Over the past decade carpet tiles have gone beyond airports and elementary schools. What once was a utilitarian way to cover a floor is now a sophisticated (and fun) way to add softness and color to any house—including a tiny house.
Carpet tiles are squares of carpet that can be locked together.
Carpet tiles are squares of carpet, usually with a sticky backing, that are slotted together to cover a floor. They come in several sizes such as 19×19 or 24×24 square. Rather than in a heavy roll that needs to be carried by two or three people, they come in manageable boxes of 10 or 12 each. In addition, while they can be installed by professionals, a DIYer can easily install them with just a few tools.
They can be used to create multiple patterns.
They are also available in so many materials, textures, and thicknesses. Some carpet tiles are made of recycled plastic bottles and some are made from natural materials such as sisal, jute, or wool. Many of these types of materials are also very easy to keep clean.
Some even come in recycled or sustainable materials.
While these reasons are perfect on their own, here are five other reasons why you should consider carpet tiles for your tiny house:
1. They are easier to install
While you see most tiny homes with hardwood or laminate floors, laying down carpet tiles just might be the easiest way to add flooring to a tiny house. The tiles don’t need any special tools (just a chalk line, X-acto blade, and measuring tape) or a professional. For a small floor they can can be installed in less than a few hours. In addition, if you wanted to add them to a loft, there is no dragging a heavy carpet roll up a ladder or loft stairs.
2. They can be adjusted easily for size
With carpet tiles, you don’t even need to finish the entire floor. With just a few boxes of tiles, you can create an area rug or even cover just one room or sleeping loft with the tiles.
3. You can get really creative
Some carpet tiles come in patterns that can be rotated to create different patterns. Some homeowners even purchase random tiles of various patterns and colors to make their own unique floor. The designs are totally up to you.
4. Damaged tiles can easily be replaced
If the dog happens to chew up part of a carpet tile, it can easily be pulled up and replaced with another. It does pay to purchase carpet tiles from a reputable dealer or big box store that will keep the same style on hand, so pick up a few extra for