Place the last carpet square face down against the wall and under the previous square. Once satisfied, press the tile in place by hand. If your carpet tiles require a troweled-on adhesive, be aware that these products contain varying levels of harmful chemicals and some will emit noxious fumes that can be dangerous. But unless your room size happens to a precisely right size, this can lead one side of the room requiring a strip of cut tiles while the other side uses full tiles. Carpet tile is a tough material, and it is important to have a quality carpet knife or utility knife with a good sharp blade to help ease the process. Once all of the tiles are in position, peel the thin, clear layer of plastic off the back of each one to reveal the sticky backside and press the tiles in place. Start from the center tiles and work outward toward the wall. Above says all furniture does not need to be removed from the room so wondering if there is a wait time before placing furniture. Once the adhesive is applied, the surface should be clean and dry. To fit carpet around odd-shaped obstacles, such as doorjambs with angular trim, first make a paper template. And I would say the difficulty of installing carpet over concrete is about a 5 out of 10. Mark the wall location on the edges of the carpet. Nine major steps are involved in installing the carpet tile on the concrete floor. The underpad is then placed. Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general constructionwith two decades of professional experience. Return to the centerpoint and install the second row of tiles butted up to the first row. This type of flooring does not require a special subfloor, however, installing carpet tile on a pad will create a plusher feel. Carpet tiles generally need to be glued down and come in two styles: peel-and-stick, and full-spread mastic. With plywood subfloors, you can use wood putty or floor leveler to fill gaps and repair cracks. If notches, holes, or other shapes need to be cut in a carpet tile, use the carpet knife in a similar fashion to make those cutouts. Place each tile firmly against the other. You dont need to seal the cement with anything just place a basic vapor barrier beneath the carpet tiles. But, each individual product will have detailed instructions. Cleaning, replacing or swapping squares is easy too. Ensuring that the pile direction is correct, lightly place the tile on the floor, adjusting to ensure its square. Removal can be a fairly labor-intensive job, requiring a pry bar or floor scraper. Two carpet tiles facing in different directions will appear to be slightly different colors. You likely will have a perimeter area left uncovered, where you will need to cut carpet tiles to finish the job. Repeat this process around the entire wall and thats it, your carpet is now fully installed! Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares or modular carpeting, are easily installed side-by-side to create a smooth, carpeted floor that looks just like wa. Measure and cut final carpet tiles to length. Next, you should remove any nails or screws from the concrete using a hammer. The type of sealer that you use is determined by the type of subfloor. Continue in this fashion until the entire first quadrant of full carpet tiles is installed. For irregular-shaped rooms, divide the floor into individual sections, calculate the square footage of each, then add them together. Consider tool rental to get your project done. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Check to be sure the oversized carpeting laps up onto each wall by at least a few inches. How to Install an Uncoupling Membrane. While this can save time and work, it does have some caveats, including the risk of the adhesive not bonding to the material. Traditionally used in commercial environments because theyre easy to replace, carpet tiles are small pieces of carpet, usually between 18 and 24 inches square. Please let us know if you would like some samples or have any questions! In most cases, pieces of carpet tile will need to be cut to accommodate room edges, corners, door frames, and features such as pipes, corners, and cabinets. Do not use ball-type castors as they can damage floors. Use this stencil as a guide for cutting the carpet tile. That's a one-way ticket to janky floors. 3. The subfloor must be firm, clean and dry. In this article, Ill explain whether its a good idea to lay carpet over concrete, and exactly how to do it. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Select a carpet tile that blends in with the rooms style and colors, rather than a tile that stands out. When installing carpet underlay on concrete, lay out a few beads of carpet adhesive instead of using a staple gun. With a notched trowel, spread the adhesive onto the subfloor evenly. Working quadrant by quadrant, lay the carpet tiles in rows. You can pre-lay a few carpet tiles in different arrangements to get an idea of how theyll look in your space. Make sure you apply pressure at the corners. Extra strips come in the box. The backing allows for a crisp cut that wont unravel. Once exposed to air, the adhesive becomes very sticky and will bond tightly to whatever it touches. