How To Install Carpet On Concrete?

Concrete’s great—until you’re barefoot in winter. If you’re thinking of softening things up with carpet, good call. 

But hold up: laying carpet over concrete isn’t just about unrolling and hoping for the best. Miss a step, and you’ll end up with soggy seams or ripples that won’t go away. 

We’ll walk through exactly how to install carpet on concrete the right way.

Key Notes

• Test the concrete for moisture before starting – a plastic sheet test works perfectly.
• Choose between tack strips, adhesive, or carpet tiles based on your space.
• Proper padding installation prevents premature carpet wear.
• Different installation methods suit different carpet types and moisture levels.

Can You Put Carpet Over Concrete?

Yes, you can put carpet over concrete. But that doesn’t mean it’s always simple.

Concrete tends to be cold, unforgiving, and moisture-prone. This means if you skip the prep work, you risk mold, wrinkling, or having to redo the job. 

If you want it done correctly, you must first treat the concrete, pick the right tools, and understand how to install carpet padding on concrete floor setups that last.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before anything touches the floor, you’ll want your tools ready. What you need depends on the type of carpet you’re laying and whether you’re gluing, stretching, or tiling.

Base Tools and Materials  

Carpet of your choice Carpet adhesive or tack strips Carpet padding Utility knife Knee kicker Power stretcher (for stretch installs) Seam roller Tape measure Chalk line Concrete sealer (if needed) Trowel or adhesive spreader Safety gear (gloves, knee pads)

Best Carpet Installation Methods on Concrete

Step 1: Prep the Concrete

Start by clearing the area. Get rid of any old flooring, nails, glue, or debris. Then, clean the surface. Sweep it thoroughly and go over it with a damp mop. 

Check the concrete for cracks or dips. Fill cracks with concrete filler. Use a leveling compound if needed. Wait for it to dry completely.

Step 2: Apply a Moisture Barrier (If Needed)

Concrete loves to hold moisture. And moisture + carpet = trouble.

Roll out a vapor barrier like 6 mil polyethylene sheeting. Overlap edges by at least 6 inches and seal with waterproof tape. You don’t want any moisture creeping through.

In basements or high-humidity areas, this step isn’t optional.

Step 3: Lay Carpet Padding

If you’re installing stretch-in carpet, padding’s a must. It adds comfort and keeps the carpet from wearing out too soon. 

Use padding made for your carpet type. Some are designed for glue-down installs, others for stretch-in setups.

Cut the padding to size and tape or glue it to the floor. Do not use staples – they won’t hold in concrete.

Step 4: Install Tack Strips (For Stretch-In Carpet)

Tack strips are narrow wood strips with angled pins that grip the carpet. They go around the perimeter, about half an inch from the wall.

Use masonry nails to secure them to the concrete or a construction adhesive if the surface is too tough to nail. Make sure the pins point toward the walls.

Leave gaps at doorways. Don’t place tack strips where transitions to other flooring types occur.

Step 5: Cut and Position the Carpet

Unroll the carpet and let it sit for 24 hours to relax and acclimate. Then, measure your space and cut the carpet accordingly, leaving a few extra inches on each side.

Lay it out over the padding. You want it centered and square.

Step 6: Secure the Carpet to the Concrete

Now it’s time to lock it down. The method depends on your carpet type and installation method.

Option 1: Stretch-In Method  

This works well with plush cut-pile and some loop carpets.

Use a knee kicker to attach the carpet to the tack strips. Then, use a power stretcher to pull the carpet tight across the room. 

Once it’s in place, trim the excess and tuck it between the tack strip and wall.

Option 2: Glue-Down Carpet  

Glue-down is the go-to for commercial settings or low-pile loop carpets like Berber. It’s also a solid choice for damp spaces where padding isn’t practical.

Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel and carefully roll the carpet into place. Use a seam roller to press out air and ensure full adhesion.

Option 3: Carpet Tiles  

Perfect for DIYers. These tiles either peel-and-stick or need adhesive. They’re easy to lay, replaceable if damaged, and work great in basements or high-traffic areas.

Start in the center of the room and work outward, following a chalk line for precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re installing carpet yourself, here are a few common errors to avoid:

Skipping moisture checks. Always test before laying anything down. Wrong adhesive. Use the glue your carpet manufacturer recommends. Using staples. They don’t work with concrete. Forgetting to let the carpet acclimate. This causes wrinkles later. Overlooking seam sealing. Without it, you’ll get fraying edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I install carpet on concrete without tack strips?  

If you want to install carpet on concrete without tack strips, use glue-down carpet or peel-and-stick carpet tiles. Make sure to prep and seal the concrete, and always use carpet adhesive approved for concrete surfaces.

How do you secure carpet to concrete?  

Use either masonry-compatible tack strips (for stretch installs) or apply carpet adhesive directly to the concrete. Carpet tiles also secure well with pressure-sensitive adhesive.

How do you install carpet padding on concrete floor setups?  

Lay padding out evenly and secure it using double-sided carpet tape or glue when installing carpet padding on concrete floors. Avoid staples – they won’t hold in concrete and can ruin the pad.

Conclusion

Installing carpet over concrete isn’t hard—but skipping a step can cost you. From testing for moisture to choosing the right installation method, each part matters if you want a finish that feels good underfoot and holds up over time. 

Padding helps with comfort, tack strips offer a secure hold, and carpet tiles make things simple for DIYers. Whether you’re gluing it down or stretching it tight, the prep work is what sets the stage for a smooth result.

If you’d rather skip the trial-and-error, get in touch for a free quote on professional flooring installation—no pressure, just options.