Can You Put Carpet Tiles On Laminate Flooring? 6 Things You Should Know

Individually, carpet tiles and laminate flooring have great qualities that make them ideal flooring options. But do they go together? 

Putting carpet tiles on laminate flooring isn’t recommended because they won’t adhere adequately. The smooth finish of a laminate floor may cause the carpet tiles to slide off. Also, the carpet adhesive may damage the laminate floor underneath, and trapped moisture could cause mold issues.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about putting carpet tiles on laminate and other types of flooring.

Carpet Tiles and Laminate Flooring

Putting carpet tiles over laminate flooring is an expensive venture that isn’t worth the time or effort. You may also have to conduct regular stretching because of the frequent carpet warping, which creates a tripping hazard.

Due to continuous foot traffic and moisture, the seal between the laminate floor and carpet tiles is destroyed over a shorter time. A severe mold problem could ensue when moisture is trapped between the layers. 

Additionally, putting carpet tiles over your laminate flooring could render it unusable in the future because of the damage to its lustrous coating.

If you still want to add carpet tiles to your space, I recommend removing the laminate flooring first. You may attach the carpet tiles directly to the base floor. This is a relatively manageable project that you can undertake without hiring a professional.

● Can Carpet Tiles Go on an Uneven Floor?

Carpet tiles can’t go on an uneven floor. Installing these tiles on an uneven floor causes safety issues and reduces their durability. It also makes the carpet tile installation unsightly.

Here’s exactly what will happen if you put carpet tiles on an uneven floor:

• They won’t adhere properly.
• It will accelerate the wearing process.
• It’s a trip hazard. 
• The carpet will look uneven.

If your floor has become uneven over time due to wear and tear of the subfloor or poor installation, apply a self-leveling underlayment before carpet tile installation.

A self-leveling underlayment is a cement-based compound used to even out floors. There are two types: water-based and acrylic. You could make it or buy a ready-made product. I recommend buying it if you don’t have much experience making it. 

Before applying the self-leveling underlayment, clean the floor thoroughly, then use a primer. Prepare the compound with cold water to prevent premature drying.

If using a self-leveling compound isn’t an option, there are other options you can use to even out the floor, including:

• Using an underlay as the subfloor (for severely damaged floors).
• Plywood (use varying thicknesses of plywood depending on the size of the gaps).
• Manually chip off rough spots and sand them to create a level floor. This should be a last resort because it can damage the floor.

● Can Carpet Tiles Go Over Ceramic Tiles?

Carpet tiles can go over ceramic tiles. You can install them permanently or semi-permanently. Permanent installation involves strong adhesives, which will damage the ceramic tiles during carpet removal. Semi-permanent installation doesn’t use harsh adhesives and won’t destroy the ceramic tiles.

For tenants and anyone who wants to retain their ceramic tiles in usable conditions, I recommend installing carpet tiles semi-permanently to prevent damaging your floor. Just lay the carpet tiles from wall to wall like an area rug. Consider using interlocking carpet tiles because they have more stability.

Before installing carpet tiles, check that the floor is in good condition, and conduct repairs where necessary. 

● Pros and Cons of Installing Carpet Tiles on Ceramic Tiles

The good:

• It insulates against the cold ceramic floor.
• The tiles offer a softer landing.
• Carpet tiles act as a sound barrier.
• It adds to the floors’ esthetic appeal.

The bad:

• They may keep pulling apart if you don’t glue them down.
• They may pose a trip hazard due to the pulling apart.
• Carpet tiles are relatively more challenging to clean than ceramic tiles and more likely to trap odors
• Frayed edges are a common problem.

● Can Carpet Tiles Go Over Concrete?

Carpet tiles can go over concrete. Before installation, the concrete should be cleaned, dried, and sealed to prevent mold growth. Don’t install carpet tiles over the old carpet or underlay because it will cause bumps and ridges. If the floors are uneven, apply a self-leveling compound.

Installing carpet tiles over concrete floors has several benefits:

• Carpet tiles insulate against cold concrete flooring.
• It makes the home or office safer by providing a softer landing.
• It’s a great way to break the monotony of plain, concrete floors (there are many vibrant designs available).

Concrete floors can accommodate different types of carpet tiles, but experts recommend the following:

• Interlocking carpet tiles (also called puzzle tiles)
• Raised carpet tiles
• High-friction coated carpet tiles

● Can Carpet Tiles Be Used as Area Rugs?

Carpet tiles can be used as area rugs. You can use them to create area rugs of various shapes and sizes. That goes for left-over carpet tiles from previous projects, too. With a bit of creativity, you can use leftover pieces to create custom area rugs customized to your decor.

Making area rugs using left-over carpet tiles is a cost-effective way to decorate your space. And, you can easily replace stained or damaged pieces without throwing out the whole carpet.

Be sure to secure the carpet tiles using carpet seaming tape. This will keep the rug in place and prevent trips and falls.

Final Thoughts

When installing carpet tiles on various floor types, you must understand the potential repercussions. These include:

• Rendering the floor underneath unusable in the future.
• Creating a trip hazard.
• Accelerating the wear and tear process of the floor or carpet.
• Damaging rental property and incurring extra costs.

Implement additional safety measures such as wearing protective clothing and working in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling fumes from carpet tiles adhesives. You should only use adhesive explicitly made for carpet tile installation. If you’re not an expert, I recommend working with one for the best results.