Laying modular carpet tile

Backing is part of Blackstock’s case for functionality, explaining that with some companies, the “cushion provides resilience, acoustical/thermal insulation properties and comfort underfoot.” Additional technologies have helped simplify the installation with “an environmentally superior alternative backing system for laying modular carpet tile.”

When it comes to maintenance, he noted, “Carpet tile offers the ability for small sections to be replaced. For example, wear patterns can be minimized by selective tile replacement and rotation.”

David Vita, executive vice president for Beaulieu Group, explained tile’s ability to be rotated, or quarter turned, is a huge advantage when it comes to replacing worn tiles and facilitating design flexibility. “Modular carpet offers so many more options—and it has nothing to do with mills having more styles in tile than broadloom. You can take the same carpet tile and quarter turn it or ashlar (offset) the squares or even plank them.”

The quarter turn method, Vita added, makes replacement much easier becausethe tiles are already arranged in an offsetting pattern, meaning if there is a stain, replacing one or two new tiles (even if in the middle of a room), will not look out of place. “Whereas with broadloom, you have to cut out the section and then you have an almost quilt-like appearance. Plus, it’s much easier to store an extra box or two of tiles than it is a roll of carpet.”