Question 1

Are carpet tiles any good?

Accepted Answer

Carpet tiles are good for three main reasons.
Firstly, they are so easy and cheap to lay because they don’t require underlay and can be laid straight on to any sound, existing sub floor. 
Secondly, they minimise waste compared to sheet carpet. An odd-shaped room or one slightly wider than a broadloom carpet can be carpeted far more economically with tiles rather than a sheet carpet.
Thirdly, tiles are easily swapped round or replaced if an area becomes badly worn or marked. Only the affected tiles need changing, whereas one small stain could ruin an entire carpet.
Carpet tiles come in such a wide variety of styles, colours and textures that it’s easy to find just the right ‘look’. Whether you want something soft and luxurious for your bedroom, something serviceable but warm on your feet for your kitchen or you’re looking for something very hard-wearing for your office, carpet tiles will fit any space and make it look great.
And free samples are easy to send in the post, so order a few and see what takes your fancy.

Question 2

Do you need underlay for carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need padding for carpet tiles. Padding is another word for underlay and there is no need to use either when laying carpet tiles. Carpet tiles are manufactured with a backing bonded to the fibre of the tile. This gives rigidity and strength to the tile and means that carpet tiles are a perfect choice for most flooring situations.
Because carpet tiles don’t need any padding or underlay they are a cost-effective and time-saving way of getting a great looking floor.

Question 3

Can you vacuum carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can vacuum your carpet tiles! In fact, regular vacuuming will make your carpet tiles look better and last longer as grit and dirt that’s left on the tiles will actually damage the fibre structure.
If dirt particles are left to build up they are much harder to remove, reducing the life of your carpet tiles.
So, a regular ‘nip round with the vac’ will do wonders for your how your carpet tiles look and for how long they’ll last.
And if you don’t have time to do the whole floor area, just do the places that get the most use and do the rest when you can.

Question 4

What do you put under carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

To decide what to put under carpet tiles, it’s good to know that one of the main advantages of choosing carpet tiles is that they can be laid directly onto the floor without the need for an underlay. Carpet tiles are made with a backing already bonded to the tile and are designed to lay straight onto the sub floor.
This cuts down the cost of having to buy an underlay and saves the time having to lay it.
Making sure that the floor is clean and level before you lay your carpet tiles is important though, because any imperfections on the floor will show through, so you might need to screed or plyboard before you start laying your tiles.

Question 5

Can you lay carpet tiles without adhesive?

Accepted Answer

Carpet tiles can be laid without adhesive, but we recommend using a spray adhesive to secure the tiles fitted in doorways and around the perimeter.
On larger areas spraying every third or fifth row of carpet tiles as you lay them will help keep those in between in place.
NB. One very important thing to remember about adhesives though!
Don’t spray the floor and the tile, just one or the other.
If you spray both you will create a more permanent adhesive bond which will make the tile difficult to lift in the future If you just spray one surface, the adhesive will remain ‘tacky’ and you’ll always be able to lift the carpet tile and move it around should the need ever arise.

Question 6

How do you calculate carpet tiles for a room?

Accepted Answer

Calculating how many carpet tiles you need for a room is simple.
Grab a pen, paper and a metal tape measure.
Measure the room across the width and then its length and make a note of these dimensions.
If your room is an odd shape, draw out a rough diagram and divide it into regular shapes.
Then measure these shapes separately and add them together.
Here’s a link to our tile calculator which will tell you how many tiles you’ll need.
https://www.carpettilewholesale.co.uk/tile-calculator
The calculator adds 10% to allow for waste and trimming so you don’t need to add extra tiles yourself for this.
Always err on the side of a few extra tiles as there’s nothing worse that running out of tiles before you’ve finished the job. 
And if you’ve bought our clearance or recycled tiles, buying extra tiles later may not be an option.
Give us a ring if you need any more help working out how many carpet tiles you need and we’ll be pleased to check your maths!

Question 7

How do you prepare a floor for carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

To prepare a floor for carpet tiles and for a quality finish, there are some basic steps that will make a big difference to your final job. 
The surface needs to be clean, dry and level. If there are any imperfections in the floor, they may show through your carpet tiles and make the job look awful.
Sweep and clean the floor first so you can see any imperfections.
For concrete floors, rectify holes or ridges using rapid repair mortar and allow to dry.
If the floor isn’t level you may need to use a levelling compound before you lay your tiles.
And if the floor is very damp, you might need a liquid damp proof membrane.
For uneven wood floors use hardboard, 4mm or 6mm ply depending on how uneven it is.
We sell all these products, just ask and we’ll help you choose the right one and the correct quantity for your floor area.
When the floor is clean, dry and level, you’re good to go and start laying your carpet tiles.

