can you leave an old carpet down and put a new carpet on top of it to act as an underlay?

Answer 1

Not a good idea. It is not the right material for padding. It will actually be abrasive to the back of the new carpet.

Also, any odor or stain will eventually show up in the new carpet. Another negative reason is because it will not allow the carpet to be stretched in properly which makes it bad on the carpet for cleaning and general wear and tear.

Answer 2

No that is not a good idea. New carpet will not lie properly. You need to get new underlay and dump the old carpet otherwie be prepared for an uneven floor

Answer 3

I have had many opportunities to remove old carpet and pad and I have seen what lies underneath. You just can't imagine how many stains and how much dirt lies lurking under what appeared to be a fairly decent carpet. I would highly recommend you rip out the old carpet. You definitely should vacuum the floor, maybe wash it, possibly seal it with a fresh coat of primer, or even lay a new underlayment--all depends on how bad it is. I have found even a cheap carpet will look like a million bucks if you use a really good pad. It will stay smelling new and fresh if you start out with a clean, dry floor.

Answer 4

I sell carpets ...and no you cant the pile on the old carpet will give an uneven level to work on and the carpet on top will slip constantly ..if under carpet is nylon based will give out to electric shocks every time you walk on it ..Underlay if rubber based to stop slipping and to give an even hard wearing surface...carpet will only be as good as the underlay it is put on...........

Answer 5

like every one else you can put the new carpet on top of the old one , my self I have always removed the old ,cleaned, and fitted a good underlay, then the new carpet , you may as well, it willl be lot of hard work but will give you the pleasure of knowing that you have done so

Answer 6

sure but not recommended
it depends on the shape of the carpet that u will be using as the underlay
is it in decent condition
does it have any stains
does it have an odor
if it does have any one of these things
i would not use it because it will just transfer to the new carpet
if it doesnt and it is clean and good then just lay the new carpet over the old to see how it lays '
it might look bumpy if the carpet under it is like a shag style

Answer 7

Yes. The CRI 105 residential carpet installation standard provides a procedure for this installation. While it is not recommended, it is possible.

Answer 8

as long as there is no moisture or stains on the old carpet that will come up through the new carpet and ruin it

Answer 9

Wont be very good if the old one is manky and lumpy, buy underlay it will be cheaper in the long run.

Answer 10

If the old carpet is bad enough to replace, replace it. how old is the old one? Does it smell? If you do, clean the heck out of it and make sure its verrrry dry!