Mar 19 2009
How to Install Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles have long been one of the standard ways of covering a hardwood floor. They tend to be very heavy and bulky, especially when you have to cover the entire floor of your home. For this reason, it’s a do-it-yourself project that often takes a lot of time and effort. Some people think it’s better to leave the installation of carpet tile to professionals who know what they’re doing and who have proper tools for the job such as nail guns and professional grade adhesives. However, they’re actually much easier to install than normal carpets that have to be rolled into place. Installing carpet tile yourself is possible provided you have the proper discount power tools, and if you’ve ever installed ceramic tile or vinyl tile, then the job will be that much easier. This is a how to install carpet tiles guide
Carpet doesn’t need glue or anything to be kept in place and you won’t need any anger management tips, just small carpet nails or better yet, double sided sticky tape made especially for laying carpet tiles. Also, it’s good for high-traffic areas because carpet tile doesn’t usually pick up footprints that easily. They are also fairly easy to vacuum or sweep up any dust, dirt or other residue. You can put down carpet tiles in any area where you don’t want the normal floor to be seen or walked upon. When installing carpet tiles, there are several steps to follow to make the job easier.
First, you have to decide on the color and style of carpet tile you want to put down. If you’re installing in a home, you might want to use a color of tile that’s more relaxing and subtle especially if it’s for a bathroom. This actually applies in an office too, where you would likely install beige or grey tiles to match with walls that are usually white. There are color charts online that help you decide what colors go together the best. Usually, it’s best to pick a soft hue of carpet – there aren’t too many carpeted floors that have bright colors. It would be distracting to the eye.
Next, you have to measure the area of the floor where you’re installing the tiles. Carpet tiles usually come in boxes of a set number and different sizes which you’ll likely have to cut down to their proper size to fit on the room’s floor. The most common size right out of the box is 18 x 18 inches in a box of 24 tiles. If the room is 18 feet to a side, this means there will be multiple boxes of tiles needed, and some may not fit into the perimeter.
After you have the floor measured and the number of carpet tiles needed, you have to remove everything else from the floor either it be old furniture or Writing Desks. Take up the old carpeting if there is any, then clean the floor of any dust and debris, then let it sit for about a day to release all the moisture in the wood.
After you’ve done this, take your box or boxes of tiles into the room and leave them for a couple of days to allow them to get accustomed to the temperature and moisture levels of the air in the room. These steps are often skipped by some, but if you take the time to do the job properly, you will be rewarded with a floor that is flat and even on all sides.
Now you can start installing the carpet. The best way to do this is to draw lines bisecting the room at either side so you have a guide of corners to work from. Now, you need to gather your tools, most of which can be bought at a hardware store if you don’t already have them. You need a carpet cutter, tape (double-sided), and some form of straight edge. Start off by putting a reference row of tiles down, and then make strips of tape to place the other tiles. Some people will use carpet nails, but this can be dangerous if people walk through barefooted and step on them. Once you get to the perimeter, cut the stray carpet tiles down so that they can fit snugly against the wall.
Once you place a few tiles in your room, you will begin to get the hang of it. Your design will come to life before your eyes, and within a very short time, you and your family can be enjoying the beauty and durability of your new carpet tile flooring. I hope this article has helped in understanding how to install carpet tiles.
