The creator of carpet tiles 1957
The development of modern synthetic materials helped the development of carpet tiles for floor-covering solutions.
Materials such as polypropylene are much cheaper to use for carpeting than wool, and this helped create a good carpeting solution where, although the surface was wool, the sub-surface was synthetic and therefore much cheaper to make.
The concept of carpet tile was introduced as a floor covering option in 1957. .
It had bitumen as its backing, which is a sticky black oil.
It was then 10 inches and square-shaped and was only used commercially.
A decade on from 1957 and a carpet company called Heuga bought a needle punch machine and developed the product by punching in carpet tuft in needles into the bitumen.
The catalyst to develop such a new product at the time was the high amount of waste normally created when laying carpets. The company could clearly see that wastage in laying a floor in module tiles of 10 or 12 inches would significantly reduce waste. And of course, being first to market offered the reward in terms of market share penetration into the whole of the floor covering the sector.
For an ambitious company, this was a very attractive business model. Today we take for granted the range of colours and qualities available online at such places as carpet tile wholesale in Nottingham uk,
Developers invested in new technology which would allow fusion bonding, a process that bonds together two materials at a very high temperature.
These early pioneers were part of an industry that by 1981 had grown to $60 million. The product has taken off and established itself.
In 2007 this had grown to $330 million.
Customers were quick to take up the product. Typically served open offices where the workspace was broken up into smaller offices or cubicles. There was no great demand in those early days for design. The tiles offered carpet-like surfaces, retained heat and were a significant improvement on industrial floor coverings at that time.
Today the use of carpet tiles is everywhere, including health and retail. The industry has grown substantially and now inlcudes new, used and recycled carpet tiles. There are some very well established wholesalers in the UK such as Carpet Tile Wholesale, who offer support and advice on carpet tiles and installations.
New uptakes drove the sale to an even higher level and eventually for technology to develop so that colours and weaves began to appear in the market.
What are carpet tiles?
Carpet tiles, also known as modular carpets, are square sections of carpet flooring typically measuring 50x50cm or 24×24 inches. They feature a dense, durable backing system and can be installed individually by adhering them directly to the subfloor. Each tile is a self-contained unit that integrates with surrounding tiles to create a complete floor covering.
What are the advantages of carpet tiles over broadloom carpet?
Carpet tiles offer superior flexibility in installation and maintenance. Damaged sections can be individually replaced without disturbing the entire floor. They generate less waste during installation, especially in irregular spaces. Transportation and storage are easier due to their compact size. They allow for creative patterns and easy access to underfloor utilities. Additionally, replacement stock requires minimal storage space.
Where are carpet tiles commonly used?
Carpet tiles are predominantly used in commercial spaces like offices, schools, hospitals, and retail environments where high foot traffic and frequent maintenance are expected. They’re also popular in conference centers, hotels, libraries, and modern residential spaces. Their modular nature makes them ideal for raised access floors and spaces requiring frequent reconfiguration or technology integration.
Are carpet tiles easy to install?
Carpet tiles are relatively easy to install compared to traditional broadloom carpet. They can be installed using peel-and-stick adhesives, releasable adhesives, or tackifier systems. Most DIY enthusiasts can handle the installation with basic tools and proper subfloor preparation. The modular nature allows for straightforward measuring, cutting, and fitting around obstacles, though proper planning is essential for alignment and pattern matching.
How durable are carpet tiles?
Carpet tiles are engineered for exceptional durability, typically lasting 10-15 years in high-traffic commercial environments. Their dense construction and robust backing systems resist crushing and wear better than many traditional carpets. Most are manufactured with stain-resistant fibers and are designed to maintain appearance despite heavy use. However, durability varies by manufacturer and product grade, with commercial-grade tiles offering superior longevity.