Are carpet tiles friend or foe to the pet owner? Read about these small square wonders. Many pet owners are curious about this alternative to traditional carpeting. Check out the pros and cons and decide for yourself. How friendly are pet-friendly carpet tiles?
Pros
• Easy installation
If you want to skip the cost of carpet installers, carpet tiles may be your best bet. Unlike traditional wall-to-wall carpeting installed and stretched on tack strips, carpet tiles are installed with or without glue. Newer installations skip the glue-down method and opt for small adhesive pieces that hold the tiles together. Anyone can install this type of flooring.
• Durable and easy to clean
These little tiles are quite durable – which makes them appealing to families with small children and pets. The fibers are strong and many of them can be rinsed, washed and replaced when they get soiled.
• Easy to replace small sections
It’s extremely easy to remove and replace a tile. Most customers purchase a box or two of extra tiles – just in case they have an accident that can’t be cleaned.
• Many colors, many patterns
When you start looking for carpet tiles, you’ll be surprised just how many colors, sizes and patterns these little beauties come in. You can mix and match, change the directions of the nap and do a whole bunch of other creative installations. In short, you get a custom rug you can put together yourself.
• Can be moved or repurposed to another location
Just as the tile can removed and replaced for cleaning or repair, the entire installation can be dismantled, reconfigured or moved to another room – or your next house. Try doing that with wall-to-wall carpeting.
Cons
• Quality tiles can be pricey
Although there’s a wide range of products in many different price points, high-quality carpet tiles can be a bit expensive. A cheap area rug could be replaced several times for the cost of a high-end carpet tile installation.
• Thin padding
Most carpet tiles come with a cushioned backing. However, the cushioning is nowhere near the depth of luxury wall-to-wall carpet padding.
• Seams problems after installation on some products
Some customers complain that you can see the seams of the carpet tiles when all are installed in the same direction. Of course, turning alternating tiles to create a pattern negates the problem. However and more importantly, other customers have reported that edges and corners of the tiles can lift, causing a trip hazard or inviting spot for puppy to chew on.
• Some installation accessories can add to the cost
For a no-glue installation, the special adhesive pieces that hold the carpet tiles together can get expensive, depending on how many you use and how far apart you space them.
• Can be difficult to remove after a glue-down installation
For a glue-down installation, it’s pretty much the same as a glue-down vinyl tile. Removal is time-consuming, frustrating and can damage the subfloor.
After much research and reading many customer reviews, I think the jury is still out on this one – at least for me. There are pros and the cons that are difficult to sort out. Some customers love their carpet tiles and swear by them as the best flooring for kids or pets. Others are not impressed. My best advice is that you visit a showroom and inspect the carpet tiles you want before buying them and buy them from a reputable dealer who will stand behind the products they sell.
You may also want to do a small trial run in an entry way or hall before investing in a total room installation. Then you can answer the question for yourself. How friendly are pet-friendly carpet tiles?