Carpet Tiles vs. Carpet: A Detailed Comparison

Carpet, also known as broadloom or wall-to-wall carpet, was traditionally used in every space except the kitchen and bathroom and is now used primarily in bedrooms or areas where comfort underfoot is highly valued. Historically, carpet tiles were created from excess broadloom. With an asphalt backing, they were used in areas of heavy traffic and became popular due to their ease of installation. 

No longer the discarded fringe of yesteryear, carpet tile remains popular because of its portability and simplicity when laid in a home or commercial space. However, due to advances in flooring technology, carpet tile now stands on its own merits through higher quality and an endless assortment of colors and textures.

Why You Should Consider Installing Carpet Tiles or Tufted Carpet

Let’s walk through a side-by-side comparison of carpet tile vs. carpet. The majority of carpet on the market today is made up of tufted carpet vs. woven. When deciding if carpet is right for you, it is important that you consider design, price, comfort, and whether or not it is ideal for the installation location. There are so many types, grades, styles, and colors to choose from, the decision between carpet tile or regular carpet can be overwhelming. 

Carpet Tiles

Advantages

First and foremost, carpet tiles are affordable. Some of the higher quality carpet tile can compete with high quality broadloom in price, and it typically costs only a fraction of broadloom’s hefty price tag. Carpet tile is incredibly easy to install especially if using peel-and-stick tiles. When damaged, simply pull up and replace the damaged tile and replace, using the leftover tiles. 

It would be remiss to not point out carpet tile’s high level of durability. Made with a rubber backing, carpet tile can withstand heavy impact and high traffic. It is also very easy to clean and maintain; simply vacuum and spot clean as needed. Carpet tiles, like Sonora’s Carpet Tiles, are resistant to stains, fading, moisture, mold and mildew. 

When it comes to comfort, carpet tiles provide a significant level of impact absorption, sound abatement, and insulation. To round out its many advantages, carpet tiles are available in pretty much any color imaginable with a wide range of textures like Sonora’s Nexus Collection Carpet Tiles’ ribbed texture.  

Drawbacks

Carpet tiles have very few drawbacks, however, they are limited when it comes to design. They cannot produce broadloom’s seamless look. Carpet tiles cannot create the elaborate mosaics and elegant floral patterns like broadloom, however, that is changing with advances in print technology. Due to how they are constructed, carpet tiles cannot offer the same luxurious feel as broadloom carpet. 

Costs

Carpet tile can range from $1 to $4 per square foot. Install them yourself and save on installation costs. Save even more by removing your old flooring; however, if professional removal is required, that will increase the cost per square foot. For example, removing old laminate flooring can run you roughly $400 for a 200-square foot area. 

Installation

Installing carpet tile is a simple process, but some tools and prep work are needed. Not sure how to install carpet tiles? Follow these seven steps to ensure that you install your carpet tile properly so that it lasts a long time.  

Styles & Aesthetics

Carpet tile offers a limitless variety of colors that can be mixed and matched to produce unique designs that will transform any space. Carpet tiles’ strong texturing plays a role in the design style as well. Once complete, a carpet tile flooring’s color and texture can come together to create a monolithic aesthetic. Use two colors for a checkerboard look. Offset the tiles along their length or width to create an ashlar pattern or a brick pattern. 

Location Considerations

The great thing about carpet tiles is that they can be installed virtually anywhere in your home. You can use them in your office, basement, and even the garage. With such high resistance to moisture and fading, carpet tiles can be used indoors and outdoors. 

Broadloom Carpet

Advantages

When it comes to broadloom carpet, the sky’s the limit with patterns, colors, textures, and thickness. Due to its roll construction, carpet is capable of producing limitless patterns both simple and ornate. There is more control of each thread, allowing it to produce any color combination. Carpet comes in a much wider range of thicknesses and typically is installed with a carpet pad underneath, creating a matchless, plush underfoot feel. 

Drawbacks

One of the biggest drawbacks associated with broadloom carpet is that it comes in 12-foot rolls, making portability an issue especially if you are a lone DIYer. It is considerably more expensive than carpet tile in both the product itself and installation. 

Waste is created during the installation process that cannot be reused, which in turn is a loss of money. If damaged, broadloom carpet is difficult, time-consuming, and costly to repair. You can’t simply pull up the damaged section and drop in a new piece of carpet. It is worth noting that broadloom requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the fibers from breaking down due to the dirt and dust that collects over the years.  

Costs

Tufted broadloom carpet can run anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the quality. In addition to installing the carpet itself, the pad must go down first. Between labor, pad cost, and carpet cost, installation ranges from $3 to $11 per square foot. Replacing old broadloom carpet? Removal can cost roughly $1 to $2 per square foot.

Installation

The nice thing about putting down carpet is it does not require a perfect subfloor; however, installation does require a professional’s toolset and knowledge. Professional installation is highly recommended. 

Styles & Aesthetics

Broadloom carpet’s design options are truly endless. The numerous styles and aesthetics can accommodate any space or look from contemporary to coastal to retro to bohemian. 

Where to Find the Best Carpet Products

Shop BuildDirect’s carpet tile selection now. Request a free sample today! Many of our carpet tile products are proudly manufactured in the United States from sustainable, recyclable materials. 

Carpet tile flooring is one of the most affordable options on the market and is also the easiest to install and remove. So, whether you are an experienced DIYer or a seasoned pro, carpet tile is a great option for saving on your home renovation or new build. 

Become a PRO Rewards member today to receive unlimited flooring samples and range of other benefits that will help you save time and money. 

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