Buying Commercial Carpet Tiles

Buying Commercial Carpet Tiles? Read This

Carpeting an office isn’t as straightforward as carpeting a home.

Far from a fun decor activity, you need to consider things like carpet vs. carpet tiles, how much foot traffic the flooring needs to withstand, and how it will cope with spills and stains. Making the flooring choice can feel a bit of a worry!

But we’re here to help you choose - so you don’t have to worry- there’s not much we don’t know about commercial carpet tiles and we can tell you everything you need to know before you buy…

Why Carpet Tiles Suit Commercial Spaces
It’s no surprise that carpet tiles are often the go-to flooring solution for commercial spaces. These squares have a lot going for them, making them top of the list for offices, hotels, retail units, leisure centres… The list goes on.

Commercial carpet tiles perform better than other flooring choices, and here’s why.

Flexibility
It’s not just the range of colours, tile sizes and fibres that makes carpet tiles such a flexible option. It’s how they’re used, too. You can use commercial carpet tiles to configure spaces with zoning by colour, mixing with hard flooring and making use of different specs for different spaces.

Acoustic Properties
Large, open commercial expanses can be loud. Commercial carpet tiles help to reduce the echo, meaning staff members can focus and keep performance levels high.

Durability
Carpet tiles are known for their durability. Many styles are suited to high-traffic spaces and will continue to look great even after thousands of feet have walked on them.

Cost-Effective
Cost-effective is sometimes code for cheap - and carpet tiles can be done on a budget. But remember, investing in quality carpet tiles will give you a better return because your commercial carpet tiles will outlast plain cheap tiles by a mile.

Easy Installation
Unlike carpet on a roll, fitting carpet tiles is simple and fast. This means you can avoid extra fitting costs and buy better-quality tiles instead.

Choosing The Right Commercial Carpet Tiles
Commercial carpet tiles sound good so far, right? But with so many options available, how do you choose the best carpet tiles for your space?

Here are the things you need to think about before you buy:.

Traffic Level
How busy does your commercial space get? Do you have walk-in customers or high foot traffic?
A low-traffic area, like a small office suite, will have very different flooring needs compared to a retail store.

Function
What business activities take place in your commercial space? The purpose of the space will influence carpet tile choice. You might opt for softer, more luxurious carpet tiles if you’re sorting flooring for a corporate office, for example. Whereas a school would benefit from a hard-wearing short-pile tile.

Handy tip: Check that the spec of your flooring tile includes the ‘castor chair’ symbol if they are used in your commercial space. If it doesn’t, your new carpet tiles will be chewed up by the castors in no time and look truly terrible.

Aesthetics
Styles, colours, and patterns can create a desired atmosphere. Doctor’s waiting rooms tend to be more sedate, while a kid’s soft play will be more playful. You can also use carpet tiles that align with your brand and style.

Longevity
Carpet tiles are known for their durability, but they are also a great solution for temporary flooring needs like exhibitions and trade shows. How long do you want your tiles to last?

Budget
Last but not least, what you’ve got to spend is a determining factor for most commercial flooring investments. Thankfully there are carpet tiles to suit all budgets.

What Makes a Great Carpet Tile?
Let’s take a look at the features of carpet tiles.

Tile Fibre
Different fibres have different qualities. Nylon is durable, stain-resistant, and perfect for high-traffic areas. Polypropylene tiles are great for low- to medium-traffic areas and are resistant to moisture and stains.

Pile Density
A more dense pile means there are more fibres packed together. Denser piles are easier to keep clean because dirt doesn't fall between the fibres and get trapped as easily.
The higher the pile height, the softer and better the acoustics for your commercial space.

Backing
Easy to overlook, tile backing plays a role in how commercial carpet tiles are installed and how they perform and wear over time. Carpet tiles often contain up to 70% recycled material which is a huge tick for green credentials.

Foam acoustic backing is a special layer that can be added to the underside of commercial carpet tiles to provide both acoustic and comfort benefits.

Carpet Tile FAQs
Do you have any questions? Take a look through our FAQs.

Are carpet tiles easy to install?
Yes. Requiring minimal tools and much faster to install than carpet that needs to be cut to size, carpet tiles are a simple flooring solution.

How do you stick carpet tiles down?
A strong adhesive is used to ensure your commercial carpet tiles stay where they should.

Can carpet tiles go on top of other flooring?
Carpet tiles can be installed on top of existing hard flooring such as ceramic tile or hardwood planks. Carpet tiles cannot be laid on top of carpet.

How can I see the quality before I buy?
It’s important to know what you’re buying. Ask us to send you free samples, get your hands on the products and experience the quality for yourself.

Can I cut carpet tiles?
Yes, carpet tiles can be cut using a utility knife to fit around corners, edges, and obstacles. This means you’ll get a precise fit in any space, no matter how obscure!

How do I know how many carpet tiles to order?
Check out our comprehensive carpet tile calculator to work out how many tiles you’ll need. Find it here.

How long do commercial carpet tiles typically last?
Good quality commercial carpet tiles have a lifespan of 5-10 years.

Are there eco-friendly options available?
Yes. They are often made from recycled materials and produced using energy-efficient processes and low-emission technologies.

Is a Commercial Carpet Tile Project In The Works?
Buying commercial carpet tiles might seem overwhelming, but understanding your foot traffic, style and budget puts you on the right path to finding your perfect flooring solution.

To take the stress out of under or over-buying, see our carpet tile calculator.