How to Install an Underpad

An underpad improves carpet resiliency and adds a layer of cushion to make carpeting feel softer. In addition, without an underpad, rough floor surfaces would abrade the glue on the carpet and reduce the length of time a carpet stays in good condition. Proper installation of an underpad is important to provide long-lasting wear and comfort for your carpet.

Vacuum
Utility knife
Duct tape
Straight edge
Staples
Staple gun

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the floor thoroughly with a vacuum. Use the crevice tool attachment to remove all debris behind the tackless strips around the perimeter of the room.
- 2
  Place sections of underpad on the floor and overlap the tackless strips. Position the underpad with the longest seams running in the opposite direction of anticipated carpet seams. Align the sections so there are no places where four corners meet.
- 3
  Cover all seams with duct tape to prevent the underpad sections from shifting during the carpet installation.
- 4
  Place a straight edge on the underpad along the edge of the tackless strip. Use a utility knife to trim along the straight edge.
- 5
  Staple the underpad securely to the flooring every 18 to 24 inches across the entire surface. If the subfloor is concrete, glue the underpad to the concrete with a high-quality contractor’s adhesive. Fold back half of the underpad and spread the adhesive in tight swirls on the entire half of the floor. Unfold the carpet pad by rolling the folded edge across the floor and pressing it into position as you roll the edge toward the wall. Repeat for the other side.

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