Get matched with top flooring contractors in Wabash, IN

The best underlayment for carpet on concrete is a sponge rubber underlayment. This type of carpet padding is durable enough to endure wear and tear on hard concrete yet soft enough to provide comfort underfoot. It also creates insulation from sound and temperature, providing warmth despite the concrete’s cold surface.

No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage—such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation—it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.

A stair runner is a length of carpet installed in the center of the staircase, either on top of or in between hard materials installed on the staircase. The carpet doesn’t cover the entire length of the steps, making stair runners an aesthetic choice. Thankfully, if you want hard materials on your stairs to show through, a stair runner will make it safer, as the primary area you walk on will be less slippery thanks to the carpet. 

Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.