Laminate Over Commercial Carpet?

Q: Hello – I am interested in installing laminate in my office. Can I place it over the commercial carpet that we have now?
Thank you,
Michelle

A: The quick answer here is: No. Let me explain why you want to avoid this. Although commercial carpet is not as plush as residential carpet, but regardless commercial carpet is not a suitable underlayment for a floating floor. The reason here is that carpet, no matter whether it is low pile commercial or higher pile residential, is not built to act as an underlayment for floating flooring. You will need to remove the carpet and any left over adhesive/tack strips before proceeding with the installation of your laminate.
Always use proper flooring underlayment when installing a floating floor and NEVER install over carpet, no matter how low the pile may be.