What Is Vinyl Backed Carpet?

What Is Backing?

• The backing of carpet is the part of the carpet that comes in contact with the subfloor and is not visible once the carpet is installed. Often woven, carpet backing is also what attaches the carpet to the subfloor beneath, typically using tack strips. Backing gives carpet structure and holds the carpet pile together.

Traditional Backing Materials

• In high-moisture areas, traditional backing materials can be problematic. Woven fabrics and other fibrous backing materials trap water and can harbor mold and mildew, eventually leading to odors and becoming a potential health hazard. Rubber-backed carpet is more suited to these environments, as it prevents moisture from penetrating up from the subfloor -- say, from a damp basement -- and prevents water from penetrating through the pile to the subfloor below.

Adhering Rubber-Backed Carpet

• Rubber-backed carpet does not require the use of tack strips -- the long pieces of wood with small metal spikes designed to grip the backing of traditional carpets. Double-sided tape can be used to hold down the edges of rubber-backed carpet and prevent the carpet from slipping with foot traffic or the moving of furniture.

Cost

• A significant difference between traditional woven carpets and their rubber-backed counterparts is cost. Rubber-backed carpeting typically costs less and requires less experience and specialty tools to install. Traditional woven carpets require carpet stretchers, tack strips and a knee kicker to be installed properly. Rubber-backed carpet can be rolled out and held down with double-sided tape or liquid adhesive.