Pros and cons of carpet squares

Carpet squares are a flooring type which uses tile-sized pieces of carpet, approximately 50cm square. These small-sized squares are an alternative to carpet rolls. This article shows the importance of determining the pros and cons of carpet squares before choosing the flooring.

Pros

Ease in installation Due to their handy size, carpet squares are easy to transport and install, discounting the need for professional expertise. DIY installation kits can also be supplied when one is buying carpet squares. This entails savings in installation costs. The laying process does not require any sub-surface preparation, except for cleaning. The tiles are provided with an adhesive layer and no padding glue is needed. In renovation jobs, the tiles can be laid on the existing floor which need not be replaced. Carpet squares can adhere to various types of surfaces like wood, linoleum, granite and marble. If the decor and flooring are to be changed, the squares can be uninstalled with equal ease. Ease in replacement, maintenance and care Since the floor is not a single entity, it is easier to replace damaged areas. Individual tiles can be removed, cleaned and returned to position.
Partial replacement, without disturbing the rest of the flooring is also possible. If required, the flooring allows access to sub-floor simply by removing and replacing the requisite tiles. Since the flooring is unitised, maintenance and replacement are easy. Flexibility The small size of the flooring unit makes it a flexible option, particularly suited for coverage in irregular floor plans. Using conventional carpet roll in an odd shaped room can be tricky. There is a wide variety available in terms of colour and texture and the squares can be used to make patterns in the flooring to create interest.

Cons

Appearance Carpet squares cannot attain the cohesive look of wall-to-wall carpets and appear disjointed. Seams do not allow the squares to blend as a singular whole. If done poorly, tiles may also be misaligned, thus creating an untidy detail at the junction of walls and floors. Wear and tear Carpet squares are not as durable as carpet rolls and are not recommended for areas with heavy circulation. They wear faster and with time. Shrinkage and curling of edges are also observed. This heightens the uneven look of the flooring. Safety hazard The differential wear can pose a tripping hazard and should be fixed when discovered. It is important that the product has a manufacturer’s warranty to protect against this problem. Both pros and cons of the carpet squares stem from the unitised nature of the flooring and its size. Due to its virtues, carpet squares are suited for lighter traffic areas and DIY enthusiasts.