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Your final drawing will tell you how many squares of each color youll need. Luckily, if you learn how to install carpet tiles, you can achieve the same look and feel for less time and money. Steps To Install Carpet Tile On Concrete Floor. Whats more, carpet tiles can be placed over existing floors, eliminating the time and effort needed to remove old flooring and flooring adhesive. This post may contain affiliate links. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Carpet tiles can last anywhere between 8 to 10 years making them just as durable as a traditional carpet. For subfloors that have concrete, you'll need bolts that can penetrate it. By utilizing different colors and patterns, or simply rotating the tile to change the direction of the pile, the possibilities are endless. Follow the manufacturers directions, as some mastic needs to become tacky before installation. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, place a sheet of Masonite or plywood under the piece being moved to distribute the weight. Dont adhere the last full square until you cut the final square to size (Photo 4). Thank you for getting in touch! The subfloor and underlayment beneath carpet tiles must be completely flat, since any variations will be felt underfoot through the carpet tiles. So, if you're looking to remodel a room or rooms in your house, this may be something to look into. For irregularly sized floors, break the floor up into separate pieces before drawing the center lines. and recommended tools used to install carpet ties. You can also sand the floor lightly to remove any splinters or other dimensional features that may exist on the surface of a wooden subfloor. The adhesive on carpet tiles may damage hardwood or laminate floors. Then, peel away the backing from the cut portion of tile, turn the piece right-side-up, and press it into place in the open floor space. Cut and Lay the Carpet. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. 1. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and dry time. Once in the correct position, press the tile in place by hand. Unpack the carpet tiles and allow them to acclimate to the room. Repeat this process with each quadrant, until all the full tiles have been installed over the entire room. A tape measure and chalk line to snap your baselines, and a carpenters square and utility knife to cut the squares will get the job done. Using a stretcher is a very complicated process and you need to follow exact instructions to do it correctly. Once the template fits, trace the outline onto the back of a carpet square and cut it (Photo 9). Remove the film covering the adhesive backing. Can carpet tiles be placed on top of ceramic tiles? This will allow you to get to the subfloor, which can then be properly prepared. Cover the area sparsely, a little at a time, stopping periodically to put tiles in place so that the adhesive doesnt have a chance to dry. Follow the manufacturers recommendation. Do a dry layout of the carpet tiles to determine orientation and fit. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE. On the other hand, if youre going to keep the house for sometime then its worthwhile to stretch it. Roll a layer of adhesive onto the floor, using a 3/8-inch nap roller. Place the backing face-down along the wall onto the padding in the room. It dries to a clear film in about thirty to sixty minutes. Remove the backing on the double-sided tape pieces. Start from the center tiles and work outward toward the wall. After reading this article, you will . Soap solution is an option, but make sure to rinse the floor with plain water once mopping is complete. As long as the concrete is flat and level you shouldnt have any issues, I just suggest laying a vapor barrier beneath the carpet tile to ensure it is protected. This will free up the area so that you can concentrate on the installation itself. For tips on what to do if your tiles don't have an adhesive backing, read on! The sharp edges grip the underside of the carpet and hold it in place. Enjoy! Or, if youre using different colors or patterns, at a 90-degree angle. Remember, the key is to fill in the plywood so it creates an even floor. Installing carpet tiles is easy, and since its a DIY-friendly job, its also affordable. Continue installing additional carpet tiles in this manner until reaching final rows. Make relief cuts at corners so the carpet lies flat. Tack the carpet into place on one wall with a knee kicker. This sure beats paying the carpet tile installation cost of an additional $2 to $8 a square foot that a professional would charge. An Easy and Affordable DIY Project for Beginners. "It can be poured as a subfloor or over a subfloor, depending on the project type," says interior designer Helena Brana, the founder of Brana Designs. Next, just step on the seam between them to connect them. If you need to adjust a carpet tile, pull it up and lay it again as soon as possible. Press down on the top of the carpet tiles with your hands to smooth them out. Start in a corner, setting the flat sides of the first tile against the walls. Heres how to calculate how many tiles youll need. Draw the room to scale on graph paper to experiment with different designs. Flip the square over and use a marker and a carpenters square to draw the wall shape from the marks you just made. Switch to a lever-activated stretcher to pull the carpet tight to the wall. Avoid cutting on a plywood subfloor since the wood grain can pull the blade off line. Lastly, carpet tiles may become disfigured or