How to Install Carpet Tile

If you want to change the interior decor of a room or want to add carpet to a section of your house, laying down carpet tiles is a simple and easy solution. You can install carpet tiles over linoleum, hardwood, or concrete floors. To install carpet tiles, you’ll need to design the carpet layout, make sure the tiles fit, then cut and adhere them to the floor. If you use the right materials and follow the right steps, you can install carpet tile in virtually any space in your house!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Designing Your Floor

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1
Choose a style of carpet tile. Carpet tiles come in a variety of designs and types. Find a tile that will compliment the colors of your room. Also, there are traditionally two types of tile--those that come with a peel-off adhesive on the back and those that have no adhesive. The peel-off adhesive style is typically more expensive.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you purchase the tile with no adhesive, you may also have to buy carpet glue or double-sided carpet tape.
- Select a carpet tile that blends in with the room’s style and colors, rather than a tile that stands out.
2
Measure the square footage of the floor that you want to cover. To get the area of your floor, multiply the width by the length of the floor. If you have an irregularly sized floor, divide the floor into separate, measurable sections, then add the total square feet of each section together. Getting this figure will help you determine how many carpet tiles you'll need.^{[2]XResearch source}
- When you purchase your tile, buy extra tile in case you make mistakes.
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Draw the sections that you want to carpet on a piece of paper. Arrange the tiles in your design to a style that you like. Drawing the layout before you lay the tiles will give you a general idea of how the tiles will look in the room.^{[3]XResearch source} ^{[4]XExpert SourceArt Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair SpecialistExpert Interview. 1 July 2020.}
Each tile should have arrows on the back of it that help you determine which direction the tile is facing. Line your tiles up so that they are all facing in the same direction for a uniform design.^{[5]XResearch source}
Instead of facing all of your tiles in a single direction, alternate every other tile to face in a different direction. This will make your carpet tiles look unique. Try out different configurations and styles on your paper design before committing to a design.^{[6]XResearch source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Fitting the Tiles

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Use a floor vacuum and get all of the dust and dirt from off the surface of your floor. Then, use a damp mop or rag to wipe down the floor that you plan on laying the tile over. Let the floor dry before moving on to the next step.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Draw two lines intersecting in the center of the room. Measure from the corner of the wall to the center of a wall and mark it. Draw a line with chalk down the center of your floor to the other side of the room. Repeat the process on the adjacent wall so that you draw two lines that intersect in the exact center of the room.
- For irregularly sized floors, break the floor up into separate pieces before drawing the center lines. This will help you know where you should start laying the tiles.
- Use a straightedge to help you draw the lines straight.
Position each of the tiles so that the sides of the tile line up with the chalk cross that you drew. Do not use adhesive--just make sure that the tiles fit properly.
Position the next tiles right against the edge of the four tiles you have in the center and work your way out to the edges of the room. Work on filling in each quadrant before moving onto the next one. Make sure to place the tiles so that each side fits snugly against the side of the tiles next to it. Continue to lay down the carpet tile until you reach the edges of the room.^{[8]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Cutting Tiles to Fill the Gaps

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1
Measure the gap between the carpet tile and the wall. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the wall and the outer edge of the carpet. You will fill in this space with a cut tile.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Using pieces that are thinner than 4 inches (10 cm) to fill in the gaps may look strange. In order to achieve minimal gaps, move your four center tiles left, right, up, or down so that the gaps aren't tiny.
Use a straightedge to draw a straight line down the back of the carpet so that one portion is the same size as the gap between the wall and the carpet.^{[10]XResearch source}
Place the carpet you’re going to cut on top of a piece of scrap carpet or cardboard so that the blade doesn’t damage anything under the carpet. Cut down the line that you drew, using the flat edge of a level or measuring triangle to act as your guide. Start by making a couple of light cuts into the carpet before applying more pressure to the blade and cutting through it completely.^{[11]XResearch source}
4
Fit the tile into the gap. Take the piece of carpet that you just cut and fit it into the gap. Make sure that it fits snugly in place. If you notice that there is still a gap in the wall, you’ll have to recut another piece of carpet. If the new piece of carpet overlaps the existing carpet, you’ll have to measure and cut it down even further.^{[12]XResearch source}
- The new piece of carpet should form a tight seal between your carpet tiles and your wall.
5
Repeat the steps until all the gaps are filled in with carpet tile. Continue measuring, cutting, and fitting the tiles into the gaps around your walls until the entire area is covered in carpet tiles. Now that you know all the tiles will fit, you can start to adhere the tiles to the floor.
- If the tiles form a tight seal, you may not even have to apply adhesive to hold them in place, especially for low-traffic areas.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Adhering the Tiles to the Floor

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Peel the thin clear layer of plastic off the back of your carpet tiles. This will reveal a sticky backside that will hold to your floor. Press the four center tiles in place and fill out the rest of the room just as you did when you fitted the tiles.^{[13]XResearch source}
Unpeel one side of the tape and press it against the back corner of your carpet tile. If you are using a carpet glue, apply the glue in a straight line on each edge on the back of the carpet. Work on a single carpet tile at a time when applying any adhesive.^{[14]XResearch source}
Once the adhesive is applied, lay down your tiles in the same way that you did when you fit them. Press down on the top of the carpet tiles with your hands to smooth them out.
Continue laying down tiles until you fill out the room. If you laid down the tiles properly during the fitting stage, the tiles should fit snugly and shouldn't have any gaps.

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Are carpet squares a good option?
Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.
Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Answer
They can be, but they require a little planning. In designing your carpet tile layout, try making a grid using grid paper. Having a concrete visual aid can help you visualize the spatial relations of the room.
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