The Benefits of Carpet Tiles and Disadvantages

If we could compare traditional wall-to-wall carpeting to a permanent marker, we could say that removing a carpet is easier. A permanent marker would probably include a dozen failed experimental tutorials with a final replacement of the whiteboard. However, the hassle is nonetheless troublesome and painstaking with broadloom or traditional carpeting. So, traditional carpets require professional assistance to install and remove.

As the use of carpets evolved over the years, its type and style changed at the same time. This also affected the affordability of carpets as they become available in different forms, styles, shapes, patterns, etc. Therefore, carpets were not only available as rolls but in the form of planks and tiles as well.

Carpet tiles are a popular choice among commercial spaces and residential homes. Their design versatility makes them a perfect fit for floor makeovers. Like every appliance, décor, and equipment, carpet tiles too have their pros and cons. In today’s blog, we’re going to touch base with its advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of carpet tiles

Carpet tiles have found their way into living room areas, hallways, bedrooms, and office spaces. Let’s get right into why they’ve become a preferred choice.

1. Carpet tiles are lightweight and easy-to-handle. This is because they are available in packets containing individual pieces. Therefore, transporting carpet tiles before installation is easy and can be carried from one place to another with ease.

2. Wall-to-wall carpets come as a single heavy roll. Carpet tiles, on the other hand, mostly come square-shaped individually and in different sizes – 24”x24”, 18”x18”, or 12”x12”. They are available in hexagonal or triangular shapes as well.

3. Installing carpet tiles is super easy as these tiles mostly use the Peel and Stick method. The sticker from the base of each tile is peeled off and the carpet squares are stuck to the subfloor. They are just as easy to remove as they are to peel and stick.

4. Carpet tiles allow for easy and time-saving maintenance methods. If a specific area of the carpet is damaged then the same square tile can be removed, repaired, or replaced. The carpet tiles can be removed from over raised access floors if the wires and cables from underneath need to be accessed.

5. Carpet tiles can be easily cleaned with deep cleaning methods in six months. Carpet shampoo can also be used once in two years. Vacuuming is another cleaning process that can be done every week.

6. These tiles are available in unique designs like geometrical, floral, abstract prints, stone, and wooden looks, among other designs. They can be customized based on the prints and patterns you desire. They come in a variety of colors and shades, accentuating the personality and character of the room.

Disadvantages of carpet tiles

Broadloom or traditional carpets have their set of disadvantages and, therefore, enable carpet tiles to save the day. However, carpet tiles too have their set of cons that should be considered before you plan to make a purchase.

1. Carpet tiles are available in loose forms i.e. in square shapes. They are installed one-by-one upon the floor. This increases the chances of wear around the seams of each carpet tile over the years. Therefore, proper upkeep and monitoring of this type of carpet are important, especially in high foot traffic areas.

2. Installing carpet tiles is easy but it involves a few pre-preparatory stages. It is important to ensure that the subfloor is even. Any visible dents, heightened spots, and cracks on the subfloor have to be treated before laying and sticking the carpet tiles. If this is not done then the installation process would not result in the perfect finishing look it deserves.

3. Over time, the stick or glue of the carpet tile can wear off. This makes the sticking of tiles onto the floor weak and therefore, the carpet begins to unpeel itself. This also makes maintenance difficult as the seams can get stuck in the vacuum brush during cleaning.

4. Carpet tiles are made of different layers. The base or the backing layer may partially separate from the tile. As a result, the carpet would appear lumpy and out of shape.

While carpet tiles are popularly preferred for their affordability and look, there are several factors to consider. Carpeting and its type can be selected based on the layout and construction of any space. The function or use of the carpet justifies its purpose of installation. For instance, as mentioned earlier, wires and cables are fitted under raised access floors. To enhance the look of the room, carpet tiles can be laid over this flooring. Traditional broadloom carpets will make it difficult to access the wiring or cables when needed by technicians. Therefore, carpet tiles are best suited on raised floors where access is required from time to time.