Carpet • Tile Format
Carpet Tile, Explained
Carpet tile is a modular carpet format installed as individual tiles. This page explains what carpet tile means and the specs you’ll commonly see on technical data sheets — reference-only, no product or install advice.
What Is Carpet Tile?
Carpet tile (also called modular carpet) is carpet made in individual tiles rather than a continuous roll (broadloom). Because it’s modular, the overall system is often described as tile construction + installation method rather than “carpet-only.”
On spec sheets, you’ll usually see standard carpet construction specs (fiber type, face weight, density, backing), plus tile-specific details like tile size and sometimes layout-related notes.
How Carpet Tile Differs From Broadloom
Broadloom carpet (stretch-in or glue-down) is a continuous roll format, while carpet tile is modular. That modularity changes the “system picture” because seams, replacement strategy, and installation systems are part of how tile is used and specified.
Spec sheets for carpet tile often emphasize backing construction and dimensional stability more frequently than some residential broadloom sheets, since modular systems can be more sensitive to how a tile holds shape under test conditions.
Common Carpet Tile Terms You’ll See
- Tile Size (format dimension, e.g., 18"×18")
- Backing Construction (tile backing system/layers)
- Density (tuft packing / structure)
- Face Weight (fiber weight per area)
- Dimensional Stability (movement under test conditions, when listed)
- Tuft Bind (yarn retention, when listed)
Carpet Tile Specs Glossary
One-sentence explanations of common spec-sheet items, with links to deeper spec pages.
| Spec | What It Means (1 Sentence) | Where It Appears | Deep Dive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | The material used for the carpet yarn (which affects feel, resilience, and maintenance characteristics). | Construction | Fiber Type Explained |
| Face Weight | The weight of yarn on the face of the carpet per square yard (often listed as oz/yd²). | Construction / Performance | Face Weight Explained |
| Density | A measure of how tightly the carpet tufts are packed, which can relate to how the surface holds up under traffic. | Performance / Construction | Density Explained |
| Backing Construction | The layers on the underside of the tile that support structure, yarn retention, and stability. | Construction | Backing Construction Explained |
FAQ
What Is Carpet Tile? ⌄
Carpet tile is modular carpet installed as individual tiles rather than a continuous roll, with the overall system defined by both tile construction and the installation method.
Is Carpet Tile The Same As Glue-Down Carpet? ⌄
No. Carpet tile is a modular format that may use different installation systems, while glue-down broadloom is roll carpet bonded across the floor area.
What Specs Matter Most For Carpet Tile? ⌄
Common specs include fiber type, face weight, density, backing construction, and tile size. Some spec sheets also list dimensional stability or tuft bind depending on the product category.
Does Tile Size Affect Performance? ⌄
Tile size is mainly a format spec that affects layout flexibility and seam count; performance is more closely tied to construction, backing, and the installation system.
Reference-Only Note
This page provides general informational reference about carpet tile terminology and specifications. It does not provide installation instructions, professional advice, or product recommendations.