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can anyone tell me what the best carpet to go over concrete is?

Created: 7/22/2006 Updated: 7/22/2006

Q	im planning on finishing my basement and of course it is a concrete slab. I am just wondering if conventional carpeting can be laid down over it directly or if there has to be something else laid down before the carpet. What are my choices..?? indoor/outdoor carpeting is ok but i really want to have some real padding under it and not worry about it comming up in places...

A	You can lay almost any carpeting over concrete floors... even with a cushion. It is critical that the floor be free of moisture...there are several ways to test this... the most professional is with a device called a moisture meter. The other way is to take a 12 oz water glass with a smooth flat rim... and tape it rim side down ...to the floor... yes you can use all that Duct Tape you bought recently at the hardware store...make sure it is sealed all around and let it sit for 48 hours... if there is any condensation in the glass...you have a moisture problem that will eventually affect the carpet or padding. Ideally you should try to fix this 'wicking' of moisture that is coming through the slab...from the bottom up...but chances are that would be an expensive project in an existing construction. You can seal the floor or... put a cheap sheet vinyl down ... then put the carpet over it ... This method is used when installing wood flooring below grade... and is quite effective... the quality or color of the sheet vinyl is irrelevent as long as it has a reasonable 'wear layer' of protective vinyl on top... this will trap the mildew before it reaches the carpeting... and should last for the life of the carpet if properly done. I hope this helps, all the best Jerry

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