How to install carpet tiles

Carpet tiles (or modular or square carpets) are square shapes cut from larger wall to wall rolls, and are commonly used to create a new floor design. These can present households with a more inexpensive option than a traditional carpet. It is more cost-effective to replace individual carpet tiles, which are also less likely to require professional support. This guide aims to simplify the DIY installation process. It is therefore important that you follow each stage carefully.

Can I install carpet tiles myself?

Whilst it can seem tricky, laying carpet tiles is easier than it sounds. You will require the following tools: chalk, a vacuum cleaner, a fixed-blade utility knife, double-sided tape, a metal ruler, a tape measure, and carpet tile adhesive. You may also wish to consider Tackifier adhesive for larger areas.

How to install carpet tiles on underlay

A suitable underlay firstly needs to be clean and level. There are different underlays which come in different styles, from rubber for carpet tiles to others with acoustic properties.

Before laying your modular tiled floor, carefully stack and air the tiles in piles around the room. They should acclimatise for at least 24 hours before being fitted. Check the sub-floor is sound and solid. Clean your sub-floor of any dust or dirt. Fill any cracks or holes, level uneven patches and dry any dampness with a damp proof membrane.

Pay attention to the ‘pile direction arrows’ on the back of your carpet tiles. These will help you determine if you prefer a more textured look or a chequered pattern effect.

Do you put anything under carpet tiles?

Foam underlayment is a popular choice due to its softness and comfort, also providing reliable acoustic and thermal insulation to reduce noise and trap heat.

How to install carpet tiles

Firstly, always start in the middle of the room in case the walls aren’t straight. Mark a chalk line outward from the centre of the room, loosely placing carpet tiles along it. Then repeat to the sides of the room. The two lines of carpet tiles should be neatly aligned and now resemble a cross. This is to achieve an even finish. Check for uneven gaps at the edges and untidy looking thin gaps or ugly seams by doors. Check the gaps at the edges are equal, which should ideally be no more than half a tile all around the room. Tiles must be snugly fitted so that carpet fibres aren’t trapped.

Your carpet tiles can be sealed in position with adhesive glue or double-sided tape. Before sticking them down make sure to check that the colour has turned from white to transparent. Spray adhesive can also be used but remember that this should either be on the back of the carpet tile or on the floor, but definitely not both, or you may have a problem lifting the tiles again. In larger spaces you may prefer to use a more cost effective liquid tackifier (applied with a foam roller).

Only cut around the edges of the room once the carpet tiles have all been laid and you are satisfied with the layout. For the tidiest finish, use a profile gauge when trimming neat edges. Be careful with your cutting knife blades, and remember to change them after every 5 to 6 cuts.

How to install carpet tiles over carpet

Carpet tiles can be fitted on both thin and thick pile materials. In each instance, make sure you comprehensively clean the established carpet area beforehand. When using a liquid or steam cleaner, the carpet should be left to totally dry. It is usually fine to install the carpet tiles straight on top of a thin pile carpet, but with thick pile carpet it is strongly recommended you place plywood underlay boards on the floor or else risk leaving a potentially uneven surface.

Carpet tile longevity

New carpet tiles are designed to last for many years but certain measures should be taken to ensure they remain in the best condition, primarily daily vacuuming and periodical deep cleaning. Additionally, they may suffer from curling caused by carpet fibre tension, or not align as they should. During winter, they may arrive cold from warehouse or depot storage and if laid straight, there is the risk of expansion in a centrally heated room. If this happens it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer.

If you are based in the Chester, Oswestry, Wrexham or wider North Wales area and require flooring services, carpets, vinyl, wood or laminate, then contact us to get professional advice and an estimate from a member of the team.

Best floor covering for concrete flooring

A popular option for commercial flooring in Chester and other parts of the country, concrete also provides a firm foundation in many homes. Extremely durable and with excellent thermal characteristics, concrete is ideal for construction and works well with innovative underfloor heating. However, while some people enjoy the modern appearance of polished concrete, others seeking to create a specific look and feel choose to top it with a floor finish.

A diverse array of floor coverings work effectively with concrete flooring and in this guide, we’ll examine some of the best. Read on to discover which is right choice for your home or business.

Carpet

While concrete has many outstanding qualities, comfort is not among them. As a result, many commercial and domestic property owners opt for wall-to-wall carpet or carpet tiles. An average- to thick-pile carpet can add a soft and warm layer between occupants and the hard, cold concrete below in homes. However, thinner carpet tiles can be ideal for commercial use. An easy-care option, they can increase the appeal of flooring but can easily be swapped out when worn or damaged, saving the expense and disruption of recarpeting the entire area.

Engineered wood

Handsome to look at and sturdily constructed, engineered wood is an excellent floor covering for concrete floors. Adding both warmth and character to concrete, installations are also compatible with level substrates. Orderable at a fraction of the price of solid timber, engineered wood appears like the genuine article. This is because the top-most layer of its construction is high-quality hardwood. However, multiple layers of plywood are included below which allows the engineered boards to cope well with changes in temperature and moisture, avoiding unwanted warping.

