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How Do I Choose the Best Carpet Tiles?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

Choosing the best carpet tiles can be dependent on factors such as budget and where they will be installed. Carpet tiles intended for use in flood-prone basements should be water resistant, while tiles that will be installed in a high traffic area need to be stain, fade, and wear resistant. Another factor to consider is the type of backing material, since some of these tiles include extra padding. Those tiles will tend to feel more like traditional carpet, so you may want to consider that option for bedrooms, living rooms, and other similar areas of your home.

Carpet tiles are an alternative to traditional carpeting that can be easier to install and less expensive. Unlike traditional carpet, which is usually installed over padding, and must be cut to size, carpet tiles can be simply set in place. That allows these tiles to be installed quickly in a variety of different applications. Like traditional carpet, these tiles are typically available in a variety of different colors and styles. If you are interested in using some type of carpet tile in your home or business, then there are a number of factors you will want to consider.

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Woman posing

The most important consideration when choosing carpet tiles is where you plan on installing them. One common use for these tiles is basements, where they can be installed quickly over a cement floor. If your basement is prone to flooding, then it is important to select tiles that are water resistant. You may also want to look into options that are designed to resist the growth of mold and mildew. Tiles with soft padding are a popular option for installation over concrete floors, though it is important to select tiles that do not use any porous, organic materials.

Most carpet tiles use some type of self-adhesive backing, while others must be glued in place. For basement applications that are prone to flooding, you may want to go with rubber-backed tiles. Rather than gluing these carpet tiles in place, you can simply rely on the friction between the concrete and the rubber to keep them from moving around. You can then easily remove them if they ever need to be cleaned or replaced; indeed buying a few extra tiles to use as spares may be a good idea.

If you plan on installing your carpet tiles in a high traffic area, then you may want to consider looking for other qualities. Some tiles are especially wear resistant, which can be a good option for areas that see a lot of foot traffic. Stain resistant tiles are a popular choice for dining rooms, and other areas where food and drinks are consumed, and you may want to consider a fade resistant carpet tile if the room gets a lot of natural light.

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