Installation Instructions: Carpet Tiles/Planks
Please read the below instructions before you begin installation
Quick Reference Guide
- Installation:
- Conform to current AS 2455.1 & 2455.2 standards and these instructions
- Types of sub-floors:
- Concrete, cement sheet or timber.
- Installation system:
- Full spread pressure sensitive adhesive.
- Adhesives:
- Use Armstrong Flooring recommended adhesives as set out in the Armstrong Flooring Recommended Adhesive guide or other reputable brand adhesives that have been tested with Armstrong Flooring Carpet Tiles.
- Special Instructions:
- All Armstrong Flooring Carpet Tile and Planks are manufactured with a batch number, which is located on the product packing. Products installed in the same area should be from the same batch.
⚠️ WARNING!
Resilient floorcoverings, adhesives and underlays manufactured in or imported to Australia prior to 1 January 1984 may contain asbestos. If it cannot be definitively established that the previous floorcoverings, adhesives and/or underlay do not contain asbestos:
- You should avoid creating dust and should not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead blast or mechanically chip or pulverise the existing floorcoverings, adhesives or underlay.
- The previous flooring should only be removed by an appropriately licensed asbestos removal contractor.
To The Installer
Before cutting and installing Armstrong Flooring floor coverings inspect the materials in a well-lit area to ensure correct product, colour, pattern and quantity (as ordered), that given areas are from the same batch and there is no obvious transit damage, manufacturing defects or other visual faults. Armstrong Flooring reserves the right to refuse an adjustment or claim for materials that are cut or installed where a reasonable inspection of the materials before installation would have identified the fault.
If there is a problem or doubt of any kind, then stop immediately and call Armstrong Flooring Customer Service on 1800 632 624 (AU) or 0800 449 649 (NZ).
Do not cut or install any damaged or defective material unless accepted, agreed and approved by all parties concerned.
Job Site Preparation
Prior to installation, carpet tiles/planks and adhesive should be allowed to acclimate to job climatic conditions for at least 24 hours at 15°C to 30°C. Temperatures in areas to be covered should be maintained at a minimum 15°C to 30°C for 48 hours prior to, during and after installation.
Directional arrows are printed on the back of all tiles and planks. Carpet tiles/planks have a number of installation method/direction options. Please refer to the Technical Datasheet for the particular product for the available installation methods/directions.
The required installation method/direction should be approved by the client prior to installation. Visibility of seams may vary depending upon installation method, and product patterns may require repositioning of individual tiles or planks to avoid dark or light lines occurring at the seams, particularly if using non-directional installation styles which can result in tiles or planks displaying a greater degree of shade change. If no specific installation method is stated, it is recommended that ¼ turn installation direction is used as this will break up the reflectance angles in the installation so minimizing the visual impact of any future repairs/replacements.
Carpet Tile Installation Patterns
The following diagrams illustrate common installation patterns for carpet tiles:
- Quarter Turn: Tiles are laid in a grid, with each subsequent tile rotated 90 degrees relative to the previous one in a row, and rows are also rotated.
- Monolithic: All tiles are laid with the same orientation.
- Brick: Tiles are laid in rows, with each row offset from the previous one, similar to brickwork.
- Ashlar: A more regular offset pattern, often with a 50% offset, creating linear rows.
- Non-Directional: Tiles can be laid in any orientation without creating a noticeable pattern shift.
Carpet Plank Installation Patterns
The following diagrams illustrate common installation patterns for carpet planks:
- Ashlar: Planks are laid in an offset pattern, typically with a 50% offset.
- Herringbone: Planks are laid at a 90-degree angle to each other, forming a V-shaped pattern.
- Random Stagger: Planks are laid in a staggered pattern without a fixed offset.
Subfloors
The condition of the subfloor is critical for the appearance, life, and serviceability of the floorcovering. It is the installer's responsibility to assess and ensure all subfloors are suitable and thoroughly prepared to meet AS 2455 standards for effective adhesive bonding and longevity. The subfloor must be dry, smooth (no imperfections exceeding 1mm over 150mm), plane (no more than 4mm deviation over 2m), sound, and clean. Remedial work must be completed pre-installation. Thorough cleaning is required to remove old adhesive, grease, oil, paint, curing agents, parting compounds, or surface treatments that may adversely affect adhesion.
Concrete Subfloors
Concrete subfloors must be cured and completely dry. New slabs require at least one day of drying per mm of thickness. Slabs in contact with fill, hardcore, or the ground need a damp-proof membrane. Waterproofing additives and curing compounds do not replace a damp-proof membrane. Test concrete subfloors for moisture and alkalinity using the "hood method" for RH testing, in accordance with AS 2455.1 & 2455.2. If a moisture barrier is not used, RH levels should not exceed 70% and pH levels should be between 7 to 9. Any contaminants preventing a secure adhesive bond must be removed mechanically (e.g., diamond grinding or shot blasting).
