Rugs, Carpets and Carpeting - Carpet with NO pad?

What is the down side of laying shag hard backed carpet without a pad?

Thanks,


Dale
Indy

Only feel. The floor will be harder with no pad. In so far as the effect to the carpet itself, it'll actually last longer because the backing won't be flexing as it would with pad. It may be more susceptible to packing down that way, but I don't really think so as long as you keep it clean.

I wouldn't do this over concrete as I think it would be too hard to be comfortable. Otherwise, you could do this. IMO, one of the nice things about carpet is the soft, cushiony feel. I wouldn't install without pad myself.

Thank You for your information.

No, I will not be installing on concrete, but rather hardwood flooring. The main reason I wish to NOT use pad is that this is a hall and the four bedrooms will remain hardwood and I didn't want such a height change.

Thanks again,


Dale
Indy

never use a pad in a basement.

Airman - Why do you say that?
Smith - How about a cushion back carpet or using 70 or 80 ounce rubber? You'll still get a softer floor with less height difference.

Pads take a very long time to dry out if it got wet from flood broken pipe etc. Nother place for mold to grow.

I've installed miles of it in basements for years with no issues. I also worked with a flood restoration company for a while mitigating flood damage initially and reinstalling floor coverings after the fact. With the proper equipment it dries rapidly and with the proper treatment after the fact mold and mildew can't grow. In many instances the flooring is simply disposed of and replaced, but now and again the flood won't warrant such drastic measures. If a basement is damp constantly, there are larger issues at play and no floor covering is safe until they are dealt with. Is your opinion based on some sort of personal experience or just an opinion? Please don't misunderstand, I have no desire to belittle or sharp shoot. We're all entitled to opinions and we oft times have conflicting ones and that's OK, it's what makes the world go round. I just don't agree with your statement and my disagreement is based on considerable experience. Your input is certainly appreciated and it's good to get differing views upon occasion.

Just keep in mind that carpeting over hardwood floors without any padding will scratch up the floors. The backing is fairly stiff. As you walk on it, it will scratch the floor beneath. If you decside to pull the carpet off, you may have to refinish the hardwood beneath.

Maybe I should consider something like what they use under FLOATING hardwood flooring? Very thin sort of a vapor barrier?

Actually the present flooring in boarder line as to whether it needs to be refinished, and I don't see a need to go back to hardwood at least soon.

Dale
HOME OF THE WORLD CHAMPION COLTS. Indy, the corn field with a race track in the middle.

Now there's a thought, I'd forgotten about underlayment pad. It won't really add much of a cushioned feel, but would protect the wood. Cgar is correct, the back of most carpets is a huge sheet of sand paper. There are soft back carpets available that don't do that though. When you're shopping for carpet, ask about it. There is also a thin mat that goes under throw rugs to keep them from moving around that would accomplish the same thing, but would cost more than the laminate pad.
How do you plan to terminate the carpet in the doorways?

I do IAQ work for a living in most cases when you have a pad and a flood it will have to be removed. If you just have carpet it can be dried and then steam cleanned. This is a lot cheaper than removing everything and starting back over.

Loose lay Shaw Softbac carpet.

Smokey49, I am going to on end the carpet at the 5 doorways with wood thin transition strips that match the hardwood. I will be using countersunk brass screws as well.

Thanks,


Dale
Indy