Best carpet installation pros near Des Moines, WA

In most cases, you do not need to put padding or underlayment under carpet tiles. Unlike traditional carpet, which requires a separate pad, carpet tiles are designed to be installed directly onto a firm subfloor like plywood, concrete, or tile. Many carpet tiles come with a built-in underlay and attach with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or glue. For a more comfortable, cushioned feel, especially in residential settings, you can opt for padded carpet tiles that have a thicker underlay attached. While it's generally not recommended to install a separate pad, a compact underlayment might be used in some situations, though this typically requires professional installation. An acoustic underlay may also be considered in commercial spaces or multi-level homes where noise reduction is a priority.

Stain-resistant carpet might be worth it for your household if you have children or pets and expect spills to happen. While it may cost more than you expected upfront, you may save money in the long run if you have to replace your carpet less frequently (thanks to stains not absorbing down into the fibers). 

If you’re using a carpet runner instead of a traditional carpet, pay attention to your width measurements. Instead of measuring the total width of your staircase with 2 added inches for foldover, simply measure the width you’d like the runner to cover. Runners generally come in standard sizes, so you may need to approximate what would look best in your space.

Carpet installation typically starts with removing the old flooring, preparing the subfloor, laying underpadding for cushioning, and securing the new carpet with tack strips, making precise cuts to fit room dimensions.