Installing Carpet on Concrete

Installing carpet on concrete is a huge project and you will most likely need to borrow or lease some equipment to help you start up. When you are already equipped with the right tools, this job will be easy. Carpet can be placed on all types of concrete, although the first step is to remove the old carpeting if there is any.

Carpet Set Up

Setting up a carpet on concrete material is just like any other carpet installation procedure. The only difference is the way it is held down in place. Another thing to consider when installing carpet on concrete is the exposure to moisture. For people who live in high moisture surroundings, you need to choose the right kind of carpet material that you will use, either indoor carpeting or outdoor carpeting.

To check if the floor has moisture, tape a 2 x 2 clear plastic wrapper on the ground where you plan to install your new carpet. Seal the plastic using a tape and then wait for 24 hours. If there is moisture under the plastic, it means that you need to use waterproof paint or moisture sealant on the floor before starting your installation project.

When installing carpet on concrete floors, you need to use a tackless strip equipped with concrete nails. When purchasing the right one, be sure there is a “c” mark written on them which means concrete. These nails are made especially to hold materials on concrete floors better than the common ones you see.

To prepare your floor when installing carpet, simply mop it with a bleaching chemical. Pour a gallon of water into a big container and then pour in a capful of bleach solution and a dish washing solution. Mop the floor to kill all the bacteria on it and to prevent them from spreading further underneath your new carpet.

WARNING: Make sure your room has adequate ventilation and put on some old clothes before you start applying bleach.

Types of Carpet

The type and materials used on the carpet varies, so you need to carefully plan out your project. Set a budget range and the design you plan for the room where you will install this new carpet. You should also consider your decoration pattern. If you plan to redecorate every few years, then there is no need for you to purchase high-priced carpet.

Carpet Materials

Wool carpet: This kind of material is very efficient and durable. It does not leave footprints when you walk on it and it is very simple to clean. The drawback though is that it leaves static and is very expensive.

Nylon: Like the wool material, nylon is also durable, yet does not produce static. However, it may be very expensive and the color tends to fade out when exposed to high temperature.

Polypropylene Olefin: This type is cost efficient. It is very simple to clean and fights against scratches. How this material is woven can or cannot make your carpet crush–proof.

Acrylic: This material is kind of in the middle quality-wise because it is fairly crush-proof and simple to clean. The color does not fade and is not expensive as compared to the others. However, it is not abrasion-resistant.

Polyester: It is not expensive when compared to nylon and wool; it is highly durable. However, it is not crush-resistant and the color fades when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.