Carpet tiles in the home advice on underlay and how to I fix them?

Submitted by mypostisbad t3_y8ugid in DIY

Hi there,

I'm just about to start a major renovation of my back room. There are fixed wooden seats along 2 walls so when I remove those, I will also need to replace the carpet in the room.

At this point I'm not aiming for a great finish for the room. This is more an intermediate refresh so that we can use the room properly (mostly as a dining room) so I'm looking for cheap ways to do this.

I'm leaning towards carpet tiles that I can pick up very cheaply. However I am unclear about if I should (or need to) use an underlay on the bare floorboards.

Also I'm unsure about how I should fix them in both circumstances. I don't want anything too hard to remove (the room will be properly done when time and money allow) and I would imagine that if I do use underlay, I can't then just stick them to that (or can/should I)?

Advice on this would be most welcome.

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Ultinut t1_it228e6 wrote

I recommend carpet tiles from flor.com, I used them to carpet a basement bedroom. They are not dirt cheap, but you can find good deals in sale. They are very durable, come with a built in underlay that is waterproof and has grip. When you’re done with them in your temporary space you could use them in a different part of your house. They cut really easily and install with stickers that link tiles together.

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mypostisbad OP t1_it2477o wrote

I appreciate the recommendation.

I'm picking up a pack 5ms (ample) for £25 from some facebook person. That'll do for now. Will likely be going full wood floor (like the adjoining room) when time and money allow.

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ChronicLateBloomer t1_it3346f wrote

The best part about these is when they get dirty, you can take squares out and wash them off with a garden hose. Great if you have pets or kids. I love them.

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mypostisbad OP t1_it3ai61 wrote

I do have kids.

Tbh I might just take the kids out and wash them with the garden hose 😁

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bmfs242 t1_it1wq5r wrote

I've used them on top of tile without anything under them and it's fine. They usually have a backing on them that's supposed to prevent them sliding but they still slide. As long as they have rubber backing you could probably use a construction adhesive on them. Over all they have served their purpose for me.

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bmfs242 t1_it1wwco wrote

The construction adhesive isn't hard to remove. The tiles will probably peel up and then use a floor scraper to remove any residual.

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Dopey-NipNips t1_it2l3rl wrote

If you use construction adhesive you're gonna hate yourself when it comes time to remove them

Use pressure sensitive carpet tile adhesive. Roll it on, let it get tacky, then lay your carpet. You'll be able to peel them off later instead of spending hours with the floor chisel

You don't need underlayment unless the boards are all fucked up, if you do use Luan or tri ply

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ad79324 t1_it1wrfg wrote

An underlay is a good idea. It will help with floor temperature and sound. It will help to protect the subfloor from spills and damage.

You as far as fixing them, I wouldn't unless they're moving around. You could use carpet tape to help tiles stay in place.

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mypostisbad OP t1_it1xw5j wrote

Ah, I hadn't thought of tape! (what a bonehead!)

That sounds like a great idea. Any tips on type of underlay? Standard carpet stuff or could I use some of the wood floor underlay tiles that I have left over in my shed?

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ad79324 t1_it1ygag wrote

I'd use the underlay made for tile carpets. There is a specific kind.

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Intelligent_Ebb4887 t1_it22t24 wrote

I'm doing a patch of carpet squares in my basement office. Decided to start with duct tape to connect them since I had it on hand. I have to go pick up more squares, but so far they are staying together and not sliding on the concrete.

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mypostisbad OP t1_it247dz wrote

Yeah I've got duct tape but I'm grabbing some double sided carpet tape (similar stuff it seems) and will secure the corners.

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VlcMackey t1_it40ujk wrote

You wouldn’t use underlay, they are insulated and slightly soft. If you lay tiles on the underlay, there’s too much ‘give’ and the tiles will be forever popping up and uneven at the seams

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mypostisbad OP t1_it434a8 wrote

This is what I was worried about. Will I've ordered the underlay now and have the tiles, so I guess this will be a learning experience.

I will be sure to share it with your all

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