What are Carpet Tiles?

Carpet tiles , also known as carpet squares or modular carpet, are a modern and stylish alternative to standard carpet rolls. Though they’re much easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install on their own, they come with their own pros and cons. Often used in commercial settings, such as in schools and airports, they are becoming more and more popular in residential spaces. As you decide whether to use a carpet roll or opt for carpet tiles, consider these qualities:

Carpet tiles come in many different styles and colors. They are available in:

• various sizes
• multiple fiber types
• pile styles
• manufactured types

This means you can likely find a carpet tile equivalent for the roll of carpet you were considering or would have otherwise used in your home. Besides format, the major difference between standard carpet rolls is the tile backing material. Carpet tile backing material options include vinyl, fiberglass, vinyl/fiberglass, urethane, woven polypropylene, and recycled vinyl. Quality backing systems are important because they provide dimensional stability and help carpet tiles withstand moisture.

Along with different backing options, carpet tiles come in both non-adhesive and adhesive styles. You can find carpet tiles that either have a peel-and-stick back or require glue. Both types of tiles are ideal for do-it-yourself projects and can be removed with relative ease, should you ever need to.

When choosing carpet tiles for your room, beyond considering the color and style, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. Looking at one tile may sell you on it, but envisioning the floor as a whole will help keep the finished floor in line with your overall design scheme. If you plan on using tiles to create a pattern, envisioning the entire floor will ensure the pattern comes out how you intended. It’s also important to consider the sizes of the tiles, as they are available in multiple options. The tile size will impact the overall look of the finished floor .

Another big thing to consider when making your carpet tile decision is the manufacturer’s warranty, which will protect your investment against shrinking, buckling, and curling. When this happens to the tiles, it not only creates an eye sore, but may present a safety hazard because it is easier to trip and fall.

Carpet tiles come with a range of benefits that include:

Easier installation than standard rolled carpet. Do-it-yourself kits are available. These kits make it simple with instructions, and straightforward measurements for installation.

You can install carpet tiles right over many floor types, including wood and tile. This way, you can quickly add a new look without the renovation work required by most flooring.

Easier cleaning and care. The tiles do not require any padding or glue to install them. Individual carpet tiles can be removed for cleaning and replaced when dry. If one area of the floor becomes damaged, the tile can be replaced without replacing the entire floor.

Carpet tiles allow for freedom with design, allowing you to give more depth and texture to a room.

Many carpet tile options have enhanced stain resistance, which is especially important if you’re concerned about pet stains or young children knocking drinks over.

Carpet tiles also come with some disadvantages that are good to be aware of. These include:

The seams of the carpet tiles are more easily seen when compared to wall-to-wall carpet rolls. Without careful installation, the seams could appear uneven.

Like their carpet roll counterpart, they are not ideal for areas subject to moisture where mold and mildew may become an issue. The subfloor needs to be clean and even for the best possible installation result.

Carpet tiles can be more expensive than carpet rolls.

Just about every room in your home can benefit from the use of carpet tiles, but let’s zero in on merits of using the flooring in these spaces:

Many homeowners who have basements have experienced flooding at some point. It’s an unfortunate incident, but a common one. And if you’ve ever dealt with cleaning up after a flood, you probably had to tear up your carpet. If you still want a soft surface in your basement, carpet tiles are ideal. You can easily peel them off the floor to dry should your space ever flood. Plus, you can replace just what you need instead of the whole basement – this will save some money.

Screened-in porches and three-season rooms transition you from indoor to outdoor spaces, and they often have luxuries of both. Just like the interior of your house, your screened-in porch can have the benefits of carpet, which provides comfort, warmth, and better sound quality. Carpet squares allow you to install right over your existing deck. What’s more, options with added UV resistance will prevent fading due to sunlight.

As we already noted, you can install carpet squares right over other flooring. So, if you have a space in your home that needs the softness of carpet, consider these tiles. For instance, bedrooms and living rooms that have wood, or tile may not feel as cozy as those that have carpet. You can place your tiles right over the wood, preserving your home’s value while still providing that cozy carpet feel you’re after.

With so many beneficial features and versatility of placement, carpet tiles are an affordable and stylish flooring choice for any home. What’s more, they’re easy to install, allowing you to update your home with a quick weekend project.