Carpet tiles
Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares, are a type of flooring which can be used as an alternative to the more common rolled carpet. They are formed from an upper layer of pile attached to a backing and are produced in a variety of sizes, materials, fibres, patterns and colours. Carpet tiles are often used in commercial and public buildings such as airports, offices, schools, libraries, and so on.
For the different types of carpet fibers, see Types of carpet.
Carpet tiles are manufactured in both non-adhesive (require gluing) and adhesive (peel-and-stick) styles.
When choosing tiles, it is important to consider the overall design scheme and the requirements of the finished floor, as well as the size and durability of the tiles required.
Some of the benefits of using carpet tiles include:
- They can be easier to install than rolled carpet.
- They can be installed over many floor types, including timber and concrete.
- Individual tiles can be removed and replaced for cleaning or if they get damaged.
- Creative patterned designs can be achieved.
- Many tiles are manufactured with good stain resistant properties.
Some of the drawbacks of using carpet tiles include:
- The seams of the tiles are more visible than rolled carpet and so require careful installation to avoid an uneven appearance.
- They can have a 'corporate' or 'municipal' feel.
- They can become unstuck, and curling or lifting at edges can create a trip hazard.
- They can be more difficult to remove than rolled carpet, which can be easily lifted.
- They can make access to under-floor services more difficult.
- They are generally not suitable for areas where they may be exposed to moisture.
- They can be more expensive than rolled carpet.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.