Carpet Over Laminate: Read This First! (3 Mistakes)

I’m Mike, and I’ve been laying floors for over 20 years. I’ve seen it all, trust me. And lately, I’ve been getting a ton of questions about putting carpet over laminate.

It’s a really popular idea. Why? Well, let’s be honest, sometimes that laminate just isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe it’s cold underfoot, or the style is outdated, or you just crave that cozy carpet feel.

Plus, let’s face it, ripping up a perfectly good laminate floor is a pain in the neck and can get expensive fast. So, the idea of just throwing some carpet on top seems super appealing, right?

It can be a great solution, but here’s the thing: there are some serious pitfalls you need to avoid. I’ve seen homeowners make these mistakes time and time again, and trust me, the results aren’t pretty.

That’s why I’m writing this article.

I want to arm you with the knowledge you need to make the right decision and avoid costly mistakes.

We’re going to dive into the three biggest blunders I see people make when putting carpet over laminate. Avoid these, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and budget-friendly flooring upgrade.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

Mistake #1 – Ignoring the Impact on Flooring Height

Okay, let’s talk height. I know, it sounds boring, but trust me, this is crucial.

When you add carpet and padding on top of existing laminate, you’re essentially raising the floor level. Think about it like stacking pancakes – each layer adds height.

The big question is: how much height are we talking? Well, that depends on the thickness of your carpet and the padding you choose.

A typical carpet can range from ¼ inch to ½ inch thick, and padding can add another ¼ inch to ½ inch, or even more.

So, you could easily be adding a full inch to your floor height!

Overview of Flooring Height Considerations

Why does this matter? Well, for starters, think about your doors. Do they swing freely now? Adding an inch to the floor might mean they start dragging or won’t close properly.

I’ve seen homeowners who completely overlooked this only to find that every single door in their house needed trimming. That’s extra work and extra expense that could have been avoided.

Then, there are transitions between rooms. If you’re going from a carpeted room to a room with tile or hardwood, you’re going to have a height difference.

This can create a tripping hazard, especially for kids and seniors. It also just looks… unfinished.

Transition strips can help, but you need to choose the right ones and install them correctly. And guess what? That’s another cost.

Finally, don’t forget about appliances! If your refrigerator or dishwasher is already a tight fit under your cabinets, adding floor height could make it impossible to pull them out for repairs.

I remember one client who had to completely remove a section of their new flooring just to get their dishwasher out. Talk about a headache!

Cost Implications

So, how does this height issue hit your wallet? Let’s break it down:

Door Trimming: Hiring a carpenter to trim doors can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per door, depending on the complexity of the job. If you have multiple doors to trim, that can add up quickly.
Transition Strips: Transition strips themselves aren’t super expensive, usually around $10 to $30 each. However, you’ll need to buy enough to cover all your transitions, and you might need to hire someone to install them properly. Installation can cost another $20 to $50 per transition.
Appliance Issues: This is where things can get really expensive. If you damage an appliance trying to remove it, or if you have to modify cabinets to accommodate the new floor height, you could be looking at hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or remodeling costs.
Unforeseen Problems: And let’s not forget the hidden costs. What if you need to adjust the height of your toilet flange? What if your baseboards no longer fit properly? These little things can add up and blow your budget.

According to a study by HomeAdvisor, unexpected costs during home improvement projects are incredibly common.

In fact, they found that nearly 75% of homeowners experience unexpected expenses during renovations.

Don’t let flooring height be one of them!

Real-World Examples

Let me share a couple of stories to illustrate my point:

The Door Dilemma: I had one client, Sarah, who was so excited to get her new carpet installed. She’d found a beautiful plush carpet that she absolutely loved. However, she completely forgot about the height issue. After the carpet was installed, she discovered that every single door in her house was dragging. She ended up having to hire a carpenter to trim all the doors, which cost her an extra $600!
The Tripping Hazard: Another client, John, installed carpet over laminate in his living room. He had a small step down into his dining room, which had tile flooring. The added height of the carpet created a significant tripping hazard. His elderly mother tripped and fell, resulting in a minor injury and a lot of stress. He ended up having to install a custom transition strip and add a handrail to make the transition safer.

These are just a couple of examples, but I’ve seen countless situations where homeowners underestimated the impact of flooring height. Don’t make the same mistake!

Before you even think about buying carpet, take the time to measure the existing floor height and calculate how much the new carpet and padding will add.

