Whether you're repairing existing carpet tiles or installing them for the first time, you need the best adhesive for the job. Not all glues are strong enough to hold carpet tiles into place permanently, so we have taken the liberty of finding the best carpet adhesives on the market. You'll find our numbered list below.
These top 10 carpet tile adhesives have been highly rated and recommended by customers and professionals. You will find these products hold up in high traffic areas, and some are even suitable for outdoor use.
- Roberts 6300 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
- 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive
- 3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Permanent Bond
- Henry 356 Multi-Pro Carpet and Sheet Vinyl Adhesive
- DAP Weldwood Floor Tile Adhesive
- Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
- Titebond Indoor/Outdoor Carpet and Tile Adhesive
- Duck Tape Indoor/Outdoor Carpet Adhesive
- Sugarman Creations Strongest Carpet Tape
- RecPro Marine Grade Floor Glue
That's not all; there is still lots to learn about carpet tile installation. Keep reading to find out if you have to glue down carpet tiles, if you can glue down peel and stick carpet tiles if you can use spray adhesive, and much more.
What to Know When Choosing Carpet Glue/Adhesive
When deciding on carpet glues and adhesives, there are a few things you should consider. Not all glues are made for carpet, and not all carpet adhesives are recommended for the same purposes. The following are factors to consider when choosing carpet glue and other adhesives:
- Purpose and Location
- Type of Flooring
- Open Time/Working Time
- Oil-Based vs. Water-Based
- Moisture Content
Purpose
Before choosing an adhesive, you should make sure it is suitable for the purpose for which you intend it. If you are applying carpet tiles in your living room, your needs will differ from those of someone installing outdoor carpet tiles. If your carpet tiles are located in a high-traffic area, you'll need a more durable adhesive. Likewise, if you are applying carpet to a boat, you'll want to choose marine-grade glue.
Type of Flooring
Take note of the floor to which you will be adhering the carpet tiles. Some glues are suitable for hardwood, while others are not. Some glues are not suitable for concrete or vinyl. Therefore, you should check those specifications before purchasing a product.
Open Time/Working Time
It's important to know the difference between open time and working time and plan accordingly. A glue's open time is the maximum amount of time you have after applying the glue before placing the carpet tile. On the other hand, working time is the timeframe in which you can reposition your carpet tiles after laying them. If this is your first time installing carpet, you should probably select an adhesive with the highest working time so that you will have plenty of room for trial and error.
Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based
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Water-based carpet glues will not last as long as solvent-based solutions. However, if you want an adhesive that does not give off toxic fumes, water-based is the way to go. Though, you may be giving up durability when choosing this more health-conscious, environmentally friendly solution.
Solvent-based adhesives are made for long-term projects and hold up well against chemicals used in cleaning supplies. High-traffic areas won't be a problem for solvent-based products, but you will have to endure the off-gassing until the glue is completely cured.
Some products have a very low solvent content, creating less off-gassing. It won't be as strong as a completely solvent-based adhesive, but it is still more durable and longer-lasting than water-based glues.
Moisture Content
Is there a high moisture content in the room in which you will be installing carpet tiles? If so, you will need a marine-grade adhesive.
10 Best Glues and Adhesives for Carpet Tiles
No. 1 - Roberts 6300 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
This adhesive is easy to use and only bonds once pressure is applied. It can be easily repositioned in case of mistakes and features moisture control up to 10 pounds. Roberts 6300 is for indoor use only and bonds with a wide range of materials.
You can purchase Roberts 6300 Adhesive on Amazon.
No. 2 - 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive
3M Super 77 Spray is an industrial-grade adhesive that works well on almost any surface. While this spray is repositionable, it's important to note that it is a fast-drying formula with a very short work time. It is listed for use by industrial professionals only.
You can purchase 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive on Amazon.
No 3 - 3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Permanent Bond
3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray offers a permanent bond with less off-gassing, making it safer and more environmentally friendly. It is ideal for small projects as well as construction work. 3M 90 spray is both moisture and temperature-resistant. However, its fast-drying formula gives very little time for repositioning.
You can purchase 3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Permanent Bond on Amazon.
No 4 - Henry 356 Multi-Pro Carpet and Sheet Vinyl Adhesive
Henry 356 Carpet Adhesive is moisture and low temperature resistant. It has a very low chemical content and puts off minor fumes and odor. It also offers excellent open/work times.
You can find Henry 356 on Amazon.
No. 5 - DAP Weldwood Floor Tile Adhesive
DAP Weldwood Floor Adhesive is latex-based and water-resistant but labeled for indoor use only. It spreads easily and is easy to reposition. The low-odor formula makes it safer and more environmentally friendly than other solvent-based products.
Find DAP Weldwood Adhesive on Amazon.
