Can you install hardwood over carpet?
Not everyone loves carpet.
Certain types of carpet can be hard to keep clean, may not be very soft, and may struggle to hold up over time. So if you move into a new rental with carpet, you might be wondering what your options are.
Can you install hardwood over carpet? Is it possible to preserve the carpet for your landlord but also get the benefits of beautiful, hardwood flooring?
Let’s break this down.
Can you install hardwood over carpet?
You can install hardwood over carpet. Luxury vinyl plank or laminate wood flooring works best in this particular situation. You may need to lay down plywood on top of the carpet, and you’ll definitely work to work with flooring that locks into place. This way, you can avoid stapling, nailing, and gluing and preserve the pre-existing carpet flooring.
Does the type of carpet make a difference?
If you’re installing hardwood flooring over carpet, then your installation method will vary depending on the thickness of the carpet.
If the carpet is not thick and has a low carpet pile, then you should be able to install the hardwood flooring directly on top of the carpet. Low pile carpet is thinner, with very little padding. You’ll often find low pile carpet in commercial settings.
On the flip side, if you have high pile carpet, then you’ll need to lay down plywood first. High pile carpet is thicker and plusher. If you install hardwood flooring directly on top of it, then you’ll end up with a floor that moves around when you walk on it. Ultimately, this could damage both the hardwood flooring and the quality of the carpet.
Does the floor under your carpet matter?
The subfloor can also play a role in whether or not you can install hardwood over carpet. If the subfloor is damaged, sloped, moldy, or cracked at all, this could lead to issues with your hardwood floor. You’ll want to inspect the feel of your subfloor before proceeding with the hardwood install. If you’re not sure how to do this, a professional can help.
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