Can You Put Carpet Over Tile?
The answer to this question is Yes! If you have a tile floor, you may find that you prefer something a little more comfortable underfoot. This is where you can begin to consider carpeting as a flooring alternative.
If you want to install carpet, you don’t have to pull away from the old tile floor. Carpet can be put directly over tile, though the tile will be damaged to some extent along the room’s margins. It is not, however, a fully straightforward process.
There are a few key points to keep in mind when avoiding typical errors. It’s also crucial to avoid damaging the tiles in case you’ll want to utilize them again in the future. Putting carpet over tile is a job for expert carpet installers as it entails a lot of work.
Why Would You Want To Place Carpet Over Tile?
There are various reasons why you might choose to put carpet over pre-existing tile flooring.
- Your tiles are old or damaged, and you’d like to improve the appearance of the space.
- You want to raise the value of your home without having to remove the existing floor.
- If the tiles are excessively cold, consider replacing them with a warmer floor covering, such as carpet.
- If you want to change the appearance of your home but are a tenant and cannot redo the floors since you are a tenant. Placing a carpet on your tile floor is the best option.
- A carpet will insulate your feet. This will save you money on energy while also making walking more comfortable and warm. It also has a pleasant feel to the feet and is one of the more straightforward forms of flooring to replace.
- Carpet is much softer for a young child or a pet. It is also a lot warmer for lounging by the fire.
- A carpet will also help to bring more color into a room that is perhaps a little boring.
Carpet can be laid over almost any tile, as long as the tiles themselves are sturdy and in excellent condition. There are instances where carpet cannot be laid on tiles. You should not lay down carpet on tile:
- If the grout lines are too far apart, creating an unstable structure.
- If the tiles are damaged or sound “drummy” (this is a sign of a hollow structure). In this case, you will have to remove the tiles or fill them in before carpeting can be installed. (Home Décor Bliss, 2021)
How To Install Carpet Over Tile
It is very possible to install carpet over tile, and it isn’t as difficult as you would imagine. It will require a variety of materials, but the end result will be worth the work. These methods are of standard complexity, and completing them in their entirety will take around a day.
You will need the following tools and equipment.
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Your Preferred Carpet |
Contact Cement |
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Carpet Stretcher |
Ruler |
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Knee Kicker |
Marker |
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Utility Knife with extra blades |
Stair Tool |
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Tackless strips |
Floor Roller |
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Putty knife |
Gloves |
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Masonry nails |
Hammer |
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Utility knife |
Measuring tape |
The three methods that can be used are:
- Using Double-Sided Tape
- Glue on tack strips
- Using Carpet tiles
Using Double-Sided Tape
All you’ll need for this are double-sided carpet adhesives and a little creativity.
- Place the carpet on the ground.
- Cut the surplus material after you’ve taken your measurements.
- When you’re finished, pull up the carpet.
- Apply the double-sided tape around the entire perimeter of the room.
- Place your carpet on the floor and push the edges. This will ensure that the glue adheres properly to the carpet and tile.
ProTip Takeaway: Don’t forget to use a lot of tapes. This will help the underpad to stick better to the tile. It will prevent the carpet from shifting.
Using Glue on tack strips
This is a more advisable and common method of laying carpet. This follows the same pattern as using tape. The difference is that instead of using tape, tack strips are used.
- Place the tack strips around the room’s perimeter.
- Clean the entire surface with your vacuum first. Then, using your tile cleaner, scrub the tile clean of all dirt and filth.
- After that, remove all of the nails from your tack strips. Then, using your contact cement, adhere the strips to the cement. After that, arrange the strips around the edge of the room.
- Tack strips should be 14 inches away from the tile. The distance between the floor tile and the tub should be similar. Continue to place the strips according to this measurement. After that, you must wait at least 24 hours before proceeding.
- Take the necessary measurements of your carpet and cut the carpet off any excess.
- Remove the underpad from the carpet and place it on the floor. Then, measure the size of your carpet using a ruler. Allow 4 to 5 inches of extra carpet in this area just in case. Fold the excess carpet after that.
- Now you are ready to start trimming. Start cutting with your utility knife and this way you have laid out your carpet.
Make sure you stretch the carpet after you’ve installed it. Between the tile and the strip, apply a line of latex glue. Then put the carpet down.
- Get your stair tool and stretcher ready. Begin on one side and tuck the carpet in using your stair tool. Ensure that the carpet is neatly tucked between the wall and the strip.
- Then press the carpet with your stretcher. The stretcher should be roughly a foot or two away from the wall.
Begin on one side and work your way to the other. If any bubbles or creases appear, repeat the process. Finally, your tile is covered by a carpet. (Home Arise, 2021)
ProTip Takeaway. There may come a point when you no longer want the carpet. Simply pull the carpet away from the adhesive, then peel off the adhesive from the tile.
Using Carpet Tiles
Last but not least, you can also use carpet tiles. Carpet tiles are very easy to install. They are also the most cost-effective choice. Carpet tiles are available in 24 x 24, 40 x 40, 50 x 50, 60 x 60, and 24 x 60 inches. Each tile will be in a stick-and-peel format and will not have padding underneath. If a clean finish is desired, baseboards must be removed. It is possible for the carpet tiles to be more difficult to walk on. To see how the carpet tiles will fit in the room and how different layouts will look, it is recommended that a dry run be done. After the tiles have been in the room for a day, they will have adapted to the room temperature.
Because there is no underpadding and the carpet tiles are thin, they can be more difficult to walk on. To examine how the tiles will fit in the room and to see how different layouts will look, do a dry run of the tiles.
Allow your carpet tiles to adapt to the room’s temperature and humidity levels by allowing them to sit in the room for a day. (Carpet One, 2020)
ProTip Takeaway. To completely flatten the carpet tiles to the ceramic tiles, it is a good idea to rent a 75-pound floor roller for the job.
Advantages of Using Under Padding when Installing A Carpet
It is very possible to lay the carpet directly on the tile. However, using the right backing will result in a much nicer finish. When placing carpets over tile, carpet padding, also known as carpet underlay, offers a variety of advantages.
It is important to have a substantial and comfy under-padding when installing carpet over tile. Your carpet under padding is what gives it that extra bounce.
A soft carpet and heavy underpadding can give any room a lavish touch. When it comes to the carpet height, it’s important to consider the type of flooring it will be butting up against. You should consider placing a transition strip to preserve the edging if the carpet is too high. (Home Décor Bliss, 2021)
The primary advantage is comfort. It also provides sound insulation and improves the room’s air quality over time. Carpet cushioning also hides any flaws in the tile, such as grout lines, that would otherwise be seen beneath your feet.
You can choose from a number of various types of carpet padding, as well as different levels of quality. Carpet cushioning of poor quality provides little comfort or sound isolation. It also wears down rapidly in high-traffic areas. This means any comfort you had when you first put the carpet over the tile will vanish quickly.
A rubber pad is an additional carpet cushioning option. If you have allergies, this is the greatest option, and it is also quite durable. Furthermore, if moisture is a concern, a rubber cushion can be the ideal option for your property. (CW Floors, 2019)
Look for an expert to install the carpet for you?
We hope the information provided in this article will help you to install your carpet over tile. Remember; when placing carpet over an existing tiled floor it’s important to choose a carpet with a pile like a twist pile. Also ensure that you use a good underlay, which will help to hide any bulges.
If you are in Houston, Texas, and decide to look for an expert to install the carpet for you, talk to Smart Remodeling LLC. We are a leading home remodeling firm in the region and will transform your tile floor to your liking. Visit our website for more information or call us on 832 800 8889 for a consultation.
