Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles have been around for at least 50 years and are an easy to lay alternative to traditional carpets. For a start off, they don’t require any underlay and are extremely durable.

The commercial carpet tile market is one of the most competitive sectors in the construction industry and so there are lots of choices available if you wish to use this form of flooring.

Because carpet tiles do not require underlay this means that using them is an affordable alternative to carpet. Vacuuming is the best option when cleaning, as with ordinary carpet, however if something is spilt or the carpet is damaged in some way it is much easy to replace a carpet tile than it is to replace the carpet or bring in an expensive carpet cleaner.

A high performance flooring solution – just think of them as a carpet in a box – the design advantages of carpet tiles mean that they are suitable for a wide range of living spaces. Carpet tiles are also very suitable for flats and apartments where accessibility can be difficult.

Advantages of carpet tiles over traditional carpets

Carpet tiles have several distinct advantages, not least:

• Easy to lay

• Good for those who wish to produce their own unique floor design

• No need for underlay

• Easy to transport – both from the store and between houses when you move

• Easily adaptable to awkwardly shaped rooms

• Easy to clean and replace

• Affordable

Leading carpet tile brands

Notable carpet tile manufacturers include:

• Paragon – known for their resistance to heavy wear, they have a wide range of uses.

• Burmatex – these tiles are manufactured in the UK from a company that provides environmentally sustainable products.

• Heuga -suitable for all areas of the home, Heuga carpet tiles are popular all over the world.

• Tessera – high performance carpet tiles.

Carpet tiles are available in a wide array of colours, textures, patterns and materials. From fine rib and loop pile to velour and cut pile, depending on the material, some tiles are thicker and feature a more carpet-like pile.

A growing concern with carpet tiles, as with various other forms of flooring, is their environmental impact. Carpet tiles often have PVC backing and this is a concern partly because of the toxic chemicals that PVC can emit. Fortunately there are environmental alternatives available, one of which is an environmentally friendly type of carpet tile, which does not have a PVC backing, called StaticSmart ESD which incidentally is also recyclable. It is an American product which has been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Presidential Green Chemistry Award for its environmental and performance benefits.

With regard to other environmental concerns, Paragon Carpet Tiles proudly boast their low carbon manufacturing process and Cleanstream Carpets can supply reclaimed and recycled carpet tiles and this will of course save on the cost. It is also worth checking to see if the fibres are Nylon, since nylon fibre carpet is much more easily recycled than other fibres. Fortunately two thirds of the carpet tiles available have nylon fibres.