Question 8

How do you lay carpet tiles on concrete?

Accepted Answer

Laying carpet tiles on concrete is easy.
Sweep and clean the floor first 
Rectify holes or ridges using rapid repair mortar and allow to dry.
If the floor isn’t level you may need to use a levelling compound before you lay your tiles.
Carpet tiles do allow moisture to dissipate, but if the sub floor is extremely damp you may need a liquid damp proof membrane.
We sell this membrane, so just let us know if your concrete sub-floor is damp and we’ll be able to help you and make sure you buy enough of the right product.

Question 9

Do you have to glue down carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

Often the advice is that you don’t have to glue down your carpet tiles and this is fine if your area is small.
We think it’s much better to glue down the tiles, especially in doorways and around the perimeter. You can reduce the amount of adhesive required by spraying every third or fifth row. This will keep the carpet tiles in place.
If you’re working in a larger area a liquid tackifier adhesive is quick and easy to use. Simply pour some out and spread it using a foam paint roller on a broom handle, allow to cure for 20 minutes before laying your tiles.
Adhesive is cheap to buy and easy to use, but do remember to only use it on the floor OR the on the carpet tiles. Glueing both will create a permanent bond making the tiles difficult to remove in the future.
By just glueing the floor or the tile you’ll be able to lift any damaged or marked tiles easily and move them around or replace them if you ever need to in the future.

Question 10

Can you install carpet over a tile floor?

Accepted Answer

Before you start to install carpet or carpet tiles over a tile floor you will need to make sure that the tiled floor is smooth, solid, sound and level. In other words, the floor needs to be clean, level and flat, not breaking up in places and not ‘bouncy’ or moving. Remember that any imperfections on your tiled floor may show through when you lay your carpet tiles.

Carpet tiles are easy to lay directly on to the tiled floor and will conceal the grout lines providing that they are almost flush with the tiles. If the grout lines are deep, or any tiles are breaking up, a screed or repair mortar will soon put it right.

Simply order this with your carpet tiles, the instructions are on the packet. Just give us a quick ring and we’ll happily answer all your questions and make sure you buy the right products.
For a quality finish, you need to make sure the underlying floor is level and solid.
Any cracks or hollow sounding areas, can give way in time.
Remove any suspect or unsound tiles or coverings and fill with suitable compound.  Be sure your floor is levelled off before laying new tiles.

Question 11

Are carpet tiles cheaper?

Accepted Answer

Carpet tiles are a cheaper flooring option than carpet. The three main reasons for this are:
•	They are easier and therefore cheaper for a professional to fit, or you can fit them yourself
•	You don’t need to buy underlay 
•	You only have to buy the tiles you need rather than having to buy extra carpet because your room is an odd-shape
And if a disaster happens and there’s a spillage which badly marks your carpet tiles, you can simply lift up damaged ones and replace them or hide them under a cupboard or drawers. A bad mark on a sheet carpet can mean re-carpeting the entire room.
Carpet tiles are the cheaper alternative every time!

Question 12

Are carpet tiles suitable for bathrooms?

Accepted Answer

Carpet tiles are suitable for bathrooms because they are easy to lay and are easy to change if one or two get marked or there’s an accident.
They are warm and comfy for bare feet and yet are ultra cleanable. You won’t slip on them. Have a look at the specification of the carpet tile you’ve chosen and make sure that they are cleanable. Lots of carpet tiles these days are even bleach cleanable, meaning you can make sure your floor is hygienic and comfortable.
If you want any advice about which carpet tiles are the most suitable for bathrooms, just pick up the phone or send a quick email and we’ll be happy to help.

Question 13

Do you need underlay for carpet tiles?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need underlay for carpet tiles. 
Carpet tiles come with a backing already bonded to the tile so there’s no need for a separate underlay, saving you time and money.
You do need to make sure that your floor is level and sound though.
By giving it a quick clean and checking it to make sure there are no ridges or loose bits, you should be good to go.
If your sub-floor is concrete and needs some attention to get it flat and solid, it will need patching up or levelling with some levelling compound. An uneven wood floor will need boarding with 4mm or 6mm ply.
We sell levelling compound, repair mortar and ply which can order with your tiles. If you want to pick our brains about which product to use, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

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