Can You Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring Over Carpet?

There’s no questioning that we’re in an era of home remodeling. Everyone wants to get more out of their living quarters and make their house more of a humble abode. From the kitchen to the bathroom, and even the dining area, homes are receiving makeovers all over the country.

Are you thinking of joining in on the action? You may want to think about starting with your floors. Many people have swapped out the carpet on their floors for wood or vinyl because they look nice while being easy to care for. But can you put vinyl flooring over carpet?

If installing vinyl sheet flooring over carpet sounds like something you’d like to know the answer to, you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you learn more about vinyl sheet flooring and how to use it in your carpet-filled home. Read on to find out more!

Table of Contents: 

1. Can You Put Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet? Find Out with National Floors Direct!
   1. It Will NOT Work on Thick Carpet Flooring
   2. Use an Underlay Like Plywood
   3. Make Sure to Install in Low Traffic Areas
2. Have Your Floors Installed by the People You Can Trust at National Floors Direct

 

Can You Put Vinyl Flooring Over Carpet? Find Out with National Floors Direct!

 

Many homeowners may find this a strange question to begin with. After all, most of those looking to renovate their floor would simply remove their carpet and install the new flooring.

However, there may be some cases, such as the type of carpet flooring or even time constraints, that ultimately won’t allow you to remove your carpet. That being the case, you want to know if it’s possible to still get the vinyl flooring placed within your home.

The good news is that in most cases, it’s certainly possible to place vinyl sheeting over your carpet floor! However, there are a few things that you need to bear in mind prior to the flooring installation.
 

It Will NOT Work on Thick Carpet Flooring

 

Before you purchase sheet vinyl and start innstalling sheet vinyl over carpet, the first thing you need to know is that it CANNOT be installed onto thick carpeting. Viny sheeting needs a firm floor to set on so it can hold itself in place. If your carpet is too thick, it will act like a sponge and be too soft for the vinyl to actually connect and hold itself in place. It will likely become damaged or even fall apart at a rapid rate, resulting in a loss of time and money.

That being said, you’ll want to make sure your carpet is low to the ground, as it tends to be spongier the taller it is. It also helps to have thin, firm carpet padding to give the vinyl a better base to lay on.
 

Use an Underlay Like Plywood

 

Having a firm carpet is a great start, but you’ll still want to have a solid surface to place the vinyl sheeting on. The right way to do this would be to use plywood during the installation.

Plywood would act as an underlay that the vinyl would sit on top of to gain more rigidity. Of course, the plywood you use must be of a higher quality to ensure it doesn’t mess up the vinyl sheeting. You also need to make sure you buy the correct width for your room.

If you get a plywood board that’s too thin, your vinyl would have less support and would be at risk of becoming loosened after a short time. However, if the plywood is too wide you run the risk of having the vinyl not run flush with the floorboards, leaving an unappealing room as a result.

For this reason, most contractors settle for plywood with a 1/4 inch width. This tends to be sturdy enough for the vinyl sheeting to keep a solid firmness while being thin enough that the sheeting will still fit well in your room.
 

Make Sure to Install in Low Traffic Areas

 

It goes without saying that areas in your house that see high levels of traffic will need a firmer base for the vinyl to take hold. If you’re planning on covering your carpet with vinyl, you need to make sure it’s in an area where there is little traffic moving throughout the room.

Since the vinyl is being placed onto a less sturdy carpet floor, it will of course have less rigidity and strength than it would if it were installed on a hardwood floor. That said, placing vinyl sheet flooring in a heavily-trafficked carpeted area would likely break down the connection between the boards faster.

If you want to place vinyl over the top of the carpet, it’s best to try an area of the home that sees low levels of walking. Areas like bedrooms and closet spaces tend to see little traffic in comparison to the living or dining room. This will preserve your vinyl flooring and keep the area in peak condition for many years to come!
 

Shop Vinyl Floors Online
 

Have Your Floors Installed by the People You Can Trust at National Floors Direct

 

Can you put vinyl flooring over carpet? In most cases, absolutely. That said, if you’re looking to install vinyl flooring over carpet yourself, it’s important to note that for the unexperienced, it can be a rather challenging process that may result in more time and money than you are willing to spend. Instead, leave it to the hands of the best professionals. Even better… we’ll install your sheet vinyl over carpet for FREE*! Explore our collection of Free Services online and when you’re ready, contact us or schedule a free estimate to find the perfect vinyl for your style. 

National Floors Direct has been a leading company in the flooring and remodeling industry for many years, and our results speak for themselves. We offer all kinds of different flooring for every room setting, including vinyl, hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, and more. We can take care of you no matter the request.

Ready to get started with your remodel? Feel free to take a look around our site and learn more about us, or reach out to get a free in-home estimate. Let’s start making your house the home that you deserve!
 

Learn More About Our Free Installation Services*