Carpet is usually more than one layer
Most home carpet sits over a layer of padding. Wood strips with small angled nails hold the carpet around the edges, and staples often hold the padding in place. At doorways and stairs, you may also find metal transitions, seams, and extra fasteners.
Commercial carpet is often glued down or installed as carpet tile. Even two rooms in the same building can have different flooring underneath.
- Carpet and backing
- Padding
- Tack strips and staples
- Glue or old backing
- Wood, concrete, or another floor layer
You cannot see everything ahead of time
Old carpet can hide stains, soft spots, loose panels, cracks, glue, moisture marks, or another layer of flooring. Pulling up the carpet lets you see the floor, but it does not automatically repair or prepare it for new flooring.
Ask your flooring installer what the new floor needs. Some products require a smoother or cleaner surface than others.
Know what your estimate includes
Your carpet-removal estimate should say whether padding, tack strips, staples, glued backing, and haul-away are included. It should also explain what happens if the crew finds an extra layer or hidden damage.