Carpet Tiles Flooring

PRODUCT BRIEF:- Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares, are a type of flooring which can be used as an alternative to the more common rolled carpet. They are formed from an upper layer of pile attached to a backing and are produced in a variety of sizes, materials, fibers, patterns and colours. Carpet tiles are often used in commercial and public buildings such as airports, offices, schools, libraries, and so on. Carpet tiles are manufactured in both non-adhesive (require gluing) and adhesive (peel-and-stick) styles.When choosing tiles, it is important to consider the overall design scheme and the requirements of the finished floor, as well as the size and durability of the tiles required.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

· They can be easier to install than rolled carpet.

· They can be installed over many floor types, including timber and concrete.

· Individual tiles can be removed and replaced for cleaning or if they get damaged.

· Creative patterned designs can be achieved.

· Many tiles are manufactured with good stain resistant properties.

· Easy to install and maintain

· Extremely durable and design flexibility.

INSTALLATION METHOD:

STEP 1: Prepare the Subfloor

· Before you can install carpet tiles, you must prepare the existing floor. Carpet tiles can adhere to concrete, plywood or particleboard subfloors. In some cases, you can also install carpet tiles over existing wood, tile or vinyl flooring so long as the existing flooring is no more than an inch thick. However, we highly recommend removing existing flooring. Since carpet tiles do not have padding underneath, you will be able to feel underlying grout lines and texture from prior flooring. Additionally, some carpet tile adhesives can permanently damage hardwood floors.

STEP 2: Measure and Draw Guidelines

· Begin by measuring the room and finding its center. Mark the center point with chalk.

· Divide the room into four equal quadrants by drawing two perpendicular lines that intersect at your designated center point.

· Using a T-square tool, ensure the intersection of the lines creates a perfect 90-degree angle

STEP 3: Plan the Carpet Tile Layout

· Mix carpet tiles from different packs to account for dye lot variations.

· Carpet tiles will have arrows on the back that indicate the direction of the carpet pile. Any two carpet tiles facing in different directions will appear to be slightly different colors. The manufacturer recommends how to orient the tiles. Orienting the tiles in the same direction will create a seamless look. Rotating each tile by 90 degrees will create a checkerboard effect.

· Do a dry layout of the carpet tiles to determine orientation and fit. Start at the center and work outward toward the walls, laying the tiles in rows within each quadrant of the room.

· When you reach the wall, you will likely have to trim the perimeter carpet tile to fit the space left between the last tile you placed and the edge of the wall. Measure the remaining distance and mark where you should cut on the back of the perimeter carpet tile. Set aside for now.

STEP 4: Install the Center Carpet Tiles

· Starting at the center point, lay the first four carpet tiles at the corners of each quadrant to form a square.

· Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles: Remove the film covering the adhesive backing and carefully place the carpet tiles along the chalk line. Press down to secure the carpet tile.

· Glue Down Carpet Tiles: Use the manufacturer recommended carpet adhesive. Using a notched trowel, spread the adhesive onto the subfloor evenly. Start in small sections so that the adhesive does not dry out too quickly. The manufacturer may recommend allowing the adhesive to set somewhat before placing the tiles. Next lay the carpet tiles along your guidelines and press down to secure them.

· When you reach the wall, you will likely have to trim the perimeter carpet tile to fit the space left between the last tile you placed and the edge of the wall. Measure the remaining distance and mark where you should cut on the back of the perimeter carpet tile. Set aside for now.

STEP 5: Install the Carpet Tiles in Each Quadrant

· Working quadrant-by-quadrant, lay the carpet tiles in rows. You should start from the center tiles and work outward toward the wall.

· Nestle each carpet tile tightly against the edges of the neighboring tiles.

· Be sure to pay attention to the orientation of each carpet tile so that the pile leans in the desired direction.

· If you need to adjust a carpet tile, pull it up and relay it as soon as possible. Note that peel and stick carpet tiles are easier to remove and better allow for mistakes than glue down carpet tiles.

· Once you have completed laying carpet tiles in one quadrant, move on to the next quadrant and repeat these steps.

STEP 6: Trim the Carpet Tiles

· Measure the space between the wall and the last carpet tile you laid.

· Use a carpet cutter and a straight edge to cut the carpet tile to fit.

· If you need to cut around odd spaces such as door jambs, first trace the area onto a piece of paper. Then use the piece of paper as a stencil and guide for cutting the carpet tile.

· If the cut isn’t perfect and leaves a gap, simply cut a small sliver from a scrap piece of carpet tile and fill the gap. Smooth the area with your hand until the transition looks seamless.

STEP 7: Roll the Floor

· Once you have laid all the carpet tiles, you will need to roll the floor with a 75-pound floor roller to firmly adhere the carpet tiles to the subfloor.

· Reinstall baseboard/molding.

· Vacuum the floor.

INSTALLATION MATERIALS:

Ø Carpet adhesive (for glue down carpet tiles only)

Ø Carpet cutter or utility knife

Ø Fan

Ø Vacuum and/or broom

Ø Pry bar

Ø Level

Ø Measuring tape

Ø Chalk line

Ø T-square

Ø Floor primer and paint roller (optional)

Ø Notched trowel (for glue down carpet tiles only)

Floor roller.