How to Glue Down Carpet Tiles

by DoItYourself Staff

Have you decided that it’s time to give your floor a new look and are now trying to find out how to glue down carpet tiles? Carpet tiles are much easier to install than regular carpets and are easier to clean or replace. You do not need to carry around bulky rolls of carpets, nor do you have to get a professional in each time you need to change a tile. They are convenient to set and give your home a great look.

Tip #1 –Measuring Up

Count the number of tiles that you will need by measuring the length as well as the width of the room to be carpeted. If the rooms are not rectangular, the tiles could be broken into smaller pieces so that it could fit well.

Tip #2 –Preparation

Ensure that the floor is dry and properly prepared. Most carpet tiles will not work on wet surfaces since moisture interferes with the curing and the performance of the adhesive. Completely remove any dirt, grease, dust or paint prior to gluing the tiles. Also, ensure that all holes, cracks and depressions are filled up. If there is excessive dust, or if you have a wooden floor, prime the floor completely. In cases where it is required to wet clean the floor, do so with nothing more than a damp mop. Allow to dry completely before proceeding.

Tip #3 –Laying the First Tiles

The starting point of setting the carpet tiles should be as near to the middle of the room as possible. Install carpet tiles in the same order in which they were manufactured and ensure that the directional patterns on the back of each tile are staggered to achieve the popular chess board style.

Tip #4 –Adhesives

A pressure sensitive adhesive is used to glue down carpet tiles. Apply this adhesive with a heavy-duty frame paint roller. In case you are using a Spray Set to apply the adhesive, ensure that it is sprayed over the full tile. Apply the glue completely. It needs to be spread across the tile and should not be applied in a grid method. Do not apply so much adhesive such that the tiles slide around. Just let it be sufficient to transfer to the backing.

If the surface is smooth, be sure that you do not apply too little adhesive. It still requires a proper coating of adhesive although the surface is smooth or sealed.

Tip #5 –Allow to Dry

After the adhesive is applied, allow it to dry until it reaches a tacky and clear state. It normally takes 30 to 90 minutes for the adhesive to dry. This can be sped up by using a blow dryer fan. Press your finger into the adhesive to check whether it is dry. If the adhesive does not transfer across to your finger, it means that it is dry. Install the tiles immediately.