Carpet tiles installation is a simple do-it-yourself project that you can finish off in a day. There isn't much to do if you follow the instructions carefully. Here is a step-by-step guide for installing carpet tiles.
A great alternative to the cumbersome and difficult-to-maintain carpets, carpet tiles not only look great, but are also easier to wash and clean.
Available in a range of colors, designs, and textures, these adhesive tiles are easy to remove and replace. They work great for those areas of the house where there is a heavy traffic or which is commonly used by kids and pets.
In case there are stains which are beyond repair, you do not have to replace the entire flooring. Instead, with carpet tiles, all you need to do is just replace the stained tiles. What's more, the installation of these tiles is actually quite easy.
In fact, the task can be easily performed by a novice in less than a day. All you need is a measuring tape, carpenter's square, chalk line, utility knife, and your choice of carpet tiles. Here is a step-by-step guide for installing carpet tiles.
How to Install Carpet Tiles
Measuring the Room
For determining the number of carpet tiles needed for a room, you need to measure the room. To get the square footage of the room to be carpeted, multiply the width with the length of the rooms.
Once the room is measured, the carpet tile provider will tell you about the number of tiles that you have to use. In addition to this, you can also purchase a set of extra tiles for replacement in case of stains or damage to the floor.
Cleaning up the Floor
Prior to installing and interlocking the carpet tiles, you will need to move the rugs or any old carpets in the room. Once the furniture has been moved and the area has been vacuumed to remove the dirt and stains, you now have a clean slate to start installing the tiles.
Finding the Center
For determining the pattern and installing the tiles, you will need to find out the exact center of your room. For doing this you will need to measure each of the walls in the room and divide it by two.
Mark the center of each wall and using a chalk line, draw out a line from the center mark of each wall to find the converging point at the center of the room, which would serve as the starting point for your tile installation.
For confirming the measurements, measure the center line from the wall at various points on the line. If the measurement vary by more than 4 inches, then you might want to measure all over again and chalk out a new line to confirm the center.
Placing the Tiles
Once you have located the center of the room, place the first carpet tile on the converging point of the two lines, making sure it is located evenly on both the lines. It is best to first check the alignment of the tiles on the floor without using the adhesive.
Start placing the tiles on the 'X' mark, fitting them tightly together. Some carpet tiles come with arrows to indicate the direction of the tile layout. Keep laying the tiles in the same direction, ensuring that the pattern is maintained till you reach the last full carpet.
Fitting the Edges
In order to fit the tiles at the edges, you will need to cut the tiles. To do so, turn the carpet tile upside down, and place it underneath the last whole tile in the row. Mark the line where the last tile ends. Using a carpenter's square and a knife, cut the carpet square.
Installing the Tiles
Once you are satisfied with the baseline alignment, it is time to start fixing the carpet tiles. Some carpet tiles come with adhesive backing. So all you have to do is remove the paper backing from the adhesive and stick them on the floor.
Performing the installation on your own can save you a significant amount of money. With these tiles you need not stick to the boring format of single color tiles. You can have a mix of different colors or add patterned tiles like Berber carpet tiles to add pizazz to your room. This can transform your drab-looking room into quite lively and bright.