warped due to exposure to extreme temperatures or improper storage. Make cuts with a carpet knife, which cuts carpet more accurately than a standard utility knife. Hi Amit, thank you for your feedback! Do not use tape or adhesive products of any kind onto the surface. Lay it out around the perimeter of the room and leave about inch (5 mm) between the wall and the edge of your tack strip. Set aside for now. Please dont hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions! I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projectsread more about us. Then adhere the final pieces. Continue laying additional tiles along one of the guidelines, all the way to the wall. Measure and snap your perpendicular baselines for those rows (Photo 2). By using our site, you agree to our. Installing carpet tiles on concrete is your best bet if you're concerned about damage. Also, ensure the pile direction is correct before cutting. With tiles that have a notable thread orientation, dry-fitting the tiles gives you a chance to see how they look together. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Check the seam before you peel off the tape's paper. Be aware of any sharp edges as they can scratch and tear your floors surface. If there are any doubts about the quality, dimensions, or appearance of the carpet tiles, DO NOT INSTALL. Keep the directional arrows (Photo 4) on the back of the squares pointing in the same direction. Since the carpet wont unravel, threshold strips arent required. That extra space between the wall and the tack strip will be needed to get a really nice finish at the end. Start installing the tiles at the center point of the room. Modular carpet is slightly more expensive than most conventional carpets, but a carpet pad isnt required and you save by installing it yourself. However, a basement generally runs the entire length of a building, so covering the entire floor area with rubber tiles can get expensive. As a general rule, you can lay carpet over concrete. When you purchase your tile, buy extra tile in case you make mistakes. Repeat the process until all of your tiles are glued to the floor. After youve got it all spread out you trim the edges so that the edge is behind the smooth edge. I have included the links below to our cork and bamboo flooring. Quarter Turn/ CheckerBoard: Turn tiles 90 degrees from one another. The tiles will lay straight onto either a stone, concrete or wooden floor without the need for underlay. Tools needed: tape measure, utility knife or carpet knife, chalk line, cutting mat, and eye protection. If the gap at the wall is narrower than half the width of a tile, move your center point and lines over until you can fit at least half a tile in the space. To install carpet tiles, youll need to design the carpet layout, make sure the tiles fit, then cut and adhere them to the floor. Thank you for getting in touch! We have been considering carpet tiles for our reception area, but it is not a very big area (and oddly shaped). This can be done by pressing firmly with your hands or walking on it carefully. Shop Carpet Tiles Modular Squares Now: https://www.greatmats.com/carpet-tiles/carpet-tiles-raised-gmats.php or call 877-822-6622 for live service.When instal. They just pull right upeven after theyre adhered. To install carpet tile, draw the sections that you want to carpet on a piece of paper and arrange the tiles in a design or style that you like before you get started laying down the tiles. Make sure the butt seams are very tight, with no gaps. This will help you know where you should start laying the tiles. Follow the manufacturers suggestion on how long the adhesive should set before placing each tile. Measure the distance. Carpet tile installation patterns can be achieved by combining tiles of varied colors or patterns for a custom look. New carpeting almost always enhances the look and feel of a space. The type of flooring you decide can be a big decision, and because you normally keep flooring for many years, youll want to take your time. You want to let the underpad float on the surface of the concrete rather than gluing it down. The carpet seams should be at right angles to the padding seams. Do I need to smooth that before putting down carpet tile. Trim perimeter tiles to fit between the wall and the last full-size tile. The point where the lines intersect is the center, and the quadrants created by the perpendicular lines will be your work zones. Note: Breathing in the fumes from some glues can be harmful, so don a respirator and open windows to improve ventilation. Rotating each tile by 90 degrees will create a checkerboard effect. The arrows on the back of the carpet tile indicate the direction of the nap in the carpet. Thanking you Ellen. Begin by measuring the room and finding its center. Keep about 3 inches of extra carpet next to the wall. However, in some cases carpet tiles can be installed directly over an existing floor that is smooth and flat, such as ceramic tile, hardwood, or vinyl. Be sure the arrows face the direction of the desired pattern. Heres a list. You can skip this step if the carpet job is not a high priority. Install carpet squares in each quadrant, starting at the center and moving outward. Sometimes they call them cement tack strips or smooth edge as well. Use this guide to learn how to install carpet tile confidently and quickly. Start by setting a square against the face of the archway wall, overlapping and aligned with the previously installed square (Photo 6). The experience required for carpet tile installation is minimal and the tools are affordable, making this an excellent project for all skill levels. For best results, it may be necessary to remove any existing flooring. If theliquid can seep down into them, it can cause the growth of mold and mildew, while also warping and degrading the integrity of the structure. After the carpet tiles are installed, its time to secure them in place permanently. