INSTALLING CARPET SQUARES
Laying carpet squares is a creative process that involves using different patterns, colors and even texture. Using different carpet squares will leave your room looking unique, presentable and personalized.
After purchasing the carpet squares, avoid stacking all the pieces together instead, stack ten pieces or less each to avoid breakages.
48 hours should pass before you lay your carpet squares. The time is crucial for allowing the tiles to fit into the room temperature and humidity- the expansion or contract according to the surrounding. During the installation process, cover all the exit and entry points of the room so as to create an atmosphere which is steady in temperature and humidity level. The temperature should not exceed 12 degrees, and the moisture content should be at most 65%. The room which should have the carpet tiles installed should be non-compressible, clean and dry.
Carpet squares can be installed in any flooring: vinyl flooring, wood flooring or fire board panels. Vinyl flooring usually has chemicals emitted from the floor. Therefore, you need to clean the surface before laying the square tiles. Also, you might need to clear of all irregularities and bumpiness of the floors. You might also consider putting plywood if the floor is uneven for the installation. If your floor has radiant heating then it is key to turn it off two days prior the installation, the temperature should not exceed 28 degrees as it will affect the fitting of the floors.
When it comes to the practical laying of the tiles, keep in mind that you need to start with the center tile of the room. To achieve the true center of the room, draw a line from one end to the opposite side of the room. Draw multiple lines for different points of the room to be certain. The intersection of these lines is the true center of the room. Follow the instructions from the manufacture to have a perfect layout and get the most appealing look of the room. The glue used in the installation process should be the same one recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure that you use the right amount of glue to fix your carpet squares in place. The glue should be enough for the tile to stick in its position and even to ensure the whole tile is fitted. The method of application is also key as you do not want the glue spreading all over. The glue should be compatible with the backing of the carpet square.
Carpet squares usually measure 18 inches by 18 inches. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines about the glue – how much you will use for each tile and generally, the type of glue and the time required for it to dry up. Check on the batching number of the carpet tile boxes you bought to confirm they are the right carpet squares.
When ordering the carpet squares, always ensure that you order an excess of the tiles for cropping emergent issues. Do not purchase a fixed number because of damage during shipping, underestimation of measurements and need of replacement later on. Also, check the pricing of the carpet tiles per square foot and not per tile so as to get the best offer there is.
Carpet tiles that are installed using the manufacturer’s glue are better than the tiles that require interlocking. The carpet squares that are fitted by interlocking are less presentable and look cheap compared to manually installed glue carpet square tiles.
Do not install carpet squares over steps or stairs as they will not fix properly. Also, carpet tiles cannot be installed on all vinyl. Consult the manufacturer or your contractor before you begin installing.
DESIGN TIPS FOR CARPET TILES
Carpet tiles are diverse and give you a wide range to decide which suits your taste more. You can be as creative as you want to be with the carpet squares making your room personalized. These are the few designs that might interest you when installing:
Monolithic versus quarter turn. Monolithic is whereby the tiles are laid in a vertical format. There is no pattern in the installation process. You can, however, turn the carpet square at a 90-degree angle to give the room a different look. There is also Brick lay, ashlar, stripes which add the length of the room and make it appear larger or smaller, color patterns and the most common mix and match style whereby you have the freedom to put together carpet tiles of different colors, sizes, shapes, and textures.
