Types of Carpet Tiles (Indoor & Outdoor)

Carpet tiles from Greatmats are a popular choice because of the wide range of locations where you can use them. You can select padded, raised, and flat tiles to fit the design plans you have.

Our carpet squares are easier to install than a roll of carpeting, giving you a DIY option.

• Glue-down
  
• Peel-and-stick
  
• Dry-lay
  
• Interlocking tiles
  
• Padded

Even people with little experience installing carpet squares can do it successfully.

Best Use Cases for Raised Carpet Squares

When you want to install carpet squares (or tiles) in damp conditions or over a cold concrete floor for a basement, a raised carpet tile is a smart selection. The tile features carpeting over a raised plastic base that allows air to flow underneath the tile, reducing temperature transfer from the concrete. Potential use cases include:

• Basements
  
• Cold floor rooms
  
• Bedrooms
  
• Temporary installations

Best Use Cases for Padded Carpet Tiles

Rather than laying out a separate padding layer, like you often have to do with rolls of carpet, foam-padded tiles provide cushioning by attaching foam directly to the back of the carpeting. Foam-backed carpet tiles also can deliver the padding you want, sometimes functioning as indoor and outdoor carpet tiles. Potential use cases include:

• Basements
  
• Cold floor rooms
  
• Bedrooms
  
• Temporary installations
  

Best Use Cases for Thin Carpet Tiles

Some indoor/outdoor carpet squares do not use a cushioned backing. They are flat pieces of carpeting that go directly atop the subfloor. They work for both temporary installations and permanent installations. Potential use cases include:

• Residential basements
  
• Bedrooms
  
• Kids' playrooms
  
• Commercial offices
  
• Waiting rooms
  
• Customer-facing areas
  
• Commercial fitness centers
  
• Temporary gymnasium coverings for events
  

Carpet Tile Flooring Q&A

Do I need padding under carpet tile squares?

No, as some tiles can go directly over the subfloor. If you want padding underneath, be sure to select our models with padding attached to the carpet squares. The innovative EVA foam back insulates from a cold subfloor. It maximizes comfort and creates a welcoming feel that the entire family is sure to appreciate.

How do you install carpet squares?

When wondering how to install carpet squares, we offer self-stick carpet tiles, eliminating the need for messy glue. We also have foam-backed options that fit together like puzzle pieces. Assemblies could not be easier, thanks to the interlocking edges. Additionally, their seams are tight enough to prevent the edges from separating while under normal use.

What are raised carpet tiles?

Raised carpet tiles use a base tray consisting of plastic with a layer of carpeting over the top. The tray uses supports to lift the bottom layer away from the subfloor, allowing air to flow underneath and causing evaporation from damp concrete. The plastic base has a snap-together design to connect the tiles securely.

Do you need glue to install carpet tiles?

Not necessarily. At Greatmats, we offer carpeting tiles that require a glue-down installation, a releasable adhesive for the installation, and a dry lay installation where you do not want a permanent application or plan to pick up the tiles after an event. Interlocking carpet tiles do not require glue, either.

What are the best outdoor carpet tiles?

The best outdoor tiles with a carpet layer can stand up to constant moisture and all kinds of weather. It's smart to pick a colorfast tile that can survive regular sunlight and UV rays. Peel-and-stick or interlocking tiles are easy to install on a patio, a partially covered porch, or a seating area.