Tips and Tricks for Homemade Carpet Backing

Backing Materials

• Common carpet backing materials include foam rubber, felt and urethane. When selecting a material, consider the room it will go in, as well as your personal needs. For example, foam rubber is thinner than other materials and better suited for lighter traffic areas. Felt made from natural hair is long-lasting, but it is susceptible to mildew and not suitable for areas with high moisture, such as the bathroom. When selecting a thickness, lay a sample piece of the material on the ground and walk over it to get an idea of how much give it has. Continue to add layers until you find a thickness that feels right.

Special Needs

• Consider any special needs that you have personally or that exist in your home before choosing a type of carpet backing. For example, if anyone in your household suffers from allergies, go with a non-allergenic pad such as foam rubber. Otherwise, the padding may effect allergy sufferers. If you have radiant heat, choose a synthetic, fire-resistant material. Natural fibers may melt or catch fire if exposed to the heat.

Installation

• Double-check the measurements of the room before starting installation and make any necessary trims. It is easier to trim the carpet backing before installation. Start in one corner of the room and work to the opposite end. Keep the carpet backing taut to prevent wrinkling or bunching under the carpet. Some installation methods suggest wetting the backing, which actually may cause wrinkles or change the structure of the material. Do not wet the backing before installation.

Cleaning

• Vacuuming the carpet regularly will extend the life of both the carpet and the backing. Treat spills immediately, using a spot treatment made for carpets. Liquid can seep through the carpet and into the backing, causing a permanent stain. Odors from spills that seep into the backing will also linger long after you clean the carpet itself.