Blog Mini Series Part 2: How to Choose the Right Carpet Tiles
June 5 2026 11.15AM
Mini Series ​Part 2 – How to Choose the Right Carpet Tiles for Your Project
Does carpet tile thickness matter? - How to tell if a carpet tile is high quality
The total thickness of a carpet tile is commonly misunderstood as a factor when determining tile quality; the fibre type and pile density are much more important.
There are only ever a few millimetres difference in the height of one carpet tile compared to another. So, when a budget carpet tile is actually a millimetre thicker than a premium tile, or the other way round, it’s very difficult to tell which tile will last the longest?
The only way you’ll know is to ‘check the specification’ (aka spec).
Disregard ‘Total Tile Thickness’ and instead consider the ‘Fibre Type’, the ‘Pile Density/Pile Weight’ and the ‘Class Rating’.
Initially look at ‘Fibre Type’:
A carpet tile constructed from a nylon fibre will always outlast a tile made from a polypropylene fibre.
Next look at ‘Pile Density/Pile Weight’:
The higher the density or weight of the pile, the longer the carpet tile will last. This is because when a high pile weight (more pile) is compressed onto the face of a tile, the resistance to crushing and flattening is greater, allowing the tiles to retain their structure and good appearance for a lot longer.
And finally look at ‘Class Rating’:
See the table below.
Class Rating and Traffic Level Guide
| Traffic Level | Typical Areas | Recommended Tiles |
|---|---|---|
|
Domestic |
Heavy domestic use (perfect for all areas of the home) | All our tiles |
|
Moderate |
Home use, offices with low foot traffic | All our tiles |
|
General |
Standard offices, meeting rooms with medium foot traffic | All our tiles |
| Heavy (Class 33) |
Offices with high foot traffic, communal stairs and corridors, receptions areas (continuous castor chair and wheelchair use) | Rely-On, Weave, Urban Space |
This all means that a premium quality commercial tile would be made of a nylon fibre, have a high pile density, have a weight of 500gm or more and come with a Class Use Rating of 33.
If high quality, extra durable carpet tiles, that come with a 10 year guarantee, are what your space needs, then look for tiles with this level of spec. and look for a competitive price.
Our RelyOn Trade carpet tiles are our best seller range as they deliver exceptional durability and optimum performance without the premium price tag.
But budget carpet tiles do have a big place in the market. They are a much more cost-effective option when the project doesn’t have to consider ‘long-lasting or top quality’ as the main factors. Cheaper carpet tiles will still look great and are often used in spaces with light footfall and when a quick ‘spruce up’ is needed for a year or two – then budget carpet tiles are ideal.
General Rule:
If 20+ people pass through the area per hour → avoid budget tiles.
“If you’re putting budget tiles in a corridor with 200 people walking through it every day, you’re not saving money. You’re just scheduling a replacement sooner.”
Summary:
So, although a thicker tile can feel more luxurious and hide minor floor imperfections, if you need a heavy duty, hard-wearing carpet tile for a busy commercial space, pay more attention to the fibre type and the pile density rather than the thickness of the tile.
Next up:
Part 3 of this mini-series helps to de-mystify carpet tile specifications, so you can feel clear and confident that you are choosing the right carpet tile.