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8 Uses for FLOR Tiles...

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...besides making an area rug. FLOR's got a good thing going on. If you tire of their carpet tiles, you can easily send them back for recycling, or you can recycle them in your own home...

 
 

Ottoman: Build a square cube from plywood that fits the dimensions of a standard FLOR tile (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 inches). Use 6 carpet tiles to cover the cube and make a modern ottoman.

Coasters: When Jessica posted Rose and Radish's Felt Coasters, AT Reader Cilantro suggested using FLOR samples for coasters. Sample packs are available from FLOR for $5.


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Cat Scratcher: Use FLOR tiles to make a DIY version of this Modern Cat Scratcher, or cover staggered shelves in carpet tiles to make an indoor playground for your pet.

Chair Mat: Cut a FLOR tile to fit the seat of a flat, standard chair. Make a matching set for a group of dining chairs.


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Shoe Rack: Line a low shelf or landing strip with FLOR tiles to make a shoe rack. If the carpet gets dirty from your shoes, you can wash the tiles in the sink, or send them back for recycling and buy new ones.

Side Table: Use patterned FLOR tiles on top of a basic side table (like the ubiquitous IKEA Lack Table). The tiles will add texture and color, and you won't need to use coasters on the table.


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Wallpaper: Use FLOR tiles on the wall (nail them up at each corner) to cover an alcove or small space with textured pattern. The composite backing on the tiles will also slightly soundproof the wall.

FLOR Tray: Cut down a carpet tile to line a tray. The tiles add texture and act as a trivet, while the rubbery backing keeps the liner in place.

When using FLOR for DIY projects, keep in mind that the following surfaces aren't compatible with the tiles: carpeted/padded floors, hand painted/vintage finishes, unfinished waxed floors, and un-sealed concrete. For more information, click here.

All Photos: FLOR

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rugs & carpets, DIY, FLOR

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Comments (15)

do you think you could use them as a bulletin board for the wall?

posted by Joan in SB on April 15th 2008 at 9:01am
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Joan, I think you could use them as a bulletin board, although they probably won't hold thumbtacks as well as cork board.

posted by sarah c on April 15th 2008 at 9:07am
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Great idea, Joan. I have a sample and just tried sticking a tack in it...success!

posted by hazel8 on April 15th 2008 at 9:07am
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These are great ideas. I wonder if they would work well for a headboard?

posted by 2lastnames on April 15th 2008 at 9:11am
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They're selling the shirtstripe in the upper righthand corner for $47.99/6 at Overstock.com.

posted by hejiranyc on April 15th 2008 at 9:17am
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Hazel8 .. was the flor hanging up or at least standing up when you put the tack in ? It's a great idea..instead of using cork board and perhaps a tad cheaper?

posted by AT4H on April 15th 2008 at 9:19am
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some Targets were clearancing their box of 6 tiles for $15!!

posted by selena on April 15th 2008 at 9:20am
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If anyone's in the design or construction trades you can probably get carpet tile samples from any of the major manufacturers--Tandus, Shaw, Milliken, etc. Great resources (and selection) if you only want one or two tiles, and you can sometimes get them gratis.

Also, design firms are often drowning in old samples and might be happy to have them taken off their hands--more recycling! (I did a 12'x9' area rug that way once!)

posted by rockypondgirl on April 15th 2008 at 9:25am
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I have also used my samples as coasters by cutting them into smaller squares or circles and they have worked quite well.

I also use the samples cut to shape (but slightly ever so slightly larger) under reed scent diffusers that are around my house. A few times I have had the diffuser oils drip onto furniture and leave small stains and this prevents that from happening.

Last but not least, I pieced together several samples with the Flor Dots and have made inexpensive and unique doormats.

posted by P.T. on April 15th 2008 at 9:28am
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I have been using wood floor samples as trivets.

posted by jenzoe on April 15th 2008 at 9:53am
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re trivets: Would Flor samples work as a trivet for really hot pans and baking dishes? I've got a dozen samples and have often thought of using them for this purpose, but I'm afraid that the synthetic fibers would melt and glue themselves to whatever I set on them.

posted by missuswayne on April 15th 2008 at 10:09am
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Does anyone think I could use these tiles to upholster a very square lounge chair? Probably not, right? The edges would be a nightmare.

posted by Easyenough on April 15th 2008 at 10:46am
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I made a floor mat with my samples!

posted by orangejuce on April 15th 2008 at 10:53am
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I am rather excited by the idea of using the tiles on the landing strip or a table there to house shoes. Nice.

posted by deepa on April 15th 2008 at 11:24am
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"re trivets: Would Flor samples work as a trivet for really hot pans and baking dishes? I've got a dozen samples and have often thought of using them for this purpose, but I'm afraid that the synthetic fibers would melt and glue themselves to whatever I set on them."

Bad idea - They'll melt...

posted by bepsf on April 15th 2008 at 11:43am
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