How to Install Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are colorful, versatile, and easy to install, making them the perfect comfort flooring choice for homeowners and renters interested in do-it-yourself projects. What’s more, carpet tiles can be placed over existing floors, eliminating the time and effort needed to remove old flooring and flooring adhesive.

While laying carpet squares is a straightforward process, carefully taking things step-by-step will help ensure the tiles lay evenly and correctly, and last longer. That said, here are the 7 key steps you should follow if you install carpet tiles in your own home or rental.

Tools needed: tape measure, utility knife or carpet knife, chalk line, cutting mat, and eye protection.

Do not use tape or adhesive products of any kind onto the surface. Doing so may discolor and/or damage the finish.

BEFORE installation: inspect all materials carefully for color, finish, sheen and defects before installation. Ensure adequate lighting for proper inspection. The warranty does not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed. If there are any doubts about the quality, dimensions, or appearance of the carpet tiles, DO NOT INSTALL. Please contact BuildDirect as INSTALLATION IS ACCEPTANCE.

Install carpet tiles from several boxes at one time to ensure a good color and shade mix.

Installation

Choose a pattern: Having control over the carpet pattern is one of the many benefits of using modular tiles. For instance, each square could feature the same color, or you could mix and match several to create a customized look. As far as layouts go, you could choose one of these popular options (the direction each carpet tile faces are based on the arrow on the back of the tile, which indicates pile direction):

Monolithic/Broadloom: Point all tiles in the same direction

Quarter Turn/ Checkerboard: Turn tiles 90 degrees from one another

Ashlar: Point all tiles in the same direction; offset tiles by half a tile along the length

Brick: Point all tiles in the same direction; offset tiles by half a tile along the width

Double-check your product specifications to make sure your desired layout works with your tiles. You can pre-lay a few carpet tiles in different arrangements to get an idea of how they’ll look in your space.

Always work from several open boxes of flooring and “dry lay” the carpet tile before permanently laying the carpet tiles. This will allow you to arrange them in a harmonious pattern. It is the installers’ responsibility to decide the expectations of what the finished floor will look like with the end-user expectations.

Each carpet tile comes with a tear sheet on the back with directional arrows to aid in installation. The arrows on the back of the carpet tile indicate the direction of the nap in the carpet. Carpet tiles will appear to be different in color from each other when arrows are not run in the same direction of the desired design. Be sure the arrow on the carpet tile faces the direction of the desired pattern.

Begin installation in the center of the room. Establish the center of the room by measuring an equal distance from the wall at both ends and snapping a chalk line, this needs to happen in both directions of the room. Where the two chalk lines intersect is where the installation will begin.

Installing first peel and stick carpet tile: peel off the release paper and stick the carpet tile to the floor. It is critical you install the first carpet tiles straight and square, proper placement of the first carpet tiles is key to the installation. Apply weight to the carpet tile to secure to the subfloor. This can be done by pressing firmly with your hands or walking on it carefully. If a carpet tile is misplaced, simply lift it up, remove any dust or particles and place it in its proper position.

After placing the first carpet tile, continue to place carpet tiles in the desired pattern by rotating the next carpet tile ¼ turn. Make sure the seams are snug. Be sure the arrows face the direction of the desired pattern.

Install the third and fourth tiles: peel off the release paper and stick the carpet tile to the floor. Apply weight to the carpet tile to secure to the subfloor. This can be done by pressing firmly with your hands or walking on it carefully. If a carpet tile is misplaced, simply lift it up, remove any dust or particles and place it in its proper position. Be sure the arrows face the direction of the desired pattern.

Continue installing additional carpet tiles in this manner until reaching final rows. Measure and cut the final carpet tiles to length.

Radiant Heat

Use of under-floor electric heating mats or other heating units directly under carpet tiles is possible if the contacted area of installation is not above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Post Installation Maintenance

Use rosin paper and cover installed carpet tile area to prevent damage from other trade works. Do not use plastic film or other non-breathing material.

Clean up spills at once.

Routinely vacuum, carpet tiles. The carpet tiles can be vacuumed, shampooed, or hosed down for cleaning. As with any surface, please use caution when wet. Do not walk or drive on carpet tiles until they are completely dry.

To protect carpet tiles, close blinds and/or drapes during peak sunlight hours. Excessive heat and light will subject carpet tiles to thermal degradation and potential fading effects. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE. Use non-staining, breathable mats. Rubber mats may discolor carpet tiles. Use floor protectors for furniture. Non-staining felt pads can be used if changed regularly to prevent dirt, debris, and sand buildup. Wide, non-staining casters at least 2” in diameter or floor protectors should be used on rolling furniture such as office chairs. To prevent point loads on heavy furniture, use large non-staining surface floor protectors. Do not use ball-type castors as they can damage floors.

When moving heavy furniture or appliances, place a sheet of Masonite or plywood under the piece being moved to distribute the weight. For light pieces use a clean blanket or a piece of carpet face down under the piece to be moved. Be aware of any sharp edges as they can scratch and tear your floor’s surface.

Use rosin paper and cover installed carpet tile area to prevent damage from other trade works. Do not use plastic film or other non-breathing material.

Order your residential carpet tiles or commercial carpet tiles now.