Tips for Installing Carpet Tiles

My husband works for a leading carpet manufacturer, so you can imagine what our conversations at the dinner table consist of. He tells me all about carpet and carpet tiles and I just sit there and listen, thinking I will never use this information ever again. Luckily for you I am now putting all the useful tips down that my husband has told me about so at least someone can get some good use out of them.

Tip 1
You need to allow the carpet tiles to acclimate to the room overnight. Basically what this means is to allow the carpet tiles to adjust to the rooms temperature before you lay it down. This will allow the carpet to expand its fibers if need be.

Tip 2
Never install carpet tiles on top of older carpet. Carpet tiles always need to be installed on a clean, flat surface. Now it has been said that it can be installed on top of hardwood floors, however, I would take the extra mile and make sure below your carpet tiles is nothing but a bare floor.

Tip 3
Apply carpet tape around the perimeter of the room.

Tip 4
Locate the center of the room. Best way to do so is to measure one wall, divide the dimension in half, and then mark that spot with a chalk line. Go from that mark on one wall to the opposite wall in a straight line. Do the same for the wall next to the one you just marked and when the two chalk lines cross, then you have your center.

Tip 5
Make chalk lines in a grid across your floor. If you have, for example, one inch carpet tiles, you will want to start by one of the lines you just created and draw a chalk line one inch from that line. Do this for both directions. Eventually your room will have a grid like chalk outline. This is basically the best and easiest way to know you are making the best use out of your carpet tiles.

Tip 6
Apply carpet tape to all the chalk lines. By doing this, you now can have a semi-permanent grid. If you just leave the chalk lines, then they could rub off and then you are back to square one.

Tip 7
Always start in the center of the room. The reason for this is due to the fact that you will eventually run up against a wall and the carpet tiles will have to be cut to fit. You much rather have the half cut carpet tile on a side of a wall then dead center of your room. So make sure you start on that first X you created.

Tip 8
Before you peel the backing off your carpet tiles make sure you like the grids look.

Tip 9
Place carpet tiles on the floor before peeling off the backing of the tile. This will allow you to make any changes before you actually set the carpet tile down permanently.

Tip 10
Once you have installed your carpet, allow at least 10-12 hours before walking on it. Sometimes the heat of the day can cause the backing of the tiles to expand, and when they are just placed it may take a little while for the adhesive to grip to the floor securely.