Homeowners who are looking for a change often wonder, “Can you put carpet over tile?” Although placing carpet on top of tile may seem almost like cheating, it turns out that this could be the perfect way to go about your next home renovation. Take a look at the benefits of carpeting over tile, and pick up a few tips that can help with the process, too.
Can You Put Carpet over Tile?
When you’re ready for a new look in your room, changing the flooring can be a smart way to go about it. Fortunately, there’s no need to go through the time and effort to remove the old tile before putting down your carpet. Instead, you can use the current tile flooring as a great base on which to place your new floor covering. In fact, you may find that installing carpet on top of your existing tile is the best option for you.
Benefits to Installing Carpet over Tile
Placing carpet on top of your existing tile can be a savvy choice for a variety of reasons. If one or more of the following benefits catch your eye, then this could be the right approach to your renovation project.
First of all, carpet can change the look and feel of your room. If you want a softer or warmer surface underfoot, carpet is the way to go. A colorful carpet selection can also brighten a dull space. Skipping the tile-removal step could help you make this change quickly and easily.
Plus, this decorating move keeps the future in mind. Carpet that’s placed over tile is often removable. You might especially appreciate that fact if you see yourself moving to a new home sometime soon. When you leave, you can roll up your carpet layer and take it with you to use in your new house. The tiles will stay behind for the new owners to enjoy.
Along those same lines, placing carpet over tile may be a home project that renters can do. As long as you don’t permanently affix it to the floor, putting down a layer of carpeting could allow you to adjust the style of your rental property without violating your tenant’s agreement.
Tips for Carpeting on Top of Tile
One thing to keep in mind during this home project is that tile is hard. If your goal is to have soft, cushy carpeting under your feet, then you’re going to have to make a plan for that.
The key is to choose a high-quality underlay. The underlay is the material that you put between the base and the carpet. The better its quality, the more comfortable each step across the floor will be. Some flooring experts suggest selecting a 10-millimeter variety.
The underlay is also useful for making any rough or uneven patches less noticeable. Without the right underlay, your feet may be able to detect where the grout lines in the tile are. A quality underlay can remedy that issue.
Another tip is to use a plush variety of carpeting. Like a good underlay, it can help improve the softness beneath your feet and camouflage any small differences in height from one spot to the next.
Finally, consider having a professional do this installation job. Not every height difference can disguised with a thick underlay. In some cases, especially if your new carpet will span more than one room, you may need trim or fillers to even out the surface or account for other differences. A pro can handle that for you while also taking good care of the tiles underneath.
