Blog Mini Series Part 3: How to Choose the Right Carpet Tiles
June 12 2026 11.30AM
Part 3: What do carpet tile specifications really mean?
Specifications can look complicated, so here’s what they actually mean and what actually matters:
Fibre Type
Nylon offers the best performance, and polypropylene is more budget-friendly, offering a viable, value-for-money option.
Fibre Colouring
Solution dyeing: colours the pile fibre all the way through (like a carrot if you cut into it) so they are colourfast, won’t fade and can be cleaned easily.
Space dyeing: colours the pile fibre only on the outside of the fibre (like a cucumber if you cut into it) so they are not colourfast and can be prone to fading.
(Image: carrot and cucumber cut into, with tick above carrot and x above cucumber).
All the carpet tiles we sell are solution-dyed.
Pile Weight (g/m²):
Generally, the heavier the pile, the more hard-wearing the tile. For heavy office use, choose a nylon carpet tile with a high pile weight; this will provide durability and longevity.
Here’s an at-a-glance table to help you quickly compare the pile weight for the different tile fibres.
| Polypropylene fibre tiles | Nylon fibre tiles |
|---|---|
| 350-400g = moderate duty | |
| 400-700g = general duty | 350-500g = general duty |
| 700g+ = heavy duty | 500g+ = heavy duty |
Backing:
Bitumen is the most common backing for carpet tiles and provides dimensional stability, preventing the tiles from distorting during use. This backing also provides thermal and noise insulation.
Premium cushion-backed carpet tiles offer increased comfort underfoot and superior insulation but won’t be as hard-wearing or long-lasting.
Fire Rating:
All carpet tiles are tested for low flammability and should possess excellent flame-resistant characteristics.
Castor Chair Compatibility:
Choose a carpet tile with a castor chair rating. Ratings 32 and 33 are rated for castor chairs and wheelchair use – rating 32 is for occasional use, whereas rating 33 is for continuous use. For ratings below 32, protective castor chair mats would be recommended.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility:
All carpet tiles are suitable for use with underfloor heating.
Next up:
The final part of our mini-series answers six questions we get asked all the time about choosing the right carpet tiles.