Within these three broad types there are several variants including ‘Loop Pile’, which involves looping of yarns and ‘Cut and Loop Pile’ which combines Cut and Loop yarns. Mixed and matched using different colours, patterns or even materials, designers can create their own custom-designed geometric patterns.Ĭommercial carpet tiles come in three broad types: Tufted Carpet Tiles (the most common), which are popular for their fast production time and the large variety of designs available Woven Carpet Tiles, which are produced on a loom in the traditional style and Needle Punched Carpet Tiles, which are often used as entry mats and are known for their resistance to sunlight as well as their colourfast and quick dry properties. Known as ‘planks’, these deliver an alternative range of aesthetic possibilities. Some suppliers also offer rectangular carpet tiles. Generally square in shape and sometimes also referred to as ‘modular carpet’ or ‘carpet squares’, carpet tiles are available in a range of sizes (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 100cm, etc). The major difference between commercial carpet tiles and residential carpet tiles is that, because of the higher amount of foot traffic they are subjected to, the former need to be more durable. Combined with customisation, these have meant that the aesthetic possibilities are virtually limitless.

The use of new materials and manufacturing techniques means that many see commercial carpet tiles as the equal of, or even superior to, traditional broadloom carpets.įor example, new printing and dye technologies have greatly expanded what is possible in terms of design. Though they have been around for many years, carpet tiles are currently experiencing something of a golden period, particularly in commercial applications.

Residential carpet tiles with padding