If your flooring is starting to look old and dirty, but you do not have a lot of time or money to spend on a replacement option, you may want to consider installing new carpet squares. Carpet squares are easy and cheap to install and can give your home a great new look.
What Are Carpet Squares?
Carpet squares, often referred to as carpet tiles, are pieces of carpet that are usually between 12 and 24 square inches. Carpet squares have been designed to be very easy to install without the help of a professional. Many of these carpet squares can be installed over any type of flooring, although a hard floor surface works best. Some carpet squares can even be installed over existing carpeting.
Advantages of Using Carpet Squares
There are many advantages to using carpet squares. They are very versatile and can be used in any combination or pattern that you like. They can give you the feel of new carpeting at a fraction of the cost and effort. If your carpet squares get dirty, you can easily remove and replace them one at time. Installing carpet squares may be a really good way to personalize your space, especially if you rent your home.
Disadvantages of Using Carpet Squares
The greatest disadvantage to using carpeting squares is that they are not stretched to properly fit your floor. Although they have the same feel as carpeting, they do not always look as cohesive, since you do not seal the seams together. Over time these carpet squares may begin to show wear and begin to pull up at the corners of each individual square. Although this is not an attractive look for any room, it is very easy to replace carpet squares as they begin to become worn.
Types of Carpet Squares
Some carpet squares have interlocking edges; this may also be referred to as a floating floor. It is called this because you do not fasten or glue it to the floor. This is the type of carpet square that you should be able to install over any type of flooring as long as it is level. Interlocking carpet squares will generally have wavy edges on all sides of it; you will use these edges to fasten the squares together. Some carpet squares have the padding attached to the bottom of it, with a sticky adhesive that is used to hold the square in place on your floor. If you are using this type of carpet square, you will want to be sure that you are working on top of a clean and flat surface, such as a subfloor or linoleum. Some carpeting squares use double sided carpet tape or carpet glue to be held down on top of the existing floor.
Preparing the Floor
Carpet squares need to be installed on a smooth surface. They can be laid directly over vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or concrete, but they cannot be installed over other carpeting or another rough surface. If you currently have carpeting, you will need to pull it up along with any carpet padding until you get to the bare floor. No matter what type of subfloor you have, it is important to clean the area thoroughly to make sure that it is free of dirt, dust, and other debris. You can do this with a broom, but it may be better to use a shop vac or another type of vacuum with good suction so that you do not inadvertently leave anything behind. If your floor has any cracks, dents, or dings, you will also want to fill these things in with appropriate materials for your flooring type. Afterward, smooth everything out and vacuum again.
Preparing the Carpet Squares
If your carpet squares have been stored in a place that is very hot or very cold, you should get them out at least 24 hours before you plan to install them so that the squares can reach a temperature somewhere between 60 and 90 degrees. Getting them out ahead of time will also help get rid of the “new carpet odor” that tends to come with wrapped carpet or any carpet that has been stored in a box or another closed container.
Installing Carpet Squares
It may seem like a good idea to begin installing carpet squares on the side of one room against a wall, but it is much better to begin your installation in the center of the space. Measure the entire room horizontally, and mark the center with chalk. Then, measure the entire room vertically, and mark the center of the measurement with more chalk. Both marks should overlap and provide you with the exact center of the room. Lay down your first carpet square, centering it on your chalk marks. Then, lay down the rest of the squares, moving out from the center. If your carpet squares are covered in a pattern, there should be an arrow on the back of the square to help you keep the squares facing in the right direction. All of your squares should fit snugly against each other–they should not overlap or bunch up. When you reach the edge of the room, you may have to cut some of the carpet squares to get them to fit. A sharp pair of scissors usually works well for this. Just be sure to measure carefully prior to cutting so that you trim off the correct amount.
Additional Tips
It is important that you purchase carpeting squares that you are comfortable using. When you purchase your carpeting squares it is also important that you buy extra, so if one needs to be replaced you will have the ability to do it.
Image: Flickr/OkayCityNate
Bailey writes for 
