What is the most common installation for commercial carpet?

Author: Ms. Theodora Pouros  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Direct glue down installation is the most popular carpet installation in commercial settings. In this type of installation, the carpet is glued directly to the floor. The floor needs to be very smooth. Any imperfections in the floor will telegraph through the carpet and be visible.

What is the most common method of commercial carpet construction?

Tufted carpets

Around 95 percent of all commercial carpets on the market are tufted, mainly due to the fast production time, lower price point and high design flexibility of this type of construction.

How is commercial carpet installed?

For many commercial installations, the carpet is glued directly to the cushion or underlay. This process provides a secure and stable installation that can withstand heavy use. A high-quality adhesive should be used to ensure strong bonding.

What is the most common commercial carpet?

All in all, cut-pile carpets reign as the most common commercial carpet for various compelling reasons. Their durability, aesthetic versatility, and relatively simple maintenance requirements make them a highly attractive option for businesses looking to invest in long-lasting, quality flooring.

Does commercial carpet have to be glued down?

When it comes to picking the right flooring for a commercial setting, there are various choices, including hardwood, laminate, and carpeting. A commonly asked question about commercial carpet is whether it's always glued down or if there are other ways to install it. The quick answer is no, it's not always glued down.

Commercial Carpet Install

Do you put padding under commercial carpet?

You May Not Need Carpet Padding

You may have heard that you have to lay padding during carpet installations. While that's true for residential carpeting, you can probably skip this step in commercial installations.

How much does it cost to remove glue down commercial carpet?

This is particularly true if you're removing glue-down or double glue-down carpet because the adhesive has to be removed. This is why glue-down carpet removal costs about $3 to $5 per square foot. Meanwhile, stretch-in carpet removal costs around $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.

What is the most common carpet installation?

Direct glue down installation is the most popular carpet installation in commercial settings. In this type of installation, the carpet is glued directly to the floor. The floor needs to be very smooth. Any imperfections in the floor will telegraph through the carpet and be visible.

Does commercial carpet need underlay?

Before you can install your commercial carpet, first you need to install underlay for your carpet. Lay the underlay out on the floor, in the longest lengths possible, with the seams running perpendicular to the carpet seams.

How thick should commercial carpet be?

Generally, commercial carpets prioritize density over thickness for durability and ease of cleaning. A dense, low-profile carpet (with a pile height of about ¼ inch) is often recommended for most commercial settings.

How much should commercial carpet cost?

Average commercial carpet cost

Commercial carpet costs $2 to $12 per square foot installed, depending on the carpet type. Commercial wall-to-wall carpeting costs $5 to $12 per square foot, while carpet tiles cost $2 to $11 per square foot.

What to stick carpet down with?

Use the carpet glue to create a strong bond to the floor substrate, this will give you a finish that will be a dream to walk on. Available in options that you can spray or trowel into place. Carpet glues and adhesives have options available to suit a range of material types.

Can you lay laminate over commercial carpet?

Carpet, its padding, and all its staples must be completely removed — down to the subfloor — before you install laminate flooring.

Is commercial carpet cheaper than regular carpet?

Commercial carpeting is typically more affordable than residential carpeting because it's manufactured to cover a larger area. Some homeowners, especially active families, may consider commercial carpeting better for their budget since it holds up to daily wear and tear and looks better in the long run.

What is the most common framing method used in modern residential and light commercial construction?

Wood framing is by far the most popular building method for house construction in the US, whether it be through hired labor or self-building. Wood provides a stable, low-cost material that can be sourced locally and worked into fairly straightforward pieces for assembly into walls, floors, and roofing.

Which is a method of installing carpet?

There are three primary types of carpet installation: glue-down, stretch-in, and cut-to-fit. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and knowing the distinctions will help you make an intelligent choice.

What type of carpet is best for commercial use?

Low-pile nylon carpet is best for commercial use because the durable fiber can handle heavy traffic without matting or getting crushed. It's also stain-resistant and easier to keep clean, which is important in larger commercial spaces where intense maintenance would be a hassle.

Do you need a vapor barrier under carpet?

Even with a concrete subfloor under your carpet, it is important to have a moisture barrier. Water or other liquid can penetrate and erode the concrete so it's important to keep it protected.

How often should commercial carpet be replaced?

As you contemplate what to do about your carpet, keep in mind that the average lifespan of an industrial carpet is about 7-10 years (though some can last even longer with proper maintenance and regular industrial cleaning).

What are the methods of commercial carpet installation?

Type of Installation

There are two main types of commercial carpet installation: glue-down and stretch-in. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.

What goes under a carpet?

Carpet padding is a type of foam cushion used underneath carpeting. Without the right padding, a new carpet may not lay as well or can be uncomfortable.

How much does it cost to demo commercial carpet?

Carpet removal costs typically range from $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on factors like carpet type, the condition of the carpet, and local labor rates. The total cost also varies based on the size of the area from which the carpet is being removed.

How much is labor to install glue down carpet per square foot?

The average labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Projects requiring carpet removal, subfloor repair, carpeting stairs, or extra labor cost $0.25 to $2.00 per square foot more.

Do floor installers remove old carpet?

When your carpet installation is complete, our professionals will clean up the excess debris and remove the old carpet from your home. These services are included in the installation costs.

Previous article
Will bleach hurt AC coils?
Next article
Can I stay in my house after spraying Ortho Home Defense?