If you’re looking for a fantastic alternative to traditional carpets, then think about using carpet tiles. These can give the same look as traditional broadloom carpets but have some significant advantages particularly if you are considering flooring for a room with high family activity and the presence of children and/or pets or even areas of high daily wear and tear, such as in the commercial sector. They can even add a unique element to your interior design scheme, which may not be achievable with conventional wall-to-wall carpeting.

What are Carpet Tiles?

Carpet tiles are made up of the same materials as normally-bonded carpet but come in ‘squares’, usually in a set size, and of varying thickness. They may not have as dense a pile as normal rolled carpet but this does not affect their function. They come in an endless variety of patterns and colours which makes them a delight to work with when decorating with a specific colour scheme in mind.

Where can I use Carpet Tiles?

Carpet tiles are generally suitable for any room in the house although it may be a good idea to avoid using them in basement areas due to a potential to attract mildew. They can be installed over any surface that is clean and dry.

What are their Advantages?

The great advantage of carpet tiles is when it comes to repair, as just the damaged areas can be replaced through the exchange of a few select new tiles for old, worn or damaged ones. Remember to buy a few replacement tiles when initially installing the tiles as this way you can get an exact match in colour and design when you come to replace any damaged areas. You can even swap tiles around in a room to even out the wear, thus, the tiles under furniture can be exchanged for the ones by the doorway.

Another advantage of carpet tiles is the easy access they provide to under-floor wiring and even plumbing. Furthermore, they are very hard-wearing and easy to clean, making them especially suitable for children’s play areas and rooms. Their bright colours and variety of styles and patterns appeal to children and make designing the children’s floor schemes an easy task.

How about Installation?

One of the great attractions of carpet tiles is their ease of installation which makes them a favourite choice with DIY enthusiasts. Not only do you not have to worry about expensive installation costs but the normally awkward and messy job of carpet installation is transformed into a simple and quick process: fewer special tools are required and the installation process takes less time overall. The usual tools involved are double-sided carpet tape, a sharp Stanley knife with a heavy duty blade, a pencil or chalk marker and some form of straight edge, together with a cutting board and a tape measure. Most carpet tiles will either be dry-backed, which will require a special adhesive, or have a self-sticking backing. As they have this special backing, the usual carpet underlay will not be needed, however, it is very important to ensure that the floor underneath is clean and dry. Also, make sure that the underfloor is level as carpet tiles are designed to lay flat.

How do I Take Care of Carpet Tiles?

No special maintenance is required, just a regular vacuum and quick attention to any spills and stains. Remove as much excess solids or liquids by scraping or sponging and then rinse with water and sponge clean. In some cases, you can actually lift the stained tiles and rinse them under the tap. If you do decide to use some form of detergent, remember to rinse it off thoroughly as any traces left will attract grime and dirt, causing greater staining in the future.

With its low cost, easy installation and myriad of practical advantages, as well as its decorative flexibility, it’s easy to see why carpet tiles are becoming increasingly popular as a choice of flooring.