Carpet Tile Styles and Textures

What is a Carpet Tile?

Good Question. A carpet tile is square piece of carpet with a vinyl or another form of plastic backing, sometimes with an adhesive sticker on the other side to the carpet. They are generally measured out in 18 by 18 inch squares with variances in color, texture and thickness as per commercial needs. Carpet tiles were formerly popular in commercial usages but nowadays have become more popular amongst residential renovators and developers. Due in most part to their advantages over traditional carpet with respect to cost, durability and functionality objectives.

What are some Carpet Tile Styles and Textures?

There are four main types:

The Cut Pile

A cut pile carpet is a carpet in which the ends of the loops have been cut resulting in individual pieces of fiber. The cut pile carpet tile is one of the most popular types of carpet. There are 3 styles of Cut Pile.

- Plush

Used in up market homes or developments, it has a very smooth and equal texture giving it almost a luxurious look. They are used mainly in formal living or dining rooms as plush is very sophisticated and more expensive generally (also referred to as velvet cut pile).

- Saxony

Like plush it has a very level and smooth look despite having a twist in their fiber. Used mainly for areas which see high traffic and don’t require a sophisticated style. The appearance of the Saxony is between casual and formal. Because of the level evenness, the texture minimizes imprinted marks such as footprints. Good for basement or home offices.

- Frieze

Good again for high traffic areas as the texture minimizes vacuuming or footprint marks. These carpets have fibers which are twisted and very curly. The style lends it self to the casual being suitable for kids play rooms or rumpus rooms. A good carpet tile choice.

Level Loop

A very durable carpet good for high traffic areas once again. The loops being of all the same height making it very level. The texture of this carpet creates a casual ambience. The in style carpet of choice at the moment, Berber carpet, is made of level or multiple level loop pile. Good for home offices, laundries and basements.

Multi Level

As the name suggests it is made of multiple loop levels and heights. Good for arty and creative types as the style lends it self accordingly as it creates interesting and creative patterns. A very durable texture also.

Cut and Loop Pile

A pile which is a combination of loop and cut pile fibers which is generally used to create a decorative ambience. Not as durable as the other types of carpet tile but fashionable nothertheless.