No. 6 - Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
Liquid Nails is a heavy-duty construction adhesive that can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. It is a low solvent-based solution, giving off fewer chemicals and fumes. It has an outstanding open/work time of 30 minutes. Liquid Nails is water-resistant and extremely durable.
You can purchase Liquid Nails on Amazon.
No. 7 - Titebond Indoor/Outdoor Carpet and Tile Adhesive
Titebond Carpet Adhesive is a water-based product that is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It is water-resistant and does not give off fumes or an odor. Its professional-grade strength makes it ideal for all your carpeting needs.
You can find Titebond Carpet and Tile Adhesive on Amazon.
No. 8 - Duck Tape Indoor/Outdoor Carpet Adhesive
You've likely heard the saying, "Duck Tape fixes everything." Now, carpet is no exception. Duck Tape now makes an indoor/outdoor carpet tape that is easy to use and not as messy as glues. Its water-resistant qualities make it perfect for high moisture and outdoor areas, and it sticks to both rough and smooth surfaces. The hot-melt adhesive makes it a strong, permanent bond for all weather conditions, and it is ideal for high-traffic areas.
You can get Duck Tape Carpet Adhesive on Amazon.
No. 9 - Sugarman Creations Strongest Carpet Tape
If you're skeptical about carpet tape, try Sugarman Creations Strongest Carpet Tape. It comes with a money-back guarantee, and manufacturers claim professional carpet layers can use it. It offers a long-lasting hold ideal for high-traffic areas.
You can purchase Sugarman Creations Carpet Tape on Amazon.
No. 10 - RecPro Marine Grade Floor Glue
For a strong, marine-grade, water-based floor glue, you need RecPro Marine. It's ideal for boats and RVs but can also be used on other surfaces. However, it is not recommended for fiberglass or aluminum. This glue is easily applied with a paint roller.
You can find RecPro Marine Grade Floor Glue on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Glue/Adhesive for Carpet Tiles?
While all of the above adhesives work well on carpet tiles, Henry is the brand most recommended by consumers. You can also try Henry 663 if you are installing your carpet tiles outside. It has a powerful bond, and it's water-resistant.
Will Spray Adhesive Work on Carpet?
Spray adhesive, such as 3M Super 77, works well on carpet. However, not all adhesive sprays are strong enough to hold up to everyday use and high traffic areas. Pay close attention to the specifications before using spray adhesives on your carpet tiles because most will not hold up. You'll notice that 3M Super 77 Spray and 3M Super 90 Spray are both marketed for use by industrial professionals only.
Can You Glue Carpet Tiles to Concrete?
In most cases, yes, you can glue carpet tiles to concrete. Before doing so, read the specifications to make sure your glue is suitable for concrete surfaces. Before adhering, you'll need to make sure the floor is clean, dry, and level. If the concrete is not level, you can use a self-leveling floor compound to even it out.
You can find self-leveling floor compounds on Amazon.
How Do You Apply Pressure Sensitive Adhesive to Carpet Tiles?
When applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to carpet tiles, you'll spread the substance on the floor using a trowel. The recommended size of the trowel will vary from product to product, so make sure you read the instructions. Check the open time before spreading to ensure you give yourself plenty of time to lay the tiles. Once the adhesive is spread evenly across the floor, you will gently place the carpet tiles on top of the adhesive.
You can find a variety of trowels on Amazon.
Do Carpet Tiles Have to be Glued Down?
Not all carpet tiles have to be glued down. Some come with a peel-and-stick backing, making them easy to apply. If the carpet tiles do not already contain adhesive, it's important to glue them down. If you don't, the tiles will not stay in place, and you risk someone slipping and getting hurt.
You can find peel-and-stick carpet tiles on Amazon.
However, if you prefer a less permanent flooring option, you can install floating carpet tiles. These tiles do not adhere to the floor. Instead, they link together, similarly to how puzzle pieces work. Although, it may be a good idea to tape the outer edges to avoid movement. Floating tiles are an excellent choice for renters.
You can purchase interlocking carpet tiles on Amazon.
Can Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles be Glued Down?
While peel-and-stick tiles are designed for simplicity, some prefer to use extra glue to ensure the tiles are stuck permanently to the floor. Sometimes this is an option; however, some peel-and-stick tiles cannot be used with other types of glue because the adhesives will react negatively. Before adding extra glue, read the manufacturer's recommendations.
Summary
Installing carpet tiles for the first time can be intimidating, and if you aren't careful, you could end up with a sticky mess and tiles that won't last long. By following the above guidelines and choosing the right carpet glue, you can turn carpet tile installation into an easy project.
Don't forget to check out our blog for more great tips on installing carpet. This one will show you how to install carpet on stairs, and this one will discuss the pros and cons of carpet in the basement.
