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Glam Journal

Can I install hardwood floor over carpet?

Author

Andrew Henderson

Updated on April 05, 2026

Can I install hardwood floor over carpet?

You can install Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or laminate wood flooring directly over carpet with low pile height. Flooring professionals do not recommend the long-term installation of laminate or LVP over high pile carpet. You can secure plywood on top of plush carpeting to achieve stability in a pinch.

Can you lay laminate over underlay?

Although re-using your underlay may be appealing, using a carpet underlay with laminate flooring will cause problems in the long run. If you install laminate on top of a carpet underlay, the floor will be too bouncy and spongy, which can damage the locking system and provide an uncomfortable feel.

Which is more expensive carpet or hardwood floors?

When comparing the cost of installing hardwood floors over carpet, quality hardwood flooring will almost always be a larger investment compared to carpet. Installing hardwood floors can cost between $12 and $20 per square foot installed, while carpet often cost about $6 to $12 per square foot installed.

Are rug pads necessary for laminate floors?

A note on rug pads for laminate floors: So yes, you need a rug pad with laminate flooring. You need it to keep your rugs from bunch up, and some people want it to add cushion. There’s not as much concern damaging laminate, but I’d still stick with the same materials as I did for hardwood.

Can you put laminate flooring on top of carpet?

You pull up the carpet and see… carpet underlayment! Since you see you already have this underlayment, you can use that to install your laminate flooring on top of, right? Wrong! When you tear up carpet, you must remove everything down to the subfloor. You absolutely cannot use carpet underlayment underneath laminate flooring.

What’s the difference between laminate and carpet underlayment?

Most laminate flooring underlayment is 1mm to 3mm thick. Most carpet underlayments range from 8mm thick to 10mm thick, way too thick for laminate flooring installations. Now you may think that added cushion equals a “softer” floor.

How does laminate flooring affect dust and mites?

When you decide to install laminate over your carpets, then dust and mites tend to become a more significant issue. Since the carpet is covered by laminate, dust and mites will continue to accumulate, and you will have no way of keeping the carpet in a “fresh” condition .

Which is better laminate flooring or hardwood flooring?

You may prefer laminate flooring as it is a popular choice by most homeowners and comes at a great cost. Additionally, the floor is versatile. After installing, some people feel like it was not worth it as the floor looks similar to the hardwood, but it’s not. People who appreciate aesthetics may even feel like the laminate floor is fake.

Can you install laminate flooring over indoor outdoor carpet?

You can put it in kitchens, but you’ll need to be obsessive about wiping up any spills immediately. Laminate flooring can go directly over most other flooring materials with the exception of indoor/outdoor carpeting and others with short naps. That means you don’t have to tear out old surfaces before you begin.

How do you install laminate over carpet?

Install the track system by attaching it to the subfloor where the laminate floor and carpet meet. Floor Expert recommends installing the metal track so the outside edge is 3/16-inch from the start of the carpet. Drill the screws through the metal track into the subfloor with an electric drill.

Can I put laminate flooring on top of carpet padding?

Manufacturers generally do not recommend installing laminate flooring over top of carpeting. The reason for this is that the flooring needs a very stable surface upon which to rest. If there is a layer of fluffy, soft carpeting underneath it, your floor will have quite a bit of “bounce” to it as you walk upon it.

What is better carpet or laminate?

Laminate Flooring Advantages of Carpet vs. Laminate. Disadvantages of Carpet. Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof, and carpet can get destroyed more easily than laminate, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways. Advantages of Laminate. Laminate flooring is very durable and is a good choice for hallways and entryways. Disadvantages of Laminate.