How to Install Carpet Tiles — Full Guide (Grid, Corner & Floating Methods)

Installing carpet tiles is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform any space. Whether you’re refreshing a basement, upgrading an office, or making a family room safer and warmer, carpet tiles give you professional-looking results — even as a DIY project.

In this guide, we’ll cover two proven installation methods:

• Option 1: Grid Method (using double-sided carpet tile tape to adhere tiles to the floor)

• Option 2: Corner Method (floating tiles with only corners taped, no adhesive to the subfloor)

Both methods are simple, safe, and perfect for homeowners, renters, and commercial spaces.

Option 1: Grid Method – Adhering Carpet Tiles to the Floor

Using double-sided carpet tile tape ensures a secure, professional hold without messy glue or permanent adhesive.

What You’ll Need

• Carpet Tiles

• Carpet Tile Tape (double-sided, residue-free)

• Tape Measure

• Straight Edge or T-Square

• Utility Knife

• Cardboard box or scrap wood (to cut on)

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Measure the length and width of the room to determine how many carpet tiles you’ll need. Always add 10% extra to account for mistakes, trimming, and future replacements.

Step 2: Prepare the Floor

Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level. Sweep or vacuum away dust, and if necessary, use a self-leveling compound to smooth uneven floors. A clean surface = stronger tape adhesion.

Step 3: Dry-Fit the Tiles

Lay tiles out without tape to test your layout. Align patterns or arrows on the back of tiles for consistency. Adjust until you’re satisfied with the look.

Step 4: Cut Tiles as Needed

Use a T-square to mark straight lines. Cut tiles with a sharp utility knife on a safe surface (cardboard or scrap wood). Clean cuts help tiles fit snugly against walls or around corners.

Step 5: Apply Double-Sided Carpet Tile Tape

• Run strips of carpet tile tape around the boarder of the room and across the middle. Then apply strips diagonally across the floor from middle to the corner of the room about 10 inches apart.

• Press tape firmly onto the subfloor, leaving the protective paper on top until ready.

• Cut the tape with a utility knife (not scissors)

Step 6: Install Tiles

Peel back the protective paper as you go (don’t expose the whole floor at once). Place each tile firmly on the sticky tape, aligning edges tightly. Each tile should overlap at least two strips of tape for maximum hold. Start at the middle of the room if your carpet tile has a pattern. If it's random pattern you don't need to start in the middle of the room.

Step 7: Cut the Tiles

If you need to cut tiles to fit around corners or obstacles, use a straight edge or T-square to mark a straight line and then cut along the line with a utility knife.

Step 8: Press and Finish

Once tiles are in place, walk and roll over them with a rolling pin to ensure even adhesion. Add extra tape in high-traffic spots.

Step 9: Enjoy Your New Floor

Your carpet tiles are secure, stylish, and ready for use immediately. No fumes, no curing time, no mess.

👉 Get Carpet Tile Tape Here

Video: How to install carpet tiles with double sided tape