A dimensionally stable floor covering, comprising a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer wherein vacuum is used to move adhesive into stitch portions of the yarns and into the back side of the primary backing substrate to provide increased dimensional stability for the entire floor covering. Mixing of reinforcement fibers and adhesive takes place before in situ filtration of the adhesive and fibers. Further, compressed air is injected into the adhesive/fiber composition to provide spaces between the fibers before application of pressure to the composition. The vacuum, mixing, and injection of compressed air assist in preparing the adhesive and fiber composition to be in the preferred condition and position before the application of pressure to the composition.