How to Install a Carpet Pad on a Concrete Slab

Carpet on concrete will change a room because you will transform the cold, hard floor into a warm, quiet surface with sound-deadening properties. However, do not even think about applying carpet to concrete if you have any moisture problems in the area. Give some extra thought to the padding because it will make a huge difference in how the carpet feels under foot as well as how long it lasts.

Measuring tape
Carpet padding
Carpet
Broom
Vacuum cleaner
Double-sided carpet tape
Construction adhesive
Utility knife
Knee carpet stretcher
Carpet seam tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out the area of the floor to be covered. Leave an inch of space around the edges of the room to allow for nail strips.
- 2
  Choose a carpet padding that is as thick as the carpet that you plan to install. Choices include Rebond, frothed foam or slab rubber.
- 3
  Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove any grit that might keep the tape from sticking to the concrete.
- 4
  Lay down a grid of double-sided carpet tape to hold the padding in place on the concrete floor. Keep the strips of tape about 3 feet apart so that you can pull up the padding without too much difficulty later.
- 5
  Glue down the nail strips or tack strips with a strong constructions adhesive around the perimeter of the room, making sure that the nails are pointing toward the wall. Let the glue dry overnight before attempting to install the carpet.
- 6
  Lay the carpet over the padding. Use a utility knife with new blades to cut the carpet around the edges of the room. Use a knee carpet stretcher to stretch the carpet over the nail strips. Connect any seams with carpet tape following the manufacturer's instructions.

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