Terminology

• Face weight: ounces of yarn per square yard
• Solution-dyed nylon: color added before extrusion; colorfast and bleach resistant
• Nylon 6,6 / nylon 6: common face fibers for commercial carpet
• Tufted / woven: yarn stitched into a primary backing, or woven together with the backing
• Loop, cut, cut-and-loop: pile constructions affecting texture and wear
• Secondary backing: PVC, polyolefin, or felt-type cushion backing that stabilizes the tile
• Installation methods: monolithic, quarter turn, ashlar, brick, herringbone
• Tackifier / releasable adhesive: pressure-sensitive adhesive allowing tile replacement
• Adhesive-free connectors: tabs that join tiles without wet adhesive
• Broadloom: roll carpet, alternative to modular tile

Standards

Sizes

• Squares: 24 in. by 24 in. common; also 18 in. and 36 in.
• Planks: 9 in. or 18 in. by 36 in. and longer
• Face weights: about 10 oz to 26 oz per square yard across commercial lines

Ratings

• Critical radiant flux: Class I (0.45 W/sq cm or more) or Class II per ASTM E648 radiant panel test
• Pill test: DOC FF-1 (16 CFR 1630) methenamine test for all carpet
• Indoor air quality: CRI Green Label Plus certification
• Acoustics: cushion backings improve impact sound and walking comfort

Test standards

• ASTM E648 / NFPA 253: critical radiant flux
• 16 CFR 1630 (DOC FF-1): surface flammability
• CRI Green Label Plus: VOC emissions
• ASTM F2170 and F1869: slab moisture for adhesives

Materials

• Face yarn: solution-dyed nylon 6,6 or 6; polyester or recycled content in some lines
• Backings: PVC hardback, polyolefin, and cushion backings
• Adhesives: releasable pressure-sensitive adhesives; connector tabs
• Underlayments: cushion backings or pads where comfort and acoustics matter

Detailing

• Specify installation method to control pattern and shading
• Test slab moisture and alkalinity against adhesive limits
• Order attic stock from the same dye lot for replacement
• Plan transitions to resilient and tile floors with appropriate edge trims
• Coordinate with raised access floors where tiles align to panels

Uses

Specific uses

• Open offices and conference rooms
• Classrooms and libraries
• Hotel corridors and meeting rooms
• Government and institutional office space
• Raised access floor areas

Pros and cons

Pros

• Easy to replace damaged or stained tiles
• Good acoustics and comfort underfoot
• Many patterns from layouts and blends
• Low waste and easy installation

Cons

• Not suited to wet areas or heavy rolling loads
• Seams visible in some patterns and lighting
• Requires vacuuming and periodic extraction
• Backing and adhesive affect moisture tolerance

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

• Yarn extruded and tufted into a primary backing; secondary backing applied; tiles die-cut
• Installed over prepared substrate with tackifier or connectors

Main manufacturers and suppliers

• Interface
• Shaw Contract
• Mohawk Group
• Mannington Commercial
• Bentley Mills
• Tarkett

Trade association: Carpet and Rug Institute.

Typical costs

• Commercial carpet tile, installed: $5 to $9.50 per sq ft

Sources

• Bentley Mills: commercial carpet product data (E648, pill test, Green Label Plus), https://www.bentleymills.com/product/rough-idea-shear/
• State of Iowa: carpet tile bid specification, https://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/Home/GetBidOpportunityDocument/80ba7f60-1793-46ed-9b37-2e0ce8123415
• Carpet and Rug Institute: Green Label Plus, https://carpet-rug.org/
• UpCodes: 2024 IBC Chapter 8 interior floor finish, https://up.codes/viewer/department-of-defense/ibc-2024/chapter/8/interior-finishes
• Terrapin Construction Group: commercial flooring cost per sq ft, 2026, https://terrapincg.com/news/commercial-flooring-costs-per-sf-2026
• Wikimedia Commons: Teppichfliesen.JPG, by Björn Bornhöft (GFDL), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teppichfliesen.JPG