how to lay carpeting over a cement basement floor?

Answer 1

First of all I would not glue it down, if you ever have any sort of flood its going to be a pain to pull up at a later point.

Putting down padding is always a good idea, but one thing you might want to consider is looking for a carpet with the pad already built into it.

I have laid carpet down in my basement several times, and everytime I have done it I have just laid it over the cement, without any tape, glue or nails. The carpeting with the pad does not pull up and will stay put on the floor!

Another thing to consider if you want to get rid of that "Cement feeling" you get on basement carpet is to go to Home Depot and they sell these 2x2 wooden locking wooden squares that will raise the floor about 3/4 of an inch. They have grooves in the bottom to allow for the floor to breath, but best of all it gives you a little bounce when walking on it so you feel like your walking on a normal floor.

Cement sealer should not be necessary, just make sure the surface is nice and clean before you set it down. If you have an area of your basement that is constantly damp or has mold, you should not put down carpeting at all until you can find out the reason for the problem and to correct it.

Answer 2

Those ideas are right and good. But here is another one for you to consider. They have a carpet "tape" to hold carpets down. It works great! I used it in my kids rooms. We bought the carpet with the padding already on it. And that stuff is STICKY! You can only roll out about a foot or two at a time. Get that all down and lay your carpet like you would for anything else. Now, my kids are rough on anything! So we went for the cheaper stuff with the carpet and tape. And it actually held up very well. Still stuck down today. And the carpet is wearing very nicely too. Just another idea for ya. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

lay a heavy pad down seal it with cement glue then lay your carpet as you would on a regular floor/ the cement glue first sorry

Answer 4

Carpet people will glue it down, But I don't like this, Just cut it to fit and nail the tack strips down with cut nails or the nail that's already in them and stretch the carpet.

Answer 5

Home Depot sells special tiles which can be placed down first to prevent moisture and mildew from spoiling the carpet.

Answer 6

If you are talking about the sticky backed tiles for outdoor use, yes indeed. I recently installed these tiles on my enclosed porch which was all cement, and it looks so good, and keeps it warmer. You have to mop first and scrub stains before you proceed to lay the tiles. You will really like the way it looks. Also, it was so simple to do. Good luck!

Answer 7

Piece of cake.
get your tack strips nail them down with concrete nails
Lay your pad
then lay your carpet...ta.da your done.

Answer 8

i have read all the other answers and they are all good--but before i did any of that i would put down a concrete sealer to stop any water to stop mold and mildew