Carpet Tile Delivery Inspection Checklist
TL;DR
When carpet tiles arrive, compare the delivery note with the order, count cartons, read style and colour labels, photograph visible damage and put the material in a dry, protected storage area. Open representative cartons according to the project's receiving procedure and compare the actual tiles with the approved sample. Record shortages or wrong items before installation, then agree the next action with the supplier and installer.
Get the order and approved sample ready
The fastest inspection starts before the vehicle arrives: have the purchase order, approved series and colour code, planned quantity, delivery note contact and a camera ready. Assign one person to record findings so labels and photos stay linked to the right pallet or carton.
A receiving signature follows the contract or carrier process. It does not answer whether the subfloor is ready or whether the installed pattern will look right; the installer checks those separately.
Inspect the shipment in four passes
| Pass | What to check | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Count | Pallets and cartons against the delivery note; look for missing or extra cartons. | Counts, delivery reference and where material was placed. |
| 2. Labels | Product/style code, colourway, module and batch or lot information shown on cartons. | Photos of representative labels and any mixed codes or lots. |
| 3. Packaging | Crushed corners, wet marks, broken wrap, punctures and contamination. | Photos before moving or opening affected cartons. |
| 4. Tiles | With the authorized sample opening, compare face, backing, size and edges to the approved sample. | Which cartons were opened, visible differences and who reviewed them. |
Store the tiles until installation
Keep cartons dry, clean and flat in a space protected from weather and other trades. Follow the selected product's current storage, stacking and conditioning instructions; CRI 104 cautions against moisture, soil and heavy stacking of carpet tile pallets unless the manufacturer approves it.
Do not assume a sound-looking carton means every tile is sound. If an edge, colour or code is in doubt, isolate the affected cartons and contact the supplier before those tiles become part of the floor.
Resolve differences before laying tiles
- Match cartons and labels to the purchase order and approved finish schedule.
- Record quantities, labels, storage location and damage with dated photos.
- Inspect an agreed sample of tiles before the installer starts laying the area.
- Keep uncertain or damaged material apart and contact the supplier promptly under the contract procedure.
- Release the correct, reviewed material to the installer together with the layout and care instructions.
Plan spare carpet tiles · Read installation layout guidance · Ask about an order
Frequently asked questions
What do I check first on carpet tile delivery?
The quantity, product/style code and colourway against the order, followed by packaging condition and an agreed tile sample.
Why photograph carton labels?
Labels connect a physical carton to the product, colour and any batch information supplied. Photos make later reconciliation easier.
Can I install a tile from a crushed carton?
Separate the carton and inspect the tiles with the supplier and installer before deciding. Visible packaging damage needs a recorded review.
Where should spare tiles go?
Keep them dry and labelled with the product and colour, following the selected product's storage guidance, so facilities staff can find them later.
Sources & further reading
- Carpet and Rug Institute — CRI 104 Commercial Carpet Installation
- Interface — Carpet Tile Product Inspection
Figures attributed to other manufacturers are their own published values, quoted for context. Different laboratories, sample build-ups and substrates are not directly comparable.