Can You Put Carpet Over Tile? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your life has changed since you laid tile flooring, you may wonder about replacing it with a softer or warmer type of flooring—like carpet. But can you put carpet over tile? While it is possible to lay carpet over tile, there are some factors to consider before doing so, including whether or not you want to reuse the tiles in the future.

Can You Put Carpet Over Tile? 

Here is the good news: Yes, you technically can put carpet over tile. 

The bad news: It’s not always the best option.

Tiles must be in decent condition to lay carpet over them for the best results. Otherwise, you could have an uneven carpet that poses tripping hazards and does not look good.

3 Reasons to Install Carpet Over Tile

Here are some common reasons why homeowners put carpet over tile. 

1. Outdated or Broken Tiles 

If you have tiles dating back to the ‘80s or ones that have seen better days, you might be ready to give your room a new look.

Installing carpet over tiles takes less work than removing and replacing tiles. You can quickly improve the look of a room without too much stress or cost. Carpet installation costs $3 to $11 per square foot, while tile installation costs an average of $15 to $20 per square foot. 

2. Cold Floor 

Tile flooring is cold if unheated. If you have it in a bedroom, you may want something warmer and cozier. Carpeting can make a room feel more comfortable, not to mention be warmer to walk on during colder months.

3. A Softer and Safer Floor for Kids and Pets 

If you have kids or pets, carpeting can feel much softer for them to play or lie down on. Carpeting is also somewhat safer for the rougher play that kids and pets sometimes engage in. If you have tile floors in the rooms where your little ones or furry friends play, covering them with carpet may be ideal. Just make sure to pick a type of carpeting that’s good for kids and pets.

6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Put Carpet Over Tile

On the other hand, there are instances when installing carpet over tile or other types of flooring isn’t a great idea.

1. Subfloor Issues

Many people do not realize that the subfloor, or the layer underneath the flooring, is what determines the stability of flooring—whether it’s carpet, tile, or hardwood. Before installing any new flooring, your subfloor needs to be clean, dry, and level.

If you have tile flooring, the subfloor sits beneath the tile and is the first layer above the floor joists. However, when you put carpet over tile, the tile floor then becomes the subfloor. If there are any issues with the tile (such as warping, buckling, unevenness, or cracked tiles), then the subfloor is not stable and must be fixed before installing carpet. If the tile floor is in extremely poor condition, you may need to remove it and repair or replace the original subfloor underneath the tiles first.

2. Distant Grout Lines 

Grout lines that measure 1.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters apart work best for putting carpeting over tile. If there is any larger distance between grout lines, you may end up with unstable carpeting, which creates tripping hazards and/or makes the carpeting look uneven.

3. Damaged Tiles 

Chipped or cracked tiles can make carpeting uneven. You may either need to replace the individual tiles or fill them in to create a stable surface. Once fixed, you can lay different types of carpet over repaired tiles. 

4. Drummy Sounding Tiles 

Tiles that sound “drummy” when you tap on them with a pen are hollow and about to come loose. You’ll need to hire a pro to replace or fill them with rapid hardening cement or a similar material to stabilize the subfloor before laying carpet over them. If you proceed with carpet installation as is, you will not have the solid surface you had hoped for. 

5. Asbestos Tiles

If your tile floor is several decades old, there’s a chance it contains asbestos—and it’s not a good idea to put carpet over asbestos tile. While adding carpet might not cause any immediate issues, any future renovations or damage to the carpet could disturb the asbestos fibers and put your health at risk.

Before you remove asbestos tiles or install new flooring, reach out to a local asbestos remediation company. They’ll help you understand your options for covering it up or getting rid of it.

6. You Want to Reuse the Tiles 

You may wonder if there is a way to put carpet over tiles without damaging them. In most cases, you cannot reuse tiles afterward. At a minimum, the perimeter tiles will be damaged by the glue and nails and will require replacement.

4 Tips for Putting Carpet on Tile

If you decide to proceed with putting carpet over your tile flooring, here are some tips to consider. 

1. Have a Solid Underlay 

A solid underlay is an absolute must-have. The underlay is key to secure and comfortable carpeting. If you are going for a springy feeling, you will want a thick underlay that measures at least 10 millimeters or more. This will help with shock absorption and ensure the carpet is even.

2. Consider Twist Pile Carpet 

The thicker the pile you choose, the more cushioning you will get from the carpeting. Thicker carpet also hides any variations in the flooring if you cannot get it perfectly even.

Another option is twist carpet, which has densely packed fibers. Twist pile works well in high-traffic areas because the pile does not flatten, even with a lot of foot traffic.

3. Use Caution With Radiant Heat

You can install carpet over tile with radiant heat with certain precautions. 

Only specific types of carpet backings will last with exposure to heat without excessive expansion, causing carpeting to warp. The underlay should have low thermal resistance, and the carpeting should have a hessian backing. You can also consider a raised carpet base with plastic backing to protect the carpeting from the heat.

It is also important to control the temperature and set the heat no higher than 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Always have a professional install carpet over tile with radiant heat to ensure all proper precautions are used.

4. Make the Subfloor Even 

Take your time making the subfloor as even as possible. This may require you to replace broken tiles or fill in gaps with cement. You could have the most expensive carpet on top of the tiles, but if the subfloor is not sturdy, the carpet will not be as comfortable as you had hoped. If you are not sure how to handle the subfloor, hire a professional to handle it for you.

With the right help, you can put carpet over tile. Hire a local carpet installer to minimize damage to the tiles underneath and ensure the carpeting is secured.

Samantha Hawrylack contributed to this piece.