What Surfaces Can I Install Carpet Tiles Over?

Carpet tiles are a highly versatile and popular flooring choice. You can often install carpet tiles in spaces where traditional carpet wouldn’t be an ideal choice. But before you buy carpet tiles, it’s important to understand just where you can and can’t install them. We’ll highlight some of the possible carpet installation surfaces to help you determine if carpet tiles are the right route for your project.

What Carpet Installation Surfaces Can You Use Carpet Tiles On?

At Greatmats, we carry a wide variety of carpet tile types suitable for installation on many different surfaces.

• Over tile: Carpet tile can be installed over hard, flat surfaces like tile.


• Over concrete: Carpet tiles can be installed over concrete, and many tiles won’t require the use of an underlayment.


• Over hardwood: While carpet tiles can be installed over hardwood, consider the type of tile you choose carefully. Tiles with a plastic base could scratch the hardwood, while rubber-based tiles could stain the surface.


• Over vinyl: Similar to a hardwood subfloor, carefully choose the type of tile you use. Carpet tiles with a plastic base could scratch the vinyl, and rubber base tiles could stain.


• Over padding: If you have a padded surface, like a rubber underlay, you can install plastic base tiles over the surface. In most cases, it’s not necessary to install carpet tiles over padding, and you should avoid doing so with glue-down and peel-and-stick carpet tiles. Most carpet tile installation instructions don’t recommend installing the tiles over padding.


• Over existing carpet: Only carpet tile modular squares can be installed over existing carpet. Other carpet tile types need to be installed over other surfaces.


• Over laminate: You can install most types of carpet tiles over laminate, but rubber base tiles could stain the laminate.


• Over heated floors: Plastic raised base tiles are the best choice when installing them over heated floors. All carpet tile types are fine for this type of installation, but tiles other than the plastic raised base tiles will make the heated floors less efficient.

While these surfaces give you a starting point for your installation, it’s always important to refer to the installation instructions for the specific product you’re using.

What Types of Carpet Tiles Can Be Installed On Different Surfaces?

While the carpet installation surfaces highlighted above are certainly options for your project, certain carpet tiles are best suited for installation over certain surfaces. Carpet tile design and construction differ, which can affect where you can install each type of tile.



*These tiles could stain the subfloor, so use them with caution.

Installing Carpet Tiles Over Padding

Most carpet tiles don’t require any padded surface, so be sure to refer to the installation instructions that came with your tiles to see if installing them over padding is appropriate.

Installing Carpet Tiles Over Existing Carpet

If you have an existing carpeted surface, then only the Carpet Tiles Modular Squares are suitable for the installation.

Carpet Tiles Suitable for Many Installation Types at Greatmats

At Greatmats, we carry an excellent selection of carpet tiles that can be installed over many different surfaces. Consider these popular products for your next project.

Carpet Tiles Modular Squares

The Carpet Tiles Modular Squares are a plastic base carpet tile suitable for use in basements, offices, entryways, laundry rooms, trade shows, and more.

Royal Interlocking Carpet Tile

The Royal Interlocking Tile, a foam-backed carpet tile, is ideal for basements, trade show booths, home theaters, and game rooms.

Waterhog Carpet Tile

The Waterhog Carpet Tile is a rubber-backed tile designed for high-traffic entrances, like those in schools and commercial lobbies.

Smart Transformation Crochet Carpet Tiles

Smart Transformation Crochet Carpet Tiles feature a peel-and-stick backing and can be used in homes and offices.

Easy Street Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles

The Easy Street Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles are ideal for residential use, including in bedrooms, family rooms, and basements.

Order Carpet Tiles at Greatmats

These carpet tiles and more are available at Greatmats, and we’re happy to help you determine which tile is right for your planned installation. Contact our customer service team today with any questions or to place your order.