Carpeting over floor tiles

samsam89

Morning all!

Currently in the latter stages of purchasing our first house and just waiting for exchange!

We're toying with ideas on what to do re: flooring downstairs as it's an open plan kitchen/dining/living room.

As it's a private little set of 4 new build's, we negotiated a lower price with an agreement that we would install our own carpets upstairs and hall/landing.

My Mrs now has it in her head that she'd like to have half of the downstairs carpeted and leave the other half tiled as it currently is, otherwise we feel that it could be quite cold underfoot.

Is it possible to do this? We don't want to damage the tiles as we want the possibility of reverting back to them in the future if we (or another owner) so wish.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-33142533.html

Thanks!

aggypanthus

Thats a lovely house.

I would be happy to have it carpeted over tiles, with a good underlay. It will raise the level where carpet meets remaining tile, so check that you can get a suitable carpet to tile , edging strip, a door bar wont be long enough, but they prob do a longer strip.
I expect gripper rods can be glued to the tiles at the edges.
If in doubt ask a carpet fitter.

samsam89

The join where carpet and tile meet was my main concern. Also, I've read somewhere that carpeting over tiles can create indentations on the carpet over time from where the grout line shows through. Surely a good underlay would solve that problem?

Xeorix

You're issue is going to be joining the tile to the carpet.

I'd suggest calling a carpenter to ask their advice, however since we're in the process or carpeting our house, I'll let you know why I don't think its going to be possible.

Joining carpet to carpet, or carpet to tile/wood requires a joining strip. These are usually screwed into the floor, so I am not sure how you're going to do this without damaging the tile.

Gripper rods are going to be needed too and these are usually pinned into the floorboards. In this case, you're going to have to glue them down with some extremely strong adhesive. This stuff, if done correctly, will be a nightmare to get off. I'd be impressed if it came off without scratching/damaging the tile in some way.

In addition, you're going to need some decent underlay to prevent any indentation and for insulation. That alone is around 11m, plus your carpet at 11m.
You would be adding another 2-3cm on top of the tile, so you will end up with a drop in the floor. Not to mention your skirting board where it's been carpeted is going to be shorter, so you will be able to notice that tiles have just been carpeted over.

Even if you could do it, do you really want to? It's going to look a bit odd.

I wouldn't worry about resale value too much. Tiles in the kitchen, yes, but in the lounge? Unless it's an ultra modern house, I don't think prospective buyers are going to be put off too much by the carpet and having no tiles underneath

If you were going to carpet the entire room, without caring about the tile condition underneath then it's easily possible, but to do half a room, on top of existing tiles, and wanting to keep them in good condition.. I wouldn't advise it personally!

aggypanthus

A ply base could go on top, then underlay, then carpet, but as post above, its gonna be too high.

Why dont you make it simple and get a large roomsize rug or 2?

samsam89

I see what you mean about it being too high. Even if it were possible, I don't really fancy having to raise skirting boards. Just wouldn't look right.

I suppose that's a possibility. I actually think a room size rug would work better than full carpet visually. Thanks for suggestion .

iwanna

Beautiful house, and the tiled look really suits your downstairs rooms. I second the idea of large rugs to 'zone' areas. It will look stunning !

aggypanthus

Good prices here. Remember, wool rugs shed a lot of fibres, I have one, but its worth it.

thescouselander

I don't think this will be a problem. If you think about it floorboards, which is what the majority of carpet is laid on, is as uneven as tiles if not more so. I think it would be a good idea to use good underlay though.

The other thing is that underlay is normally stapled down. I assume its possible to glue it instead but it might be a good idea to check the glue will come off if you potentially want to bring the tiles back.

I'd second the idea of rugs though. We have solid floors downstairs and they are cold but we've got some large rugs down which helps a lot.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

remember, if you raise the floor level, you may find that the bottom of the doors will leave a 'sweep' mark on carpets, so may have to trim bottom of doors or use riser hinges.

ispookie666

Not sure if this helps.
Our house had laminate flooring done by the previous owners - complete botch job - might be a DIY. Our feet were cold all the time (looked like absolutely no insulation)
I bought carpet remnants from one of the carpet shops - 4x5 m and 3x4 m for our two main rooms - got them whipped and put some underlay - used carpet tape to secure them. It cost me around 200 and a few hours of work.

PS: This is a temporary thing before I change all of my house's flooring. But it looks so nice that am having second thought