How to Install Carpet Squares

Installing carpet squares is a fast and simple home project that you can do yourself. The tiles can easily be removed and placed back down if floor work has to be done. Plus, if some of the carpet squares get dirty or damaged, they can be pulled up, cleaned and laid back down. You can also install just enough squares for carpet runners or an area rug.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet squares
• Utility knife
• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Wood filler
• Chalk line
• Clear tape

Instructions

1. Determine the size of your room. If you already know the square footage of the room, then just take the measurements to the home improvement store. The salesperson can tell from the measurements how many squares you'll need. If you don't know the measurements, you'll need to multiply the width by the length of the room. If you're going to have differently colored or patterned squares, then it may be necessary to draw the room on graph paper. You can then color in how you want the room to look.

2. Decide which color or pattern of carpet squares you want. Most home improvement stores, like Lowe's, offer carpet squares and will have samples for you to inspect. When purchasing the carpet tiles, remember to buy a little more than what you'll need for the room. This way you'll have extra on hand in case a square or two needs to be replaced. Some carpet may need to be ordered if the store doesn't have it in stock.

3. Sweep the floor clean of dust and debris. Carpet squares may not be able to stick to a dirty floor well enough to keep them from coming loose. Next, find the center of the floor. Do this by marking a chalk line from two walls straight across from two other walls. You can also make diagonal chalk lines to be certain of the center. Where the lines meet is the center mark. Put some clear tape over the top of the chalk lines to protect them.

4. Lay a carpet square on the center mark. Start placing squares on the lines until you reach each of the walls and make a T on the floor. These lines will be your baselines and guide as you install the carpet on the floor.

5. Take the adhesive backing off the carpet squares and put back where you had it on the lines. Press down on it so it will stick to the floor. Remove the backing from the rest of the squares on the T pattern and press them onto the floor.

6. Fill one section at a time with the carpet squares. Work away from the baselines towards the walls. When you reach the wall, use the utility knife to carefully trim away from the square until it sits flush between a square and the wall. Peel off the adhesive backing when the tiles are the way you want them, and stick them to the floor.