How to prepare your space for carpet tiles!  

Investing in new office furnishings can be terrifying. Are you making the right design choices? Will you like your new products? Will the installation be difficult?

This is particularly true when you are installing new flooring. Carpet tiles can seem like an overwhelming installation, but we want to help you be prepared.

In this article, we break down when in your reno process you should install carpet tile, what that installation looks like and how to make your product last. 

When should you install carpet tile?

Carpet installation can be stressful if you aren’t adequately prepared. Poor installation can mean that your product looks unprofessional, and your product lifespan is dramatically reduced. By being as prepared as possible for the installation process, you can set yourself up for success.

When working with a furniture dealership, a carpet tile installation should be a breeze. The dealership will help you organize materials, timelines and manpower. Don’t worry, you won’t be on your hands and knees doing the install… we have a team for that! 

If you are doing renovations in your office, carpet tiling will be part of the construction process. You want to install carpet tile after doing any major construction work like drywalling or tearing walls down. These processes can be messy, and there is a high chance you will damage your tiles. 

You will also want to do any large installations like built-in bars or storage before the installation. Carpet tile can be manufactured and cut to fit around large built-in permanent structures in your space.

However, you want to install carpet tile before installing modular walls or furniture. Modular walls and furniture will sit on top of your carpet to allow for flexibility. You should also install all workstations or other large pieces of furniture after the carpet tiling is complete. You will be able to move around your modular furniture without adjusting the carpet tiles!

When preparing for a professional carpet tile installation, the first step is to clear your space of all furniture. You will need to ensure that your installers won’t have any furniture or objects in the way. It’s also good practice to remove any wall art or decorative items if possible. 

How is carpet tile installed?

Carpet tile installation is similar to laying down other types of tiled furniture. 

Each carpet tile already has a backing, so there is no need to lay down extra padding or backings before the installation. Each tile is attached to the floor using a special glue and sticker, which prevents the carpet from moving or pulling. 

This sticker can be easily removed from the floor, which allows for flexibility with the tile and little to no clean-up during the removal process.

Carpet tiles are typically installed in either a brick or herringbone style. We wrote about this in our carpet tile design article. Both installation methods are prevalent, and they will be based on what aesthetic you prefer and what looks best with the design you chose.

Many factors can determine how long an install will take. These include but aren’t limited to: 

• What is the size of your space?
• What installation pattern do you want?
• How many existing structures are in the room (bars, islands, storage)? 

Installation can take anywhere from a workday to a week or more, depending on the project’s complexity. 

What do carpet tiles cost?

If you came here looking for a direct answer, we’re sorry, but we don’t know. That isn’t because we don’t understand the price or the product, but because each situation is entirely unique. 

Installation, design and material all cost different things, and each one plays a part in the final product. , and it will vary based on the project.

When buying carpet tile, you are paying for each tile and the install process. 

The size of your room will have a direct impact on the cost. The larger space, the more expensive your carpet tiles will be. 

The design will also help dictate the final cost. Different aesthetics will have different installation timeframes, which can factor into the price.

If you opt for a more complex design pattern, like the popular herringbone, this will take longer than the standard brick design. Therefore, herringbone installation is more expensive than brick design. 

How many edges, large objects or walls will also factor into the installation time and the cost.

The actual materials of your carpet tile will be a factor as well. Each fabric, colour and pattern can vary in cost. 

Where your priorities lay will help you determine your budget. Sustainable wool is more expensive than its synthetic nylon counterpart. However, wool lasts longer and is environmentally friendly, where nylon is less expensive upfront and comes in a broader range of designs. 

The pile height of the carpet will also range in price. Different heights will be an additional cost. 3mm pile height carpet is more cost-effective, while 4.5mm has a luxury feel and a more expensive price tag.

When you work with your account manager or workspace planner, they will be able to help you create a realistic budget and plan for your space! Having an idea of the size of space, materials and design pattern will help them make the best plan for you. 

How to make your carpet tile last?

We’re sure after you’ve invested this much time and effort into finding the perfect carpet tile for your space, you will want it to last. A significant benefit of carpet tile is the flexibility the tiles allow, which means carpet tiles can adapt as your space grows.

 Carpet tiles can be individually replaced, which means that you won’t need to replace the whole floor if a single tile is damaged or stained. 

For general carpet maintenance, carpet tiles don’t need any special cleaning techniques. Treat your carpet as you would any standard carpet. Carpet shampoos and cleaners can be used to keep it looking new. 

However, we always recommend checking with specific cleaning directions for your product because they can vary from material to material. 

Carpet tile warranties may also be available. These warranties are typically available for one year from purchase and cover any manufacturing defects found in the tile. They won’t cover any general use issues or user problems but typically will cover any design defects found.

If you are unsure about warranties or cleaning producers, reach out to your account manager! They will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Carpet tiles are an investment to make your space look great. Proper installation and upkeep will keep your area looking fresh for years to come. If you are ready to get started on your carpet tile journey, reach out to one of our furniture reps today! 

Emily Adams
Digital Content Specialist
Office Interiors