Consider all the potential issues, and factor in the cost of addressing them. It’s better to be prepared than to be surprised by unexpected expenses down the road.

Mistake #2 – Not Addressing Moisture Concerns

Alright, let’s talk about something a little less obvious, but just as important: moisture.

Laminate flooring is often installed in areas that are prone to moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

While laminate is somewhat water-resistant, it’s not waterproof. And if moisture gets trapped underneath the laminate, it can cause some serious problems.

Now, think about adding carpet on top of that. Carpet is like a sponge – it absorbs moisture. So, if there’s any existing moisture in the subfloor, or if moisture gets in from spills or humidity, the carpet will trap it.

This creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can be a health hazard and can also damage your flooring.

Understanding Moisture Issues

So, where does this moisture come from? Well, there are several potential sources:

Leaks: Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or even just a leaky window can introduce moisture into the subfloor.
Spills: Accidents happen! Spilled drinks, pet accidents, or even just over-wet mopping can seep through the laminate and into the subfloor.
Humidity: In humid climates, moisture can condense on the underside of the laminate, especially if the subfloor is cold.
Groundwater: In basements, groundwater can seep through the foundation and into the subfloor.

The problem is, you might not even know there’s a moisture problem until it’s too late. Mold and mildew can grow hidden under the carpet, and you might not notice it until you start to smell a musty odor or see visible signs of damage.

According to the EPA, mold can cause a variety of health problems, including:

Allergic reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes
Asthma attacks: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
Respiratory infections: Bronchitis, pneumonia
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

Nobody wants that!

Cost of Damage

So, what’s the financial impact of moisture damage? Let’s take a look:

Mold Remediation: Mold remediation can be expensive, depending on the extent of the problem. Professional mold removal can cost anywhere from $500 to $6,000 or more.
Carpet Replacement: If the carpet is heavily damaged by mold or mildew, you’ll need to replace it. That’s another expense you didn’t budget for.
Laminate Replacement: If the moisture damage has affected the laminate flooring, you might need to replace that as well. This can be a major expense, especially if you have a large area to cover.
Health Costs: And let’s not forget the potential health costs. If you or your family members develop health problems due to mold exposure, you could be facing doctor’s visits, medication costs, and even hospital bills.

According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to serious health problems, especially for people with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions.

It’s simply not worth the risk!

Case Studies

Let me share a couple of case studies to illustrate the importance of addressing moisture concerns:

The Musty Basement: I had one client, Tom, who installed carpet over laminate in his basement. He didn’t notice any moisture problems at the time, but after a few months, he started to smell a musty odor. He pulled up the carpet and discovered that the laminate was covered in mold. He ended up having to remove all the carpet and laminate, and he had to hire a mold remediation company to clean up the mess. The whole ordeal cost him over $5,000!
The Leaky Kitchen: Another client, Mary, had a small leak under her kitchen sink. She didn’t realize it at first, but the leak was slowly seeping into the subfloor. She installed carpet over the laminate, and the carpet trapped the moisture. After a while, she noticed that the carpet was starting to smell and feel damp. She pulled it up and found that the laminate was warped and moldy. She had to replace the carpet and the laminate, and she also had to repair the leak.

These stories are a reminder that moisture problems can be sneaky and can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked.

Before you install carpet over laminate, take the time to inspect the subfloor for any signs of moisture.

Look for water stains, discoloration, or a musty odor. If you suspect there’s a moisture problem, have it professionally inspected and repaired before you proceed.

You might also consider installing a moisture barrier between the laminate and the carpet to help prevent moisture from getting trapped.

It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.

Mistake #3 – Choosing the Wrong Type of Carpet

Okay, so you’ve addressed the height and moisture issues. Great! But you’re not out of the woods yet.

Choosing the right type of carpet is just as important. Not all carpets are created equal, and some are simply not suitable for installation over laminate.

Think about it: laminate is a hard, smooth surface. It doesn’t have the same give as a traditional subfloor. So, you need a carpet that can provide adequate cushioning and support without being too thick or too soft.

You also need to consider the type of padding you use. The wrong padding can cause the carpet to wear out prematurely, or it can create a squishy, unstable feeling underfoot.

