Advantages of Carpet Tiles over Traditional Carpeting

Sometimes referred to as carpet squares, carpet tiles are the choice for many savvy commercial property owners today who have soured on the cumbersome and demanding nature of traditional broadloom carpets. Here are seven reasons that justify the rising popularity of carpet tiles in commercial spaces.

• Logistics

Unlike traditional carpet rolls that weigh as much as 600 pounds for a 100x12 foot roll, a bundle of commercial carpet tiles (6 to 12 pieces of 12” to 18” tiles bundled together) is lightweight and can be easily transported from one place to the other.

• Storage

Beyond the basic logistics, there is also storage to consider. A bundle or two of leftover carpet tiles can be discreetly stacked in a storage room or closet. On the other hand, storing a roll of leftover carpet is more of a challenge. Regardless of the length, a roll of carpet will always be 12 feet wide, which is too large for most closets and certainly not discreet.

• Small Spaces

The standard 12 feet wide roll of carpet is a good choice for wide-open spaces, but not ideal for the much smaller spaces common in so many offices. Closets and hallways become a challenge when dealing with an unwieldy roll of carpet. The small size of carpet tiles has a clear advantage here.

• Waste

Being small is also an advantage that ensures carpet tiles minimize waste, which ultimately saves money. Carpet tiles purchased in bundles of 6-12 squares ensures that there will be just enough carpet to finish the job, while the leftover carpet can be significantly reduced. An average flooring project that utilizes carpet tiles may end up with as little as 5% waste.

• Design Aesthetics

There is little flexibility in design when using traditional carpeting. The only opportunity for creativity is in choosing the color and length. Carpet tiles, on the other hand, provide ample opportunities for creativity. Beyond the obvious color and length, carpet tiles also have the advantage of coming in a variety of sizes. The discrete nature of carpet tiles allows for the use of multiple colors and sizes, as well as having the ability to alter the orientation.

• Installation

Traditional carpet requires padding, adhesive, and tack strips that require extensive labor in cutting, trimming, gluing, binding, and stretching for proper installation. All too often, it is a job best left to expensive professionals. Carpet tile installation is far easier. Tiles are simply laid in place on the floor and trimmed to fit. No special glues or adhesives are required, and they will not damage the underlying floor. Nearly anyone can install carpet tiles, which explains their popularity with the DIY crowd.

• Repair

If the traditional carpet becomes worn or stained, there are few solutions. In the past, throw rugs or furniture would be used to cover up the problem areas, eventually requiring the entire carpet to be replaced. When carpet tiles are used, if they become damaged or soiled, they are simple to pull up and replace. Soiled tiles can be removed and washed separately without the need for specialized carpet cleaning equipment, and if they are too dirty or damaged, they can be discarded and replaced with new tiles.

The Last Word

The development of modern carpet tiles has been a hit with consumers. The reasons are obvious from logistics, ease of storage, reduced waste, DIY installation, simple repairs, and flexibility in design, just to name a few. Today, carpet tiles are fast becoming the preferred choice for a variety of commercial flooring projects.

212Carpet.com is a family owned business that has been in the floor covering industry for over 28 years.