How to Install Rubber Carpet Pads for Soundproofing

Rubber carpet pads keep your carpets from slipping, but may also be installed for soundproofing. The rubber is ideal to absorb the noise and vibrations and prevent these from being heard in the areas under the room. For complete room soundproofing, you will also have to insulate the walls, but installing rubber carpet pads can be a good starting point.

Measure the Room

Measure the perimeter of the room or the flooring that needs soundproofing. Obtain the size of the carpet pads that you need to purchase. Mark the edges of the carpeted area with a piece of white chalk. Unite the points with straight lines. Skip this step if you carpet the entire floor. Purchase thinner rubber carpet pads, as the thicker pads don’t necessarily absorb more sound and vibrations, and will also wear more rapidly. Make sure you buy closed-cell carpet pads, which are better for soundproofing and will also be more resistant.

Prepare the Floor and Carpet Pads

The floor where you install the carpet pads should be clean, so remove dust and mop thoroughly using detergent or vinegar. Cut the carpet pads to size using a pair of scissors or a cutter. Cut several pieces, as needed. Mark the padding before you cut it, to ensure that you cut in a straight line. Roll the pads.

Install Tack Strips on Floor

Install pieces of tack strip on the floor at the edges of the room. Don’t install tack strips in front of doors. The tack strip is studded with small tacks. Make sure you install the strips with the tack side up. Use nails or staples to fasten the tack strips to the edge of the carpeted area. Insert 1 nail every 10 inches. For concrete or stone floors, use adhesive to fasten the tack strips to the floor.

Install the Carpet Pads

Unroll the carpet pads and place them on the floor with the waffle side facing up. Put several pieces of padding together, so that you cover the entire area. Apply tape between the pieces, so that the pieces will not shift position over time. The carpet pads should touch the tack strips, but not go over them. Glue the carpet pads to the edges of the carpeted area. Alternatively, use staples. Insert 1 staple every 5 inches. Make sure the carpet pads are tight.

Lay the Carpet

Place the carpet over the rubber carpet pads and stretch it over the tack strips, which will keep the carpet in place. The edge of the carpet should fit into the gap between the wall and the tack strips. The tacks secure the carpet in place. Make sure the carpet is tight. Use a power stretcher if needed.