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Installing Carpet Tiles

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Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-113 -- More Projects »
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Before: Too Hard Flooring
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After: Soft Landing
Materials:

carpet tiles
craft paper or newspaper

Tools:

measuring tape
straightedge
utility knife
broom

Tips/Benefits:

• When buying carpet tiles, be sure to buy a few extra pieces. If one gets damaged or stained, you'll have a replacement that matches perfectly.
• If feeling adventurous or don't like the look of wall-to-wall carpeting, carpet tiles can also be mixed to create stripes, checkerboards and patterns. In addition, you can put a few down in the center of the room to create a one-of-a-kind area rug.
• If creating a pattern with different tiles, lay out the room on paper first to play with different configurations before cutting the expensive tiles.

Steps:

1. Empty the room. Sweep and clean the floor.

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Figure A
2. Start laying the carpet tiles in one corner (figure A). Since the seams on carpet tiles disappear, it doesn't matter where you start, unless you're using multiple colors to form a pattern.
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Figure B
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Figure C
3. After all the field tiles are down begin cutting in around the perimeter. For straight cuts, measure and mark the back of the tile. Cut through the rubber backing with a utility knife and straightedge (figure B). If cutting an angle or notch, create a template out of newspaper or craft paper. Fold it into the shape; transfer the shape to the carpet tile (figure C) and cut the tile.
4. Make sure to cut the carpet tiles tight. The tiles don't need to be attached to the floor because of the pressure between the walls, coupled with the weight of the tile and the non-skid backing.
5. Use a broom to sweep out nap to hide seams.

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Also in this Episode
Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-113
•Installing Carpet Tiles
•Pool House Renovation
•Installing Cabinet and Drawer Hardware
•Build a Mailbox
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