Carpet tiles are very ideal for use in offices and other workplaces. Besides offering great underfoot cushioning comfort, they help in noise reduction and are not hard to maintain. The carpet fitters can help to know about different options available when shopping for carpet tiles.
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What exactly are carpet tiles?
Carpet tiles are thin square or rectangular coverings that are meant to be installed on the floor. Once they are installed, they improve the appearance of the floor, while also making it more comfortable to tread on.
Compared to traditional broadloom carpets, carpet tiles offer two major advantages. Firstly, they tend to be much easier to handle. And secondly, they tend to be easier to install. The latter bit about being easier to install is important, especially in a busy workplace setting. That is indeed why most carpet fitters tend to recommend carpet tiles for use in offices and other workplace settings.
Usually, a carpet tile has two major components. First is the top cloth layer. And second is the backing. There are many types of cloth layers and backings available. What we set out to do in this article is explore the various carpet cloth layers and backings that are available. Later, we shall also look at the carpet fitters tile designs, styles for setting out the carpet tiles, and methods for installing them.
Which carpet tile cloths are available?
Firstly, we have to start by defining the carpet tile cloth as the top part of the floor covering. So this is the part that you get to walk on. It is the part of the tile that comes into contact with your feet.
Now there are many types of carpet tile cloths that you can choose from. Ultimately though, your choice will depend on the manner in which the cloth is constructed and the yarn it is made from.
With regard to how the cloth is constructed, one option that is open to you is of going for loop pile carpet tiles. The other option that is open to you is of going for cut pile carpet tiles. We also have needle punched carpet tiles.
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Loop pile tiles
What happens in the course of manufacturing these tiles is that the fiber is left in a loop. The resultant tile is highly durable. You also end up with a tile that is able to withstand heavy footfall.
The loop can be level or it can be a structured loop. In a level loop, you find that the outer bits are all at the same height. And in a structured loop, the outer bits alternate between high and low levels.
Cut pile tiles
The cut pile tiles are manufactured in the same way as the loop pile tiles, but the top part is cut. Such cutting of the top part leaves the threads exposed. Consequently, the texture feels different (generally more comfortable underfoot). But the exposure of the threads makes the cleaning a bit challenging. That is because there are more places where dirt can ‘hide’ once the threads are cut and exposed.
Needle punch tiles
The process of manufacturing these carpet fitters tiles has two major processes. In the first process, the fibres are matted. And in the second process, the now matted fibres are punched with a needle (of the barbed type). The end result is a ribbed carpet which is also color-fast and is commonly used in school settings.
Which carpet fitters tile yarns are available?
There are several yarns from which carpet tiles are made. Those include nylon, polypropylene, wool and recycled plastic. Let us look at them individually.
Nylon yarn
This is the most common yarn from which carpet tiles are made. It offers many advantages, including that of being cost-effective and being comfortable. It is also a durable yarn, which doesn’t suffer from static effect. By default, carpet fitters are likely to recommend the nylon yarn, especially for busy workplaces.
Polypropylene yarn
Polypropylene is also a commonly used yarn in the manufacture of carpet fitters tiles. It offers three major advantages. Firstly, it is soft, and hence comfortable on the feet. Secondly, it is resistant to stains. And thirdly, it doesn’t fade easily. On the downside though, it is usually not very durable.
Wool yarn
Although it tends to be quite costly, wool has several advantages as a carpet tile material. Firstly, it is super-soft (and hence comfortable on the feet). It is also very strong, and hence likely to be durable. Thus for someone who prefers a ‘luxurious’ carpet tile, wool would be a highly recommended yarn for the purpose.
Recycled plastic yarn
In terms of the core qualities, recycled plastic tends to be similar to nylon. It is a good material to choose if you are an environmentally conscious person. This material is not too costly, and it is very easily available.
Which carpet tile backings are available?
So far, we have been looking at the carpet tile top cloth options. Now we proceed to look at the carpet tile backings. And here, there are two main options: bitumen backings and cushion backings.
Bitumen carpet tile backings
This is the most commonly used type of carpet tile backing. It is essentially made of rubberized bitumen, on top of which the cloth layer is installed. The main advantage that the bitumen backing offers is that of sturdiness. But we also find that the bitumen backing is flexible, easy to cut and easy to install.
Cushion carpet tile backings
In this type of carpet tile backing, a padded material is used, resulting in tiles that have a ‘springy’ feel. Besides being very cosy on the feet, the main advantage that this tile backing offers is that of enhanced noise reduction.
Which carpet tile designs are available?
With regard to carpet tile designs, we have those that are simply plain colored, and stripped. Also available are tiles with unique pattern designs. We now proceed to look at the respective designs, to understand what they are all about.
Plain-colored carpet tile design
These are tiles that simply come in various plain colors. The main advantage that they offer is that of simplicity, which can easily translate into elegance. You can opt to use one color throughout. Or you can opt to mix and match various colors.
Stripped carpet tile design
These tiles are ideal for use if you wish to come up with a fresh, cool look. You can opt to use the stripped carpet tiles throughout. Or you can opt to mix and match the stripped carpet tiles with those that come under various other designs.
Uniquely patterned carpet tiles
These tend to be slightly costlier than the simple plain colored or stripped tiles. But they are great to use if you wish to attain an outstanding look. You can choose the specific pattern that is to appear on the individual tiles. You can use one pattern throughout, or you can mix and match patterns.
Which carpet tile setting out styles are available?
There are four major options that are open to you, when it comes to setting out the carpet tiles. First is the monolithic style. Then there is the tessellated style and the herringbone design. We also have the brick bonded style. Let us take a brief look at them individually.
The monolithic style
Here, the tiles are set up in a straight grid, ending up with a simple yet highly elegant look. The main advantage you get if you opt for this style is that of easy installation.
The brick bonded style
With this style, you start by laying one tile down. Then the next tile is laid down at the first tile’s halfway mark (similar to how one would lay bricks in a building).
The tessellated style
Under this style, you start by laying one tile down. Then you lay the next tile at the first tile’s quarter turn – ending up with a very stunning and intricate look.
The herringbone style
Here, the tiles are laid at 90-degree angles, creating a very stunning look. This style can admittedly be very time-consuming to work with, but it nonetheless delivers awesome results.
The method for installing carpet tiles
The first step in installing carpet tiles is always that of clearing the area where they are to be installed of all dust and debris.
Then a ‘tackfier’ adhesive is applied to the area where the carpet tiles are to be installed.
Thereafter, the tiles are laid out, starting from the center of the room, and going in a straight line.
Visit us at M&M Carpets Contractors Ltd store. We can supply you with all carpet tiles and installation accessories you need.
