If you are interested in protecting your carpet and wonder if installing sheet vinyl flooring over it is the right move then you are in the right place. Here we provide the answer to the question “can you put sheet vinyl flooring over carpet”?
Although you can install sheet vinyl flooring over carpet, we do not recommend it. This is because, unlike bare floors, the spongy and thick nature of carpet does not serve as a strong support for sheet vinyl and affects the durability and longevity of the flooring.
In this piece, we answer several questions relating to installing sheet vinyl flooring over carpet: Is it possible? How can you do it? Should you do it?
Can You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet?
Installing sheet vinyl flooring over carpet is possible. As long as the carpet is thin, layered and without surface dents, you should be good to go. However, we recommend you use plywood as an underlayment for a successful result.
Should You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over the Carpet?
In situations where the carpet is already installed and you do not want to risk ruining it, installing sheet vinyl flooring over thicker carpet isn’t professionally advisable. To get the best results, we’ve found that it is always best to install sheet vinyl flooring on a solid floor, as this way it tends to last longer.
Here are some reasons why installing sheet vinyl over carpet is always a bad move:
Reason 1. Sheet vinyl floorings typically require a firm base support to enable them to retain their durability and longevity. However, thick carpets tend to be soft and spongy, meaning they’ll inevitably make a weak foundation for the vinyl sheets.
Reason 2. Another issue with installing sheet vinyl flooring over carpet, as opposed to hardwood, is that carpet makes it more susceptible to wear. So, if you need to install sheet vinyl over the carpet, avoid areas that will see a lot of movement like living rooms. Instead, go for more secluded areas like closets.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet?
For the best results, these are the tools you need to install sheet vinyl flooring over the carpet:
- A roll of sheet vinyl (glued or glueless)
- Plywood
- Joint gap filler (for filling plywood)
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Adhesive glue
- Notched trowel
- Flooring roller or seam roller
- Straightedge for straighter cuts
- Safety gear (gloves, knee pads, etc)
- Vinegar and towel
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet?
Sourcing for the right tools is only the beginning when installing sheet vinyl flooring over carpet. Here are some other preparatory steps you need to take:
Step 1. Start by measuring your space to get an idea of the sheet size you need before going on to buy your sheet vinyl flooring.
Step 2. Clean the carpet and vacuum until it’s smooth and completely dirt-free.
Step 3. Keep the room warm to make the sheet vinyl easy to maneuver, but turn off any floor heating to allow the glue to set properly.
Step 4. Put on your safety gear before you begin. Use a nose or face mask to avoid toxic fumes or keep the windows open.
How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet
Once you’ve gathered up your tools, and taken every necessary preparatory step, you’re ready for your new sheet vinyl flooring. Here are the steps to install the sheet vinyl flooring over a carpet:.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 15, 2022.
Step 1: Place an Underlayment
Sometimes, the existing carpet is rough but installing an underlayment like plywood combats this issue. Even with newer / less worn carpet, plywood acts as a sturdy support for the vinyl sheet flooring, meaning longevity.
Make sure you use quality plywood in a size that’s appropriate for your space. Next, fill in spaces and smoothen any rough points, and you’re good to go.
Step 2: Cut the Flooring
Cut out the measured part of the vinyl sheet flooring with a sharp utility knife. Add a few extra inches to each side, before cutting, to allow for errors.
Step 3: Install the Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Finally, lay the cut vinyl sheet on the smooth plywood underlayment.
If using glueless vinyl, take out the double-backed tape from the vinyl sheets. Place it on the floor, then stick the vinyl sheet firmly to this tape. Make sure there are no untidy gaps or spaces and everything is properly aligned.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 15, 2022.
Trim off any excess ends with your utility knife, but ensure that you don’t damage the underlayment when trimming.
Step 4: Glue the Vinyl Sheets to the Floor
Glued vinyl will require adhesive. First, get the adhesive approved for your specific vinyl sheet flooring. Then, roll up one-half of the vinyl sheet and rub the glue on the underlayment with a trowel.
Stick the vinyl sheet flooring back to the floor and repeat for the other half of the floor.
Step 5: Roll the Floor
After installing, you’ll probably have some wrinkles, so smooth them out with a floor roller. Not only does this give a more even look, but the pressure also helps the glue stick better. Always roll from the middle to the edges.
Step 6: Clean
Lastly, clean up excess glue with vinegar to avoid messiness. Replace any baseboards you took out, then wait at least 24 hours for the vinyl sheet flooring to set with the glue before walking on it, if however you will be placing furniture over the carpet, we recommend you wait 48 hours before placing the furniture on your newly installed sheet vinyl flooring.
FAQs
Q: What Other Flooring can you Put Over Carpets
Apart from sheet vinyl, one other flooring option that goes well over carpets is laminate flooring. This is because laminate like vinyl is a floating flooring option that possesses a tongue and groove that locks the planks. They are easy to maintain, easy to clean and almost never require waxing.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 15, 2022.