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions . Heres a list to the tools youll need to do, and a brief description of what theyre used for: Pressing the carpet hard up against the wall and securing it to the tack strips, Protects the carpet and makes it more comfortable, Pulls the carpet tight, making it more durable, Removing any plaster or tape from the surface of the concrete, Cleans and removes dust and debris from the concrete. Although not always necessary, it is often a good idea to dry-fit the entire room with carpet tiles to see how the flooring will look when installed. 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. Interestingly carpet is the most forgiving type of flooring. Concrete flooring uses poured concrete slab as the finished surface without any other surfacing on top, such as hardwood, laminate, or carpet. Once you have laid all the carpet tiles, you will need to roll the floor. Rolling the floor will push out any air pockets. Find the center point of each wall and mark the subfloor at this point. It will also make the carpet tiles adhere firmly to the subfloor. Do not use plastic film or other non-breathing material. Point the arrows on the bottoms of the tiles in the same direction. Be sure the arrows face the direction of the desired pattern. After you can install the smooth edge you can now lay your underpad and carpet. Using the straight edge and utility knife, cut the carpet tile to size. My concern is the carpet tape will not stick the rubber backing to the commercial carpet. Add 10 percent for waste and future repairs. Press the tile into place on the floor, carefully aligning it with both guidelines. Wood is best sealed with a coat of polyurethane. With that, the carpet tile installation is complete. When damaged, simply pull up and replace the damaged tile and replace, using the leftover tiles. Vacuum the area, and use your bubble level also called a spirit level to see how level the floor is. Following their guidelines will often result in the most pleasing look, but if you have an artistic eye you can also get creative. You can place the furniture back right away, just try to not drag any heavy furniture across the carpet when moving everything back in. Heres what youll need: Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. It will depend on the glue you use and the area it is in. If a carpet tile is misplaced, simply lift it up, remove any dust or particles and place it in its proper position. With carpet tiles that dont self-adhere, use the V-notch trowel to spread adhesive over enough of the floor for two or three tiles at a time. Tack stripes are also called smooth edge and they are a thin strip of wood with pointy metal like the sharp edges sticking out of it at the top. By submitting your email, you agree to our, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, The 5 Best Gas Pressure Washers (2023 Review), The 5 Best Vacuums For Carpet (2023 Review), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 12 x 12 = 144 (square footage of room), 2 x 2 = 4 (square footage of each tile), 36 + 4 (3.6 rounded up) = 40 tiles required. Its important to make sure the smooth edge is exposed so that it can grip the underside of the carpet. Allow the prepped subfloor to rest for a full 24 hours. Continue this process, working row by row until all tiles are laid out, cutting edges and corners as necessary. This post was first published on 2021-05-29. If you are working with a concrete subfloor, then use concrete patch to fill in any cracks, chips, or spalls that have developed over time. Determine the rooms square footage by multiplying the length by the width (round up measurements to the nearest foot). There are three broad steps to installing carpet over concrete. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. For light pieces use a clean blanket or a piece of carpet face down under the piece to be moved. Use a pry bar to temporarily remove any baseboard or moulding at the bottom of the wall. Allow the filler to dry overnight, and then use a putty knife to scrape away any excess until you achieve a smooth, flat surface. Laying carpet tiles is very similar to laying vinyl, with the only difference being that double-sided carpet tape is used to secure the tiles, rather than . Tiles can also show wear at the seams in high-traffic areas, or if they were installed on an uneven subfloor. Starting in the center of the room is the easiest way to ensure a consistent installation once you reach the walls. Can You Put Peel and Stick Tile Over Concrete? If you used concrete patch, putty or floor leveler, or sanded the wooden subfloor, then you will probably have a lot of small particles that need to be removed. Use floor protectors for furniture. Carpet for the most part is warmer and more comfortable to walk on than hardwood or tile flooring. But keep in mind that a flood of water will ruin both the carpet and pad, and you'll have to replace them. You can purchase peel and stick carpet tile or glue down. To do that use your carpet trimmer along the entire edge of the wall. And finally you spread out the carpet, secure it to the tack strip, cut off any excess, and tuck the edges of the carpet in. That extra space between the wall and the tack strip will be needed to get a really nice finish at the end. Each carpet tile comes with a tear sheet on the back with directional arrows to aid in installation. That way you can get a really precise edge when you cut it off later using your carpet trimmer. Carpet tile will appear to be different in color from each other when arrows are not run in the same direction of the desired design. