CARPET TILES "Pros and Cons"

CARPET TILES, also known as carpet squares are an alternative to the standard rolls of carpet. Though they are much easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install on their own, they come with pros and cons. They are typically used in commercial applications, such as in schools and airports, but are becoming more common in residential applications. When deciding whether to use a carpet roll or to opt for carpet tiles, there are several things to consider.



Styles of Carpet Tile

Carpet tiles come in many different styles and colors. They are available in: various sizes, multiple fiber types, pile styles, manufactured types, and adhesive 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. The major difference between standard carpet rolls is the tile backing material. The backing material options include: vinyl, fiberglass, vinyl/fiberglass, urethane, woven polypropylene, and recycled vinyl, though there may be others. More important than the type of backing is the manufacturer’s warranty, which will protect the investment against shrinking, buckling and curling. When this happens to the tiles, it not only creates an eyesore, but may present a safety hazard because it is easier to trip and fall.



Choosing Your Carpet Tiles

When choosing carpet tiles for your room, beyond considering the color and style, it is 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 from looking like a crazy pattern. If you plan on using tiles to create a pattern, envisioning the entire floor will ensure the pattern comes out how you intended. It is 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.


Styles of Carpet Tile

Pros of Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles have several benefits including:

• Easier installation than standard rolled carpet. Do-it-yourself kits are available. These kits make it simple with instructions, and even measuring the tiles for the installation.

• 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

Cons of Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles also come with disadvantages, including:

• 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.

• Carpet tiles are less durable to wall-to-wall carpet, meaning they will wear down faster. When used in high traffic areas, they are more likely to come up at the edges.

• 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 are generally more expensive than carpet rolls.

With this information in mind, you will be able to make the best decision for your budget and particular situation.

Reference:

Carpet Tiles http://learn.builddirect.com/flooring/carpet/carpet-facts/carpet-tiles/

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles were once upon a time considered to be the height of fashion and practicality, combining both the appearance of a carpet with the usability and flexibility required for DIY fitting. Resembling slabs of carpet, carpet tiles come in a variety of sizes and styles and are great for covering tricky shaped floorspaces or replacing a carpet quickly and easily. Over their traditional counterparts, carpet tiles can be fitted by just about anybody and don't need stretching or kicking. As such they have proven to be both practical and popular for a number of decades as the quick answer to floor covering with style.

One of the most obvious advantages of carpet tiles is that they don't require to be professionally fitted. Fitting a traditional one-piece carpet is a difficult process and one that requires skill and dexterity - it's no wonder carpet fitters can command such a high rate for their work, given the intricacies involved. Rather than having to go through the hassle and expense of having a carpet fitted, carpet tiles can be thrown down in an instance to resemble a quality laid carpet without the problems of installation. For this reasons, they have found particular favour with DIY enthusiasts and those working on a budget.

Another advantage of carpet tiles is that because of their size and versatility, they can be laid easily to fit more complex room layouts. Traditionally, this would require even more of the carpet fitters time and consequently more of your money, with no guarantees of a good finish. However because carpet tiles can easily be cut to fit and the laying process is individualised around each tile rather than with one large carpet, the process is made much easier and becomes much less of a headache.

On the downside, however carpet tiles don't always appear to be a cohesive singular carpet, and the disjointed look might not be suitable for use in living areas or in customer facing offices. Similarly with age tiles can pull around the edges creating a further uneven appearance. Having said that, many buyers find that the positive aspects of carpeting with tiles (including the price) mean that it is a more favourable option to the traditional method of choosing a print and material from your local carpet shop and arranging for a formal fitting, along with the natural upheaval that can cause.

Carpet tiles will never go out of fashion, although they have been somewhat overtaken by laminate flooring as the easy-to-lay floor covering of choice. Of course, that doesn't detract from the fact that fitting carpet tiles is far easier than fitting a large carpet, particularly in oddly shaped rooms, and the fact that tiles work out far cheaper than a one-piece carpet, laid and fitted by professionals. Whether you're flooring for the first time or looking for inspiration for your next floor covering project, consider both the pros and cons of carpet tiles prior to making that decision to buy.

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Carpet (Benefits and Advantages)

Carpet is a popular floor fitting, prized for its warmth, versatility, insulation abilities and the protection it provides unfinished floors. If you're considering installing carpeting in your home, keep reading to learn about the benefits and advantages of this practical and fashionable product.

Safety

First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the impact of a fall, but also the likelihood of it happening in the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning it's harder to slip and fall.

Sound Reduction

If you live in a busy home with lots of traffic, you know how loud wood or laminate floors can be. Carpet stifles noise and reduces echoes in three ways; absorbing the impact of foot traffic, soaking up room sounds and echoes and finally, by blocking sound from carrying between floors (especially helpful in condo apartments or multi-family homes).

Warmth & Insulation

Carpet provides excellent warmth underfoot, making it a great choice for chilly bedrooms or stark offices. Carpet also acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding acts as an additional layer of insulation in your home and - depending on the weight and grade of your carpet - it can even add to the R-value of your home.

Ease of Care

Most carpets made today are made to be highly stain-resistant, meaning clean up is easy. With just a damp cloth or a quick vacuuming, your floors look as good as new. Because carpets trap dust and allergens, they can also improve the air quality in your home as long they're properly cleaned and vacuumed on a regular basis.

Flexibility and Style

Carpet isn't limited to just a few colors or grains. You can get carpet in any style, design, color or pattern that you want. Because of its versatility, carpet fits in well in any design scheme.

Low Cost

Typically, carpet costs significantly less than other types of flooring like tile, marble or hardwood. Even with professional installation, carpet tends to cost much less than other types of flooring options.

Warranty

Unlike many hard surface flooring, most carpeting comes with an extensive manufacturer's warranty that covers pile, installation and craftsmanship.

Because of its quality, low cost, design flexibility, ease of care, warmth, safety and ability to reduce sound in your home - carpet is typically the number one flooring choice for most homeowners.

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