Laminate

A cost-effective alternative to wooden or tiled flooring, laminate comes in a wide range of colours or can be designed to mimic natural wood or tiles. Constructed similarly to engineered wood, laminate is a multi-layer product with the top layer featuring a high-resolution image of a wood grain or tile type, or in some cases, simply a solid block of colour.

Eco-friendly businesses and homeowners will be happy to hear that many laminate flooring options are created with composite materials, so no tress are felled for their production. Laminate is works as a floating floor which can be useful when concrete flooring has imperfections or an uneven surface.

Vinyl

Softer than tiles to walk on, but water resistant, hardwearing and easy to care for, vinyl is a popular floor choice to deploy on concrete flooring. It can be bought in sheet form or as tiles and planks. This latter format is referred to as Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT for short, and is constructed using the same multi-layered technique as laminate to mirror more expensive floor finishes like engineered wood, porcelain and natural stone. Vinyl also includes transparent layers of protection which defend flooring against stains and scratches, making it exceptionally durable.

Finally, it’s worth noting that waterproof membranes and cushioning underlay are advised additions to enhance comfort and protection before softer floor finishes are fitted.

Carpetright appoints advisers on cost cutting

One of the UK's largest carpet retailers, Carpetright, has appointed advisers, Teneo, to look at ways of reducing costs. Carpetright has recently experienced a downturn in sales.

Following Teneo's examination of the business, there could be closures of unprofitable shops and rent reduction negotiations.

In a 14-month period up to January 2022, the company had revenues of £372.6 million, down from £493.2 million the previous year. Carpetright lost £23.4 million pre-tax during the period to January 2022, which was less than the previous loss of £53 million.

Most Carpetright shop locations have several competitors close by. Martin Harris, the son of Lord Harris of Peckham, Carpetright's founder, has opened rival carpet shops close to many of Carpetright's stores.

Carpetright's longstanding business model has been to heavily discount carpet prices and offer money off larger orders. There has been less demand for high value premium quality carpets, which is one reason for the drop in the company's sales.

While at first customers may be under the impression they can find bargains at Carpetright, shoppers who compare prices can often find that the same quality carpets can be found at a similar or cheaper price at a local independent carpet retailer. Many prefer shopping at an independent carpet retailer in Chester or North Wales as they feel they get better customer service.

Though some consumers choose hard flooring rather than carpets, there is still a large demand for traditional carpets that add luxury and warmth to a room.

Are national carpet brands rebranding cheaper alternatives?

Do national carpet brands, such as Carpetright, offer more affordable prices compared to local retailers? Alternatively, could these well-known brands be rebranding substandard products?

Allegedly, Reportedly, some prominent national brands rebrand inexpensive carpets to give a false impression of high quality. Many believe that these carpets are introduced into the market at soaring prices, only to be subsequently discounted during sales promotions. Nonetheless, even after these carpets have been substantially reduced in price, identical carpets can still be bought for less money from local independent carpet retailers.

National brands often use names for their branded carpets that imply they are luxury carpets, which they aren't. These include titles such as Duchess, Champagne, Emperor and Belgrave. They may be offered at half price or part of a buy one, get another for half price deal. These deals often sound too good to be true and probably are. The original price may have been heavily inflated above a fair price for the carpet, only because it can later be halved. The other issue is the quality of the carpet, which may not be that high. Then, there may be added costs such as fitting, fitting accessories, delivery and underlay, which may not be part of the deal.

Like for like?

The primary factor to consider when determining whether to buy from a national brand or a local carpet retailer is to know if you are comparing equivalent carpets.

Comparing similar carpets can be challenging for consumers. Despite appearances, the products may differ in quality. Although a national brand carpet may have a higher price, it could be of inferior quality compared to carpets from a local store.

National brands frequently market carpets under their own brand labels. However, they do not make the carpets themselves; they get them from carpet producers who may also supply identical products to other vendors that rebrand them. In many instances, these identical carpets can be bought through independent carpet retailers at cheaper rates.

The challenge with carpet comparisons that arises is that identical carpets are often marketed under diverse brand names. This makes it difficult to ascertain if you are comparing prices for the same product.

Judge for yourself

To judge which is the best carpet deal, you could try comparing carpet samples. Visit both a national brand carpet shop and a local retailer for samples. Find a carpet sample that looks the same at each shop to compare the quality. Ideally, take home the carpet samples so that you can take your time comparing the quality. If there is no local branch of a national carpet seller near you, free samples may be obtained from their website.

Assessing the quality of a carpet can be quite difficult for the inexperienced eye, as multiple factors contribute towards determining the quality. It is important to examine the density of the carpet and how closely its fibres have been stitched together. Is the carpet made from tough fibres and made to last? Additionally, the fibre twist, which is the number of times strands of carpet are twisted together, needs examining. Stronger carpets tend to have a greater number of twists. Alternatively, a carpet may have a loop pile that improves its durability.

