Home > categories > Textiles & Leather Products > Carpet/Rug > How do you install padding under a rug or carpet?
Question:

How do you install padding under a rug or carpet?

My grandmother just purchased a new rug to replace her old carpet. It moves very easily so it was recommended that she buy rug padding and attach it to the floor under the rug. She's worried that it will need to be stapled to the floor and in the event that the rug needs to be lifted/moved in a hurry she wont be able to move the padding, and it could get damaged.So my question, more specificially: Is there another way to apply the padding under the rug without permanently securing it (ie: staples)? Or is there a special rug padding that doesn't need to be stapled? And in your opinion, will this alternative way make the rug just as immovable?Thanks!

Answer:

First put down tack strip which can be purchased at any home improvement store. Buy your pad there also cut the pad to fix snug within the tack strips. Now lay the carpet on top of the pad and rent or buy a knee kicker to stretch the carpet to the tack strips. Carpet needs to cover the tap strip when stretched over the strip and push down you should have a good job. It is very easy to remove.
I don't see why you couldn't get some carpet cut.. My basement has exactly that. The carpet has padding under naturally, but im sure you can get more padding for under it its that pricey for padding.
Yes, there is a material that looks like a thick sticky net in one case that is designed to hold rugs in place. You simply cut it to size, lay it down, lay the rug on top, walk on it a bit and it is stuck. That which I have seen comes off the floor with a sound a bit like Saran Wrap being peeled apart. No mess. Be sure to clean the floor while exposed as dust will reduce stickiness, but grandmother probably knows that part. Technically, it is not called padding, which is thicker and serves other purposes.
You have 2 options: You can buy either a special non-slip mat/material or a double sided carpet tape. Both will prevent a rug from slipping and can be found at most hardware / building supply or most anywhere that sells rugs and carpeting [Bed, Bath Beyond, etc.] The mat material is rubber-like and grips the flooring of it's own accord [it's the same stuff as the rubber type shelf liner material] Padding is used beneath wall to wall carpeting.
Under Rug Mat

Share to: