without removing the existing floor. While not a permanent solution for covering damaged laminate, it can provide a quick and comfortable flooring change. The process involves careful preparation, correctly laying the underlay, and then installing the carpet.
Here's a breakdown of how to carpet over laminate:
Preparing the Laminate Surface
Before laying any new flooring, the existing laminate needs to be ready. This involves:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the laminate surface. Vacuum or sweep to remove loose debris, then use a damp cloth with a mild cleaner designed for laminate to remove any grime. Ensure it is completely dry before proceeding.
- Minor Repairs: Inspect the laminate for any significantly raised edges or deeply damaged planks. While you aren't aiming for a perfect base, major imperfections can show through the carpet or affect the installation. Address any serious issues, although minor scratches or dents are acceptable as they will be covered.
- Removing Obstructions: Remove baseboards or skirting boards around the room. These will be reinstalled over the new carpet and underlay for a clean finish. Remove doors if necessary to allow room for the added height of the carpet and underlay.
The Critical Step: Installing the Underlay
Properly laying down the underlay is crucial when installing carpet over laminate, as it enhances safety, comfort, and insulation properties for the flooring combination. This step is vital for several reasons:
- Cushioning: Underlay provides essential cushioning, making the carpet feel softer and more luxurious underfoot.
- Protection: Installing underlay provides a protective barrier that helps cushion the carpet, reducing wear and tear on the laminate underneath. It prevents direct friction between the carpet backing and the laminate surface.
- Insulation: Underlay adds an extra layer of thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to keep the room warmer and quieter.
- Safety: A well-laid underlay contributes to a stable carpet installation, reducing the risk of slips or movement.
- Improved Appearance: It helps smooth out minor irregularities on the laminate surface, providing a better base for the carpet.
Choose a quality carpet underlay suitable for the type of carpet you are using. Lay the underlay across the room, trimming it to fit the shape. The seams between underlay pieces should be taped together to prevent movement.
Laying the Carpet
Once the underlay is down and secured, you can proceed with the carpet installation. This generally involves:
- Planning the Layout: Determine the best direction to lay the carpet roll to minimize seams, if any.
- Cutting the Carpet: Roll out the carpet and rough-cut it to size, leaving a margin around the edges to be trimmed more accurately later.
- Positioning: Carefully position the carpet piece(s) over the underlay.
- Trimming and Securing: Using a carpet knife and potentially a carpet stretcher (kicker), work from the center outwards, trimming the carpet precisely to fit the edges of the room. Secure the edges using tack strips (installed around the room's perimeter before laying underlay and carpet) or appropriate adhesive if tack strips are not used (though tack strips are standard for stretched carpet).
- Seaming (if needed): If using multiple pieces, join seams using carpet seaming tape and an iron following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Finishing Touches: Trim excess carpet and re-install the baseboards over the installed carpet edges. Re-hang doors, trimming them if necessary to clear the new floor height.
Essential Materials & Tools
Here are the common items you'll need for the job:
| Material/Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vacuum/Cleaning Supplies | Surface preparation |
| Utility Knife/Carpet Knife | Cutting underlay and carpet |
| Measuring Tape | Accurate measurements |
| Carpet Underlay | Cushioning, insulation, protection |
| Underlay Tape | Securing underlay seams |
| Carpet Tack Strips | Securing carpet edges (optional but common) |
| Hammer (for tack strips) | Installing tack strips |
| Carpet Stretcher/Kicker | Stretching and securing carpet (optional) |
| Seaming Tape & Iron | Joining carpet pieces (if needed) |
| Pry Bar/Screwdriver | Removing baseboards |
| Safety Glasses/Gloves | Personal protection |
Considerations
- Height Increase: Be aware that adding underlay and carpet will significantly raise the floor height, which may require trimming doors.
- Not a Permanent Fix: Carpeting over laminate isn't a long-term solution for badly damaged laminate. It's best suited for covering laminate you simply want to change the look or feel of temporarily.
- Subfloor Condition: While the laminate is the base, ensure the subfloor under the laminate is sound. Major issues with the subfloor should be addressed before any new flooring is installed.
By following these steps, particularly focusing on the correct installation of proper underlay as it's crucial for the final result, you can successfully carpet over your existing laminate floor.