Wooden Floors
Wooden floors must be firm, dry, and flat. Address any squeaks or movement. Timber sub-floors can be overlaid with a hard underlay or underlayment system installed according to manufacturer specifications.
Access Floors
Access floors must be secure, smooth, and level. Non-conforming access floors require assessment and repair. Armstrong Flooring recommends an offset grid set out over existing access panels, aligning carpet tile seams away from access floor joints where possible.
Heated Subfloors
Flooring can be installed over heated subfloors if the surface temperature does not exceed 28°C to prevent discolouration or material alterations. If installing over a heated subfloor:
- Turn on the heating for a minimum of 7 days prior to installation to remove residual dampness.
- Turn off heating 48 hours prior to and during installation to allow the subfloor to return to the recommended temperature range.
- Heating should not be turned on again until 48 hours after installation completion to allow adhesive to set and cure.
- Increase temperature by 2°C per day until desired temperature is achieved. Avoid maximum heating conditions for 7 days post-installation, as underfloor heating can cause localised hot spots detrimental to the adhesive bond and flooring.
Installation
- Set Out: Use a measuring tape and chalk line to find the room's centre and create perpendicular lines at a 90-degree angle. Place the first tile at this reference point for uniformity and symmetry. Adjust lines for perimeter cuts less than half a tile/plank width.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply pressure-sensitive adhesive according to manufacturer guidelines. Use a long nap roller for general low traffic areas or a new unworn V1 notch trowel for high traffic or areas with anticipated rolling loads. The installer must ensure the selected adhesive and application rate are suitable for in-service conditions. Adhesive should bond securely but allow easy uplift for maintenance/repair. Incorrect adhesive use may void the warranty. Allow adhesive to tack off completely (change from white to clear) before installing tiles; never install into wet adhesive.
- Placing the Carpet Tiles:
- Lay the first tile in the centre of the room, aligning it with reference lines.
- Press the tile firmly onto the adhesive for full contact.
- Place subsequent tiles using the pyramid method within quadrants, aligning adjacent tiles for a consistent installation. Complete each quadrant before proceeding to the next, adhering to the chosen pattern.
Note: After laying 10m² to 15m², inspect the overall effect. If acceptable, proceed. Cut and trim tiles using a utility knife. Do not cut through the tile in one action; fold the tile along the cutting line to separate the pile and expose the backing, then cut from the underside with a concave or hook blade. Use templates for columns/curved areas. Ensure minimal gaps between tiles and fixtures/walls.
- Rolling: Roll the installed carpet tiles with a 45kg roller in both directions (East/West, North/South) to ensure full contact between adhesive and tiles, and proper adhesive transfer. This prevents air pockets and gaps.
- Curing Time: Allow adhesive to cure per manufacturer recommendations. Light walking is possible after 1-2 hours; full curing may take 24-48 hours.
Installing The Carpet Tiles To Stairs
Carpet tiles and planks can be installed on stair treads and risers if the subfloor is suitably prepared. Carpet tiles/planks CANNOT be installed over the stair nose. A suitable stair nosing should be selected and installed according to its manufacturer's requirements.
- Measure and cut required riser pieces. Apply pressure-sensitive adhesive to the carpet tile/plank and substrate. Allow adhesive to tack up, then place the riser piece and roll with a hand roller for full bond.
- Measure and cut required tread pieces. Apply adhesive to the carpet tile/plank and substrate. Allow adhesive to tack up, then place the tread piece and roll with a hand roller for full bond. Installing treads after risers helps support the riser pieces.
NOTE: Depending on the stair nosing chosen, it may need to be installed before or after carpet tile riser and tread installation.
Armstrong Flooring carpet tiles/planks are not recommended for use on a separate underlay, as stability and/or performance cannot be guaranteed.
Precautions During Construction
Protect all flooring during construction using a paper-based floor protection system. For additional or solid protection, install rigid material (plywood, hardboard) over the paper-based system. Surface protection must only be applied over clean floors; do not apply tape or stick protection directly to the flooring. Do not allow water to sit on or under protection materials. If protection materials become wet, remove them immediately and allow the floor to dry before reapplying protection. Armstrong Flooring does not recommend plastic materials (e.g., builder's plastic, corflute®, sticky back carpet, vinyl protector films) for carpet floor protection during construction, as they can damage the floor. If plastic materials are required post-installation, the contractor is responsible for managing any condensation.
Post Installation
- Remove all debris and installation waste.
- Allow 48 hours before vacuuming.
- Remove all floor preparation materials and any adhesive residue from flooring and skirtings/kick boards. Adhesive residue can be removed with a clean white cloth dampened with small amounts of water or by following adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
- To allow adhesives to set and dry, avoid heavy rolling loads for at least 24 hours after installation. If rolling loads are unavoidable, protect the flooring with paper-based protection and rigid material (plywood, hardboard) to disperse the weight.
For detailed maintenance instructions, refer to the Armstrong Flooring Cleaning and Care Instructions for Carpet Tiles/Planks.
