Carpet Tiles/Carpet Square/Modular Carpet

Carpet tiles or Carpet Square or Modular Carpet was originally developed for home applications as a hard wearing alternative to conventional broadloom carpet. They provide several advantages and benefits over the traditional broadloom and make the designing of floor scheme easy.

Carpet tiles usually consist of bonded parts. The prime advantage of these carpets is that a damaged or worn area can be replaced without having to replace the whole target. For example, tiles from underneath furniture can be swapped with those in high-traffic open area, to even out the wear. Tiles from underneath furniture, for example, can be swapped with those in high-traffic area to even out wear. These carpets also provide an easy and comfortable access to under-floor wiring or plumbing. It is always advisable to purchase the replacement tiles along with the main batch, as there are chances of getting slightly different color tiles if brought later.

Carpet tile turns the disorderly and awkward job of carpet installation into an easy and quicker one. The placement can be done with few special tools and in quick time. This kind of flooring can be selected for any room. The pile in carpet tiles is not as dense as that in rolled carpets, however it serves effectively in both the low as well as high traffic areas.

Sizes & Patterns
Carpet tiles (also known as carpet squares) generally come in one size - 18 x 18 inches. However other sizes can also be obtained as per requirement. With variety of thickness, patterns and hundreds of different colors available, the carpet tiles are sure to match every taste and requirement. They can be purchased either self-sticking or dry-backed. The dry-backed version requires a special adhesive for superior performance. For less permanent jobs, a double-faced tape can also be used.

In recent times, there have been some new designs introduced specifically for the home market in line with the most up to date home decor trends. Interior designers and interior magazines are consistently presenting the carpet tiles as a new interior design trend.

Carpet tiles can be used on almost all types of floors and surfaces, as long as they are clean and dry. However, it is generally not recommended to use them in below ground areas, such as a basement, as it could mildew.

Advantages
Two of the most important selling advantages of carpet tiles are superior absorption and ease of installation, especially when laid on the first floor and above a building. The tiles are boxed in quantities, which are easy to carry up in a lift or stairs that is not the case with a heavy roll of unwieldy carpet.

While installing a carpet tile, there is no need to clear a room of furniture before starting. Tiles can be laid in stages and the furniture can be moved on to finished sections as they are put down.

Random fit carpet tile designs are increasingly gaining popularity in residential property applications because of the random pattern that can be supplied in batchless quantities. The materials that are used to design carpet tiles make them tough as well as stylish. Intricate tufted designs in low luster nylons look very natural. Streaks of colors can be used to emphasize the natural look.

Tiles can be laid over ceramic, stone or vinyl floors but not on soft surfaces, like an existing carpet, underlay or cork. These tiles are highly durable and offer a high degree of heat and noise insulation. A special type of carpet tiles are also available in the market, which do not need to be glued down, since they are held in place by their own weight. They can even be combined with hard flooring to produce unique and contemporary designs.

Ensuring the tiles remain square and flat in different temperature and climatic conditions is a complex feet of engineering that requires significant investment in design and development. Simple and easy to clean, tiles can be taken up, rinsed under a cap and then replaced, if required.

Finally, from the point of view of cost, quality carpet tiles are comparable in cost to broadloom carpet. Here the waste is very little and the installation costs are low.

Creative Uses of Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles now days have become an indispensable tool for creative budget designers. Easily manipulated pieces of a carpet tile that range from one to several square feet in sizes, can be affixed to different surfaces using glue, special tape or other adhesives. Some of the important advantages of carpet tiles are - low cost, color, texture variety, and wide availability. Just because they are made of carpet material does not mean that carpet tiles are always used for flooring applications. Some of the creative use of carpet tiles include -
Wall Art - You can add texture and visual appeal to a wall, by selecting different solid-colored carpet tiles and arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern. Carpet tiles offer the flexibility to create your own design, select colors, which complement the room, and create a pattern, which you find appealing. For wall art, you can use negative space; overlap carpet squares, and positions.

Placemats - Generally the placemats come in rectangular or trapezoidal shapes, and this carpet tiles offer a nice square alternative. If you can find pieces of size, say, 16"x16", you can easily use them as square placemats, which are heavy and sturdy - best for indoor and outdoor applications.

Room Divider Covering - Various folding room dividers have detailed rice paper or other attractive designs, which should not be futzed with. However in the case, you have a plain-looking, solid room divider, which can handle the weight of carpet tiles, you can affix them in a visually attractive pattern to add color.

Ceiling Checkerboard - A ceiling checkerboard pattern made with carpet tiles can be used to make the room look smaller and cozier.

Matting for a Framed Print - The application requires smart choices of frame and art, however carpet tiles can be used to carve a mat. The center edges of the mat may end up frayed and jagged that can justify the framed art in a pleasing way.

Bulletin Board Covering - Unless the carpet tile is very thick (which is usually not the case), push pins stick well in them. An old, unsightly bulletin board can be furnished with the carpet squares to add color and warmth.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Carpet Tiles
Regular vacuuming is the best way to clean everyday dust and dirt of carpet tiles. For the inevitable spills and accidents, the ideal way is to treat the area as quickly as possible. Scrape up any solids as promptly as possible, operating from the edges of the spill towards the center so that it doesn't spread. In the case, there is any excess liquid, place a thick wad of absorbent paper over the area and press firmly to soak it. Sponge cleaning is a good day to deal with the dirt and dust and if required the tiles can even be lifted and rinsed under the tap.

Generally a mild detergent solution can be used to clean the tile. If necessary, scrub gently with a brush, however it is essential to remove all the traces of detergent by proper rinsing. Use absorbent paper to absorb excess moisture as much as possible, and allow it to dry. If you have lifted a tile to clean it, make sure that it is dry before you put it back.