Wall to wall is essential if you wish to use large-scale patterning or custom designs. They also generally have that extra touch of quality that you can just feel when walking on it or see when looking at the seamless surface.
Carpet tiles on the other hand are a great alternative if you are looking to lower installation cost and time. You also definitely want to consider carpet tiles if regular maintenance is an issue.
Carpet Tiles vs. Wall-to-Wall Carpets
| Feature | Wall-to-Wall Carpets | Carpet Tiles |
| Look and Feel | Seamless, luxurious | Visible seams, less plush |
| Design Versatility | Superior, ideal for large-scale patterns and custom designs | Good, some patterned options for creative layouts |
| Installation | Complex, time-consuming | Easy, faster installation |
| Waste | 5-25% waste from cutting and installation | Minimal waste (1-3%) |
| Maintenance | More difficult to replace damaged sections | Individual tiles can be easily replaced |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Lower cost |
| Suitability | High-end design projects, large spaces, areas requiring a plush feel | High-traffic areas, budget-conscious projects, DIY projects, areas needing frequent maintenance |
Carpet tiles
Carpet tiles are small squares of carpet that can be installed and combined in many versatile ways. The tiles come with the backing already attached, which enables them to be mounted directly to the subfloor.
The modularity and small size of individual patches also means much less cutting than with the large wall to wall rolls. This results in significantly quicker and easier installation. It also means that much less surplus carpet is needed, as waste from installation is usually only 1-3 %.
Nevertheless, many still choose to order surplus stock, as the tiles are very easy to replace. With spare tiles taking up very little space, they can be stored on site, enabling the clients to replace tarnished or spotted tiles as needed.
Look and feel
Even when masterfully installed, most carpet tiles will still show some degree of seams, so it is difficult to achieve the feeling of a single piece of flooring as with wall to wall carpets. However, late advances in technology has made the look of carpet tiles in larger spaces appear much more seamless as well as given versatility in options, as you can read
about in the next chapter.
With the simpler construction and pre-attached backing, you also do not have the plush underfoot feeling of some wall to wall carpets. This is not to say that carpet tiles are not comfortable, but they lack the option of thicker backing, giving that extra luxurious feel that you might want in a luxury hotel room or a high end lounge area.
Why and when to choose carpet tiles
Carpet tiles are unmatched in regards to cost and installation time. They also have significant advantages in maintenance and modularity.
For most projects which do not require a fully customized design, carpet tiles should at the very least be considered, as they are often the superior choice in both practicality and design for these less complicated projects.
Wall to wall carpet
Wall to Wall carpet (also known as “broadloom”) is manufactured in long, wide rolls. Most manufacturers have different backing options, some of which allow installation directly on the subfloor, but wall to wall is most often laid on underfelt over a substrate floor. Despite the perhaps confusing name, “wall to wall” does not necessarily need to
cover the entire room. It can just as easily be installed only in an area, integrating with another carpet or a different flooring.
Wall to wall carpet is more difficult and costly to install than the carpet tile counterpart, but excels in quality and design versatility. Especially if you are considering a custom design carpet, wall to wall is superior.
The seamless finish means that only the interior space and your imagination set the limits. The option of thick carpet backing and the yarn options also mean that wall to wall can have a certain plush comfort, which is hard to replicate with the pre-backed carpet tiles.
Installation and waste
There are a few significant drawbacks to choosing wall to wall carpets, most notably in the installation phase. First of all, the installation process is more demanding, and thus takes longer time.
As the carpet is printed on large rolls, you also have to expect a waste of anywhere from 5-25 % (in some cases even more) from cutting and mishaps in installation. When the amount of corners, edges and odd angles go up, so does the expected waste.
This can be greatly alleviated by proper planning and training, both of which your carpet supplier should assist you with. Nevertheless, wall to wall carpets will almost always see more waste than carpet tiles.
Why and when to choose wall to wall
For projects with high design ambitions or for large spaces, wall to wall carpet more than makes up for its shortcomings. While wall to wall means increased waste, higher cost and more complicated installation, it also means unmatched design versatility, a plush, luxurious underfoot feeling as well as a stunning, seamless finish.
Conclusion
Choosing between wall-to-wall carpets and carpet tiles depends on your priorities. Wall-to-wall carpets offer a luxurious, seamless look and feel, ideal for high-end design projects or creating a plush, comfortable space. Carpet tiles, on the other hand, are easier and faster to install, with minimal waste. They’re perfect for areas that need frequent maintenance or where replacing damaged sections might be necessary. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on the project’s needs and design goals.
FAQs
Are carpet tiles outdated?
Not at all! Advancements in technology have created stylish carpet tiles that can achieve a very seamless look in larger spaces. They offer greater design flexibility than ever before.
When should I consider using carpet tiles over wall-to-wall carpets?
Carpet tiles are a great choice for areas with high traffic or where maintenance is a concern. They’re also ideal for DIY projects due to their easier installation.
Is it possible to achieve a custom design with carpet tiles?
While large-scale patterns are typically easier with wall-to-wall carpets, some manufacturers offer patterned carpet tiles that can be creatively arranged for a custom look.
What are the environmental benefits of each option?
Carpet tiles generally produce less waste during installation. Additionally, some manufacturers offer recyclable carpet tile options.
Will carpet tiles feel as comfortable underfoot as wall-to-wall carpets?
Carpet tiles typically have a thinner backing than wall-to-wall carpets, which can affect their plushness. However, they are still comfortable and offer a variety of pile heights to choose from.
