For carpeting an entire floor from wall to wall, there are really two choices, broadloom carpet or carpet tile. Each has advantages and disadvantages that make it a better choice for specific spaces. Broadloom comes in large rolls and feels more relaxing and luxurious. Carpet tiles are better for business and high-traffic areas, and install easily.
What is Broadloom Carpet?
Broadloom carpet is literally produced on a broad loom. These looms are usually from 3.66m (12’-0”) to 4.66 m (15’- 0”) wide, or broad, so broadloom carpet comes in rolls that are generally 12’ to 15’ in rolled length. This means that your entire space can often be carpeted with one piece of broadloom.
Pros
Broadloom carpet feels more cushioned and luxurious underfoot. A large number of design options are widely available for broadloom carpet. An underlay is required, and the pile is often deeper than the pile of carpet tiles. It’s more common to find broadloom in natural fibres like wool and hemp. These are renewable and biodegradable, so you can choose an environmentally sustainable carpet if you wish. Likewise, underlay may be made of new or recycled rubber, wool felt, (both renewable and biodegradable) or polyurethane foam, the most popular choice.
Cons
Both options are as durable as the material and quality you choose. In broadloom vs carpet tile, though, carpet tile is the winner when big accidents happen. Broadloom patches are very noticeable, leaving replacement of the entire carpet as the only real option.
Broadloom installation is best done by professionals, and may produce more waste. Offcuts are not deducted from carpeting cost, so they raise your price. Trimming also takes more time, and you can expect installation charges to reflect this.
Broadloom vs Carpet Tile Cost
Broadloom carpet is often touted as the more affordable option. This is true, for carpet alone. Accounting for the carpet, the underlay, and the installation, carpet tile cost is lower. Here are the approximate price ranges:
| Carpet | Underlay | Installation | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadloom | $1 – $6 CAD per square foo | $0.30 – $1.00 CAD per sq. foot | $1.00 – $6.00 per sq. foot | $2.30 – $13 per sq. foot |
| Carpet Tile | $2 to $8 per square foot | Built in | Can DIY | $2 to $8 per square foot |
What is Carpet Tile?
Carpet tile installation is easy enough that you can do-it-yourself. Carpet tile may be peel-and-stick, or installed as ‘floating’ without adhesive. Tiles may butt up against each other, or attach to each other. Carpet tile may be installed over stone, concrete, or wooden flooring or subfloor.
Pros
Carpet tile can save both money and waste by being easily replaceable by the individual tile. It also requires less trimming upon installation. For businesses that want to save money and achieve green building certifications (e.g., LEED), waste reduction can contribute to certain credits. Waste reduction targets or strict waste management regulations can also make carpet tile the better choice.
It’s the more cost-effective option, because it usually has built-in underlay and many homeowners are able to do the installation themselves.
You can get more creative with carpet tile. Tile patterns can be oriented to align or contrast. You may create patterns, using shape, texture, and colour as design elements.
Cons
All the creative options for carpet tile can become overwhelming. Even with built in padding, most carpet tile is thinner than underlain broadloom. The feel is stiffer and less luxurious. In places like offices where users usually keep their shoes on, this can actually be safer, so it’s not always a con. It’s virtually impossible to make carpet tile seams disappear completely. Masking imperfections in your subfloor material is easier with broadloom. Interesting shapes, patterns and colours may be hard to find. Zelta Floor and Design has suppliers that don’t sell to the public, so we can expand your choices.
Differences Between Broadloom vs Carpet Tile
Carpet Tile vs Broadloom, in summary, then, looks like this:
| Trait | Broadloom or Carpet Tile? |
|---|---|
| Lower Price | Carpet Tile |
| Easy Installation | Carpet Tile |
| Less Waste | Carpet Tile |
| Creative Possibilities | Carpet Tile |
| Repairable | Carpet Tile |
| Works better with shoes on | Carpet Tile |
| Works better with shoes off | Broadloom |
| Luxurious Feel | Broadloom |
| Luxurious Look | Broadloom |
| Less visible seams | Broadloom |
| Materials Selection | Broadloom |
| Colour Selection | Broadloom |
| Texture Selection | Broadloom |
| Trip hazard safety | Broadloom |
| Won’t need design help | Broadloom |
| Covers Imperfect subfloor | Broadloom |
Is Broadloom or Carpet Tile the Right Choice?
The short answer is, it depends upon your space. Generally, the first choice for residential use is broadloom. There are numerous possible exceptions, however, including, but not limited to:
- Playroom
- Crafts room
- Finished basement
- Covered patio
- Home gym
- Home office, or wherever furniture is on wheels
- Any area where spills or damage are more likely
- Wherever shoes are usually worn
In general, carpet tile is more suitable for businesses, but again, there are lots of possible exceptions. Broadloom might be the best choice for:
- Low-traffic areas
- Conference rooms
- Private client consultation areas
- Individual fitting rooms
Let’s Start Your Carpet Installation Today
Broadloom carpet has a more luxurious look and feel on bare or stocking feet, and is generally more suited to residential use. It’s best to install it professionally.
Carpet tiles are more economical, with a shorter pile and thinner padding underneath, and they’re individually replaceable. You may choose a professional installation or do-it-yourself. Carpet tile is better suited to business spaces.
Either way, Zelta Floor & Design can help with inspiration, selection and layout.
FAQ
Carpet tiles can shift over time. This doesn’t just look bad, it creates trip hazards. Your choices and care will make the difference:
– Choose a quality product
– Choose professional installation
– Follow all instructions exactly if you’re doing the installation yourself
– Have your carpet tiles professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months
– Vacuum regularly
– Spot clean spills as soon as they happen
– When moving furniture, lift, do not drag
Broadloom carpet can have a lifespan as short as 7 years, or as long as 30 years. These factors determine how long yours will last:
– Quality and materials of the carpet
– Quality of the underlay
– Quality of the installation
– Amount of traffic
– Regularity and quality of maintenance
