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Carpet tiles are the choice of many savvy homeowners today who have resented the cumbersome and meticulous nature of traditional roll carpets. Sometimes referred to as carpet squares, long used in commercial settings, they are now becoming a popular choice for residential flooring.

HISTORY

Carpets have had a long history dating back to the third millennium BC, almost 4000 years ago. Found in Siberia, the oldest surviving carpet is believed to have been created in the 5th century BC. Traditionally, rugs were made by hand, made up of thousands of intricately woven knots to form beautiful works of art too valuable to lay on the floor and walk on. Sadly, carpet technology was virtually unchanged for thousands of years.

The 1930s changed the carpet industry forever. Some entrepreneurs discovered a method of using a machine to make carpets, and almost overnight they were an item the emerging middle class could splurge on. It wasn’t until the late 1950s with the introduction of synthetic fibers that wall-to-wall carpeting in homes became commonplace.

More recently, carpet tiles have been modernized, a concept almost as old as the carpets themselves. Introduced to the US in the late 1980s, they have been a popular choice for offices and other commercial spaces. Today, carpet tiles are available in various sizes and in virtually as many colors and styles as regular rugs.

BENEFITS

The benefits that carpet tiles have over the more traditional roll of carpet roll are compelling. Smart homeowners and trendsetters have begun to embrace carpet tile for its many benefits.

Logistics – A roll of carpet averages 12 feet wide and can be up to 150 feet long. At an average weight of 1/2 pound per square foot, a 100-foot-long roll of carpet can weigh up to 600 pounds. Therefore, in addition to being awkward in size, they also tend to be heavy and often require at least two people to transport them and a truck to transport them. On the other hand, carpet tiles vary in size, but are typically 12 “to 18” squares with 6 to 12 pieces grouped together. A carpet tile package is lightweight and compact, which means that almost anyone can carry a package or two and it can be transported even in the smallest car.

Storage – Beyond basic logistics, storage must also be considered. A packet or two of leftover carpet tiles can be stacked discreetly in a storage room or closet. Storing a leftover roll of carpet independently is more of a challenge, as the length of a roll of carpet will always be 12 feet wide, too large for most cabinets, and certainly not inconspicuous, not to mention possible need two people to move it. .

Small spaces – The standard 12 foot wide carpet roll is a good choice for wide open spaces, but not ideal for the much smaller spaces that are common in many homes and offices. Closets and hallways become a challenge when it comes to an unwieldy carpet roll. The small size of the carpet tiles has a distinct advantage here.

Waste – Being small is also an advantage that ensures that the carpet tiles minimize waste, ultimately saving money. A carpet roll doesn’t offer much flexibility in terms of size, with a set width only the length varies. Of course 12 foot wide carpet rolls work best in a space that is also 12 feet wide, if the area is only 10 feet wide or maybe 14 feet wide there will be significant waste. Carpet tiles purchased in packages of 6-12 squares ensure that there will be enough carpet to finish the job, while excess carpet can be significantly reduced. An average flooring project that uses carpet tile can end up with as little as 5% waste.

Design aesthetics – There is little flexibility in design when using traditional rugs. The only opportunity for creativity is choosing the color and length. However, carpet tiles offer ample opportunities for creativity. Beyond the obvious color and length, carpet tiles also have the advantage of coming in a variety of sizes. The inconspicuous nature of carpet tiles for use in multiple colors and sizes, as well as having the ability to alter orientation. Creative designers can create unique patterns on the rug that add a touch of light to a room, as well as creating a visual separation between spaces.

Installation – Traditional carpet requires strips of filler, adhesive and tacks that require a great deal of labor to cut, trim, glue, tie and stretch for proper installation; all too often it is a job best left to expensive professionals. Installing carpet tiles is much easier. The tiles are simply set in place on the floor and trimmed to fit. No special glues or adhesives are required and will not damage the underlying floor. Almost anyone can install carpet tile, which explains its popularity with the DIY public.

Repair – If the traditional carpet wears out or becomes stained, there are few solutions. In the past, carpets or furniture were used to cover problem areas, eventually requiring the entire carpet to be replaced. When carpet tiles are used, if they become damaged or dirty, they are easy to lift and replace. Dirty tiles can be removed and washed separately without the need for specialized carpet cleaning equipment, and if they are excessively dirty or damaged they can be discarded and replaced with new tiles.

CONCLUSION

Carpet tiles may be as old as the invention of carpets, but they were largely forgotten when inexpensive carpets created through mechanization became the standard. The development of modern carpet tiles has been a success with consumers. The reasons are obvious from logistics, ease of storage, waste reduction, DIY installation, simple repairs, and flexibility in design, just to name a few. Today, carpet tiles are fast becoming the preferred choice for a variety of commercial and residential flooring projects.

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