No, you cannot successfully install laminate flooring directly over carpet. It is strongly advised against, regardless of the carpet's type—whether it's high-pile or low-pile, a plush Persian style or a shaggy flokati.
Why Laminate Over Carpet is a Bad Idea
While the idea might seem appealing for convenience or added insulation, there are a number of good reasons why installing laminate flooring over existing carpeting is a critical mistake that will lead to significant problems and potential damage to your new floor.
1. Uneven and Unstable Surface
Laminate flooring is a "floating" floor system, meaning it needs a perfectly flat, firm, and stable subfloor to function correctly. Carpets, by their very nature, are soft and compressible.
- Foot Traffic Compression: Over time, carpets become uneven. Frequently used walking paths, such as hallways and areas in front of seating, are pushed down by passing feet, creating dips and depressions.
- Lack of Rigidity: This inherent softness and unevenness prevent laminate planks from locking together securely and lying flat. The underlying movement will cause the laminate joints to flex, weaken, and eventually break apart, leading to gaps, squeaks, and ultimately, floor failure.
2. Moisture Trapping and Mold Growth
Carpet and its padding can trap moisture from various sources, including spills, humidity, and even condensation. When laminate is placed on top, it creates an enclosed environment where this moisture has no escape.
- Mold and Mildew: This trapped moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria underneath your new laminate floor, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
- Damage to Laminate: Prolonged exposure to moisture can also cause the laminate core to swell and warp, irreversibly damaging the planks.
3. Voided Warranty
Almost all laminate flooring manufacturers explicitly state in their installation guidelines that the product must be installed over a clean, dry, flat, and stable subfloor. Installing laminate over carpet will inevitably void the manufacturer's warranty, leaving you without recourse if problems arise.
4. Poor Performance and Durability
The constant movement and lack of support from the carpet beneath will drastically reduce the lifespan and performance of your laminate floor.
- Compromised Locking System: The interlocking mechanism of laminate planks relies on a stable base. Over carpet, these joints will constantly be stressed, leading to premature failure, creaking sounds, and an unprofessional finish.
- Reduced Impact Resistance: The spongy layer of carpet underneath provides inadequate support against impacts, making the laminate more susceptible to damage from dropped objects.
Proper Subfloor Preparation for Laminate Flooring
The correct procedure for installing laminate flooring always begins with preparing a suitable subfloor. This ensures the longevity, stability, and aesthetic appeal of your new floor.
Steps for Ideal Laminate Installation:
- Remove Existing Carpet and Padding: Carefully pull up all existing carpet, tack strips, and padding to expose the bare subfloor (typically plywood, concrete, or OSB). You can find detailed guides on how to properly remove carpet from reputable home improvement sites like The Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Clean the Subfloor Thoroughly: Vacuum the subfloor to remove all dust, debris, and staples.
- Inspect and Repair:
- Levelness: Check the subfloor for levelness. Most laminate manufacturers require the subfloor to be level within 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span or 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span. Use a leveling compound for concrete or sanding/patching for wood subfloors if necessary.
- Damage: Repair any cracks, holes, or loose boards. Fasten down any squeaky floorboards.
- Install an Appropriate Underlayment: Once the subfloor is clean, dry, and level, install a proper underlayment designed for laminate flooring.
- Moisture Barrier: Many underlayments include a moisture barrier, essential, especially over concrete subfloors.
- Sound Dampening: Underlayment also helps reduce impact and ambient sound.
- Minor Imperfections: It can also help smooth out very minor subfloor imperfections.
Comparison: Carpet vs. Proper Subfloor for Laminate
| Feature | Laminate Over Carpet | Laminate Over Proper Subfloor (with Underlayment) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Extremely poor, spongy, prone to movement | Excellent, firm, stable |
| Evenness | Uneven compression, creates dips | Flat and level |
| Moisture Control | Traps moisture, high risk of mold | Moisture barrier prevents issues |
| Durability/Lifespan | Significantly reduced, prone to damage | Enhanced, long-lasting |
| Warranty | Voided | Valid |
| Installation Quality | Unsightly gaps, creaking, floor failure | Smooth, seamless, professional finish |
Conclusion
To ensure the success and longevity of your laminate flooring project, always prioritize proper subfloor preparation. Removing existing carpet is the essential first step to creating a stable, dry, and even foundation that laminate flooring requires.