Can you get a better deal from an independent carpet retailer?

Proprietors of local independent carpet retailers have extensive knowledge about carpets. Ask them to examine your samples from prominent national brands. They may stock a comparable colour and quality of carpet at an equivalent or reduced cost. Alternatively, they are likely to sell an improved quality of carpet for not much more than the branded carpet offered by national retailers. Since high-quality carpets have a longer lifespan, they can ultimately prove more economical.

Most local independent carpet retailers have straightforward deals, with many including free fitting and quality underlay as part of the cost. When you add up the additional costs some national carpet retailers charge, you may find that you get a better deal from the local carpet seller.

Independent retailers sell good quality carpets at fair prices without having to resort to sensational deals. You also have the satisfaction of supporting the local economy.

Local carpet dealers tend to foster long-term relationships with their domestic and commercial customers. Without the vast marketing investment of the large carpet retailers, they rely more on testimonials from satisfied customers who have had fair deals. Happy customers are likely to recommend others to a carpet retailer.

Whilst you may appear to save money by buying carpets from a national retailer, on closer examination this is not always the case. You could be better off going to a local retailer for carpets.

The hidden costs of national carpet chains

When looking for a new carpet, many are attracted to prominent national carpet chains such as SCS, CarpetRight and Tapi due to their extensive range of options and seemingly low prices. Consumers could be unaware of the hidden costs associated with shopping at these establishments. When carefully considering these additional costs, better deals can likely be found at smaller, independent carpet retailers.

Quality

One of the hidden expenses is associated with the quality of the carpets. Major chains do not manufacture their carpets; instead, they buy them from a supplier and then label them with their own branding. These identical carpets are also distributed to independent carpet shops which may offer them at a lower price compared to the major companies.

The brand labels of these carpets may suggest luxury, with names like Duchess or Champagne. These rebranded carpets are frequently offered at discounted rates, giving consumers the impression that they are getting a great deal when in reality, they are investing in a poor product.

If you pay a premium for a higher quality carpet from an independent retailer, this can ultimately be more cost-effective, as it will have a longer lifespan before needing replacement.

Free installation

Certain national carpet retailers claim they provide free installation services, but you must question the true nature of this offer. It is important to recognize that carpet installers do not offer their services without compensation, therefore their fees are likely included in the total cost of the carpet.

Free underlay

Carpets often need underlay, although some come with built-in underlay. Underlay not only prolongs the lifespan of the carpet, but certain types also offer insulation and noise reduction benefits. Major carpet retailers may provide complimentary underlay; however, it is likely to be lower quality. Opting for better grades of underlay will entail an additional cost.

Delivery

Many national chains use freelance carpet installers who may not deliver the carpet, while delivery fees may be extra. Most independent retailers employ their carpet fitters who will deliver and fit the carpet at the same time.

Personalised service

Major carpet retailers hire sales assistants who frequently earn a percentage-based compensation based on their weekly sales performance. This arrangement can result in a scenario where the sales representative prioritizes the monetary worth of a transaction over identifying the most suitable carpet to meet your specific needs. Consequently, you may ultimately incur unnecessary expenses by buying a better carpet than you need or can afford.

Smaller carpet shops have the advantage of providing a more customised and attentive service. Instead of being assisted by a pushy sales representative, you will often interact with the proprietor. These owners are keen on establishing a personal connection with customers, taking the necessary time to understand your preferences and budget constraints to recommend the most suitable carpeting options. In some cases, they may even offer to conduct an on-site visit to your residence or place of business to accurately measure the space and provide a cost estimate, a service that is often complimentary, whereas larger national retailers typically charge a fee for the same service.

In general, you can expect a more personalised service from an independent retailer.

Is the deal too good to be true?

Upon entering into the large showroom of a prominent national carpet retailer, you might find yourself captivated by the grand posters showcasing exceptional promotions, such as a fifty per cent reduction on all items or a special deal of purchasing one carpet and receiving another at half-price. It is not uncommon to discover a wide array of carpets at discounted rates ranging from twenty to sixty per cent off. Additionally, complimentary fitting services or free underlay may be offered with every carpet purchase.

Passionate sales representatives may tell you about the exceptional bargains they provide. However, you must consider whether these offers are truly as remarkable as they seem. In reality, all carpet companies must make a profit on every deal to sustain their business operations. The inclusion of hidden fees ensures that they can generate profits from every carpet transaction.

The Office of Fair Trading has criticised leading carpet retailers for misleading customers into thinking they are getting a bargain by artificially inflating the original price. Ethical independent retailers may have sales or offer discounts sometimes, but they don’t exaggerate the original price.

Home Style Carpets and Flooring is committed to transparency by providing quotes for flooring with no concealed costs involved. If you purchase the identical carpet from us as sold by a nationwide retailer, you might discover that you end up paying a lower price.