Importance of Carpet Selection

So, what factors should you consider when choosing carpet for laminate? Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Thickness: As I mentioned earlier, thickness is important for height considerations. But it also affects the comfort and durability of the carpet. A carpet that’s too thick can be difficult to walk on and can wear out quickly. A carpet that’s too thin might not provide enough cushioning.
Density: Density refers to how tightly packed the carpet fibers are. A denser carpet will generally be more durable and will hold up better to traffic.
Fiber Type: There are several different types of carpet fibers, each with its own pros and cons. Nylon is a popular choice because it’s durable and stain-resistant. Polyester is a more affordable option, but it’s not as durable as nylon. Wool is a natural fiber that’s soft and luxurious, but it’s also more expensive.
Padding: The padding is just as important as the carpet itself. Look for a padding that’s firm and supportive, but not too thick. A good rule of thumb is to choose a padding that’s no more than ½ inch thick.
Installation Method: The way the carpet is installed can also affect its performance. Stretching the carpet over a pad, for example, will feel different than a glue-down installation. Consider how the installation method will impact the feel and longevity of the carpet.

Choosing the wrong carpet can lead to a number of problems, including:

Premature Wear and Tear: A carpet that’s not durable enough can wear out quickly, especially in high-traffic areas.
Matting and Crushing: A carpet that’s too soft can mat down and lose its shape over time.
Uncomfortable Feel: A carpet that’s too thin or too hard can be uncomfortable to walk on.
Tripping Hazards: A carpet that’s not properly installed can create bumps and wrinkles that can be tripping hazards.

Financial Consequences

So, how can choosing the wrong carpet impact your wallet? Here’s a breakdown:

Early Replacement: If the carpet wears out quickly, you’ll need to replace it sooner than you expected. That’s a major expense that can throw your budget off track.
Reduced Home Value: A worn-out or poorly chosen carpet can detract from the overall appearance of your home and can reduce its value.
Installation Costs: If you have to replace the carpet, you’ll need to pay for installation again. This can be a significant expense, especially if you have a large area to cover.
Dissatisfaction: And let’s not forget the emotional cost. If you’re not happy with the look and feel of your carpet, you’ll be living with that dissatisfaction every day.

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, new flooring can increase a home’s value by as much as 6%.

But that’s only if you choose the right flooring and install it properly!

Real-Life Scenarios

Let me share a couple of real-life scenarios to illustrate the importance of choosing the right carpet:

The Cheap Carpet: I had one client, Lisa, who was trying to save money by buying a cheap carpet from a discount store. The carpet looked good at first, but after only a few months, it started to show signs of wear. The fibers were matting down, and the color was fading. After a year, the carpet looked so bad that she had to replace it. She ended up spending more money in the long run than if she had just bought a better-quality carpet in the first place.
The Wrong Padding: Another client, David, chose a very thick, soft padding for his carpet. He thought it would be more comfortable, but it actually made the carpet feel unstable and squishy. The carpet also started to wrinkle and buckle in certain areas. He ended up having to remove the padding and replace it with a firmer, thinner padding.

These stories are a reminder that it’s worth investing in a good-quality carpet and padding that’s appropriate for your needs.

Don’t just focus on the price tag. Consider the long-term costs and benefits.

Talk to a flooring professional and get their advice on the best carpet and padding for your specific situation.

They can help you choose a carpet that will look great, feel comfortable, and last for years to come.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: the three critical mistakes to avoid when putting carpet over laminate.

Let’s recap:

Ignoring the Impact on Flooring Height: Measure carefully, factor in the cost of door trimming and transition strips, and avoid appliance clearance issues.
Not Addressing Moisture Concerns: Inspect for moisture, repair any leaks, and consider a moisture barrier.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Carpet: Select a durable, dense carpet with appropriate padding, and consult with a flooring professional.

Putting carpet over laminate can be a great way to refresh your home’s look and feel without breaking the bank. But it’s important to do your homework and avoid these common mistakes.

By taking the time to plan carefully and make informed decisions, you can ensure a successful and budget-friendly flooring upgrade.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! A qualified flooring contractor can provide valuable guidance and expertise.

They can help you assess your specific situation, recommend the best products and installation methods, and ensure that your project is done right the first time.

Remember, your home is your biggest investment.

Take the time to do it right, and you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

Good luck with your flooring project! I hope this article has been helpful.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help!

Carpet Over Laminate: Read This First! (3 Mistakes)

Mistake #1 – Ignoring the Impact on Flooring Height