Remnant on flooring without padding?

18 years ago

Hi,

I was hoping I could get some advice. I recently had laminate floors installed in my apartment, and my handicapped dog is not able to walk on it without falling. I tried putting area rugs and runners down, but she is still very hesitant to leave the carpeted bedroom, and it's been several months. I want to make her as comfortable as possible in her own home.

I have decided to have a carpet company put down a remnant to cover the floors (temporarily - she's 10, so it might be for a few years). It won't be installed, it will just be layed down. The company told me I don't need padding underneath, but I'm afraid that the bottom of the carpet will scratch or damage the laminate floors over time. They will put the padding down for a few extra hundred, but I've already spent 4,000 on the floors and now another 1,000 for them to lay out the remnant, so I'm trying to save money.

Do you think I need to put padding down? I will if it will ruin the floor without it, but if it's not necessary then I'd rather not.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give me.

Gabi

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gabro14
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, I just checked my sample piece that the store gave me, and the backing is actually one of those new soft backings. It's not the typical carpet backing that is hard and scratchy (it seems like there is a built in felt-ish backing on it).

So I'm assuming that it will be ok without a pad. If anyone has anything to add, I'm all ears! Otherwise I'll just go without the padding.

Thanks again!
marzhere
18 years ago
I'm not sure. I'd be concerned with the 'stuff' (sand, dirt, etc) that will migrate thru the carpet and rest on the new floor. What will that stuff do to the laminate? Having just removed carpet thruout the house, I know the vacuum doesn't clean the carpet thoroughly.
Related Professionals
Kissimmee Flooring Contractors · Anderson Flooring Contractors · Burlington Flooring Contractors · Greenfield Flooring Contractors · Las Vegas Flooring Contractors · Boise Flooring Contractors · Ottawa Flooring Contractors · Southaven Tile and Stone Contractors · Wausau Tile and Stone Contractors · Sacramento Tile and Stone Contractors · Idaho Falls Tile and Stone Contractors · Plymouth Kitchen Remodelers · Springfield Kitchen Remodelers · Poughkeepsie Kitchen Remodelers · Spanish Fork Kitchen Remodelers
gabro14
Original Author
18 years ago
True - but I'm not sure it will go all the way through to the laminate. I can also just pick up the remnant from time to time and clean underneath. They think I should glue it down so it doesn't lift on the edges, but I'm worried it will ruin the floors - they said it's easy to take off, but I'm not taking any chances!!

Thanks.
marzhere
18 years ago
I do think the stuff will go thru the carpet (even with vacuuming). When our carpet came up, there was sooooo much sand/dirt on top of the carpet pad (which in this applicaion, that you describe, would be the laminate) that it was scary. Your idea to lift up the carpet and clean under it is good.

After our hardwoods were installed, our oldest dog also had issues. She could walk on it just fine but if she stood still, her legs would slide out from under her. Guess she didn't have enough muscle strenght to control her legs while on the slick floor. I did buy some special spray stuff (for use in dog show rings - which usually have slick floors) that was applied to the pads of her feet. It was sticky and suppose to help keep the feet from sliding. Not sure if it really worked or not, I thought it was a hassle to keep reapplying it. I found it easier to feed her on a rug.
gabro14
Original Author
18 years ago
I also bought these paw pad stickers that are supposed to give dogs traction, but it was annoying to put on and only lasted a few days. Also, she still wouldn't walk on the floor.

Thanks again for your advice.