Can you lay laminate flooring over a carpet?

Question

I have recently purchased some solid oak laminate flooring, my partner is going to lay it and wants to put it straight over the exsisting carpet, Does anyone know if this will be ok or will it cause problems in the future?

Answer 1

No, No, No. Never, the laminate needs a flat, smooth surface to lay on. If you don't know how to properly install, go online to a website that gives you instructions. For example, HGTV.com, Lowe's.com, Home Depot.com, etc.

Answer 2

You need to use a waterproof underlay when fitting laminate on a concrete floor as it's a moisture magnet. If you're needing to do this cheaply use a standard foam underlay and be sure to tape the joins properly. DON'T use a fibre underlay. Fitting on carpet will cause you problems in the long term.

Answer 3

Well, the consensus seems to be that is a bad idea.
However I have done it, but the carpet in question was a glued down, very thin, commercial loop pile carpet that wasn't a whole lot thicker than the foam underlay sold to go with the (cheap) laminate floor.
But this was a situation where cheap was the primary requirement and the room wasn't going to get a lot of traffic. It actually seemed to work pretty well in that case, but I wouldn't generally recommend it.
If your carpet is not glued down, I'd definitely remove it, if it is glued down it might be hard to remove, but it would still be preferable to remove it.

Answer 4

I have done this with laminate flooring, no problems, in fact it reduces noise. However I don't know about real wood flooring because it might not be as flexible as laminate and you might not get a satisfactory finish. I would use the right underlay for real wood.

Answer 5

Why would you want to do this, if you have gone to the trouble of buying good quality solid oak flooring why cut corners. I am not a diy expert but I do know you need to take some time to prepare your surface otherwise you will create problems for the future. Take some advice on thisd before you start.

Answer 6

Tear up the carpet, tack strips, baseboard,etc. Prep the floor (sweep and clean any debris), lay down the laminate floor underlayment, and then lay the floor.

Answer 7

If you want to start a woodworking project, you need all the necessary information, including schematics, blueprints, materials lists, dimensions etc. That is where Teds Woodworking comes in. The plans are clearly drawn and there're step-by-step explainations of how the plan should be done and put together. Go here https://tr.im/nxUlC

There are several other sites whose collection of plans have the dimensions totally wrong without any indication of parts lists, material lists or the tools needed. If you're one of those people who have bought plans like this in the past, Teds Woodworking will change your perception.

Answer 8

we put our solid oak flooring straight over a new carpet(fussy me didnt like the carpet) and didnt bother with the expensive underlay, and its been fine for a year and half now. slight gap in one place next to radiator when the weather is damp, but unnoticableunless you point it out to people.!
( and the gap only occurs where the air vent built into the wall is.)

Answer 9

Every kind of flooring you install needs to be laid on an absolutely flat, clean, and dry surface - no exceptions. You will have no end of trouble if you don't take up that carpet.

Good luck with your new floors!

Answer 10

not a great idea you need to use the appropiate underlay the flooring has to be level and if you lay it over carpet that will eventually lead to the flooring becoming loose and seperating.hope that helps you.