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Take your time and measure each space individually. Divide the square footage of the room by the measurement of a single tile to calculate how many you need. Once the adhesive is applied, lay down your tiles in the same way that you did when you fit them. Installing Carpet Tiles/Squares On Wood & Concrete FlooringThis is a fairly simple diy for home owners that can definitely save some money over traditional c. If you think installing carpet is time consuming and complicated, think again. In order to achieve minimal gaps, move your four center tiles left, right, up, or down so that the gaps aren't tiny. Tile boxes, tools, materials, and equipment can be stored in the area that contains the exit, as that will be the last one that installation takes place in. Let new concrete cure for at least 90 days first. Carpet tiles come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and threads, and are available online and from any retail home center or carpet dealer. To prevent point loads on heavy furniture, use large non-staining surface floor protectors. To install the squares, start where the baselines intersect and work outward (Photo 3). Walls arent always perfectly straight, so dont assume that all the final carpet tiles will be exactly the same size. Buy 10 percent extra to account for mistakes and future repairs. Just cut a small sliver of carpet from a scrap piece and tuck it snugly into the gap (Photo 10). In this article, well show you how to install the carpet and cut it to fit around obstacles such as doorjambs. We recommend our users to update the browser. Use your hand to firmly press the carpeting down onto the pointy spikes of the tack strips below. Running fans can help ventilate the area and speed the drying process. Use the chalk lines to guide you. Carpet tiles are an easy way to add soft texture underfoot. Step #3: Begin from the center and work outward. Cork or bamboo would be a great sustainable flooring product to use. Put it about 3 inches (7.6 cm) out from the wall. Thanks! The day before, prep the floor as needed. Some require glue or an adhesive called mastic. next to walls, shift the layout and snap new baselines. This ensures that boundaries on the edges of the room will be uniform. Large pieces can be placed in hallwaysor spare rooms. Make sure the roller surface is clean of dirt or grime. Thanks! Fill in the hole with the wood, sand or cut as necessary, and nail it into the subfloor. Were glad we could help provide a bit of insight. Determine the number of carpet tiles to get. Find the answers to all your flooring questions. If there are minor imperfections in the concrete surface the spongy underlay will make them less noticeable. Just be sure to keep extra tiles on hand for these simple repairs. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Install carpet tiles from several boxes at one time to ensure a good color and shade mix. Any tips on the best design to use? Follow the steps below: Use correct pieces of wood and some nails. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Concrete sealer . Tip: Mix carpet tiles from different packs to account for dye lot variations. Carpet tile is incredibly easy to install especially if using peel-and-stick tiles. Do not walk on the surface until it is completely dry. Any existing floor coverings like carpet or underlay must be totally removed prior to fitting. With tile or hardwood, on the other hand, the floor needs to be perfectly flat. (See Step 7 to learn how to trim carpet tiles to fit.). After that you lay the underpad. Carpet tiles . Another issue is that if the floor has dimensional features such as grout lines or textures, you will likely feel it underfoot through the carpet. Unfortunately, carpet tiles are generally porous as well, and if a spill occurs, the moisture will quickly pass right through them, giving them a clear path to the surface below. Mark the spread lines. If the floor is uneven, a self-leveling compound can also be added to smooth things out. Doing so may discolor and/or damage the finish. The carpet tiles lining the walls will need to be trimmed to fit. I understand this may make corners come up if excessive pressure is applied but is this guaranteed? How you remove old flooring will depend on what it is made of. For tips on what to do if your tiles don't have an adhesive backing, read on! Lay the carpet tiles along your guidelines and press down to secure them. We want to use carpet tiles in the basement. Divide the area of the room by the surface area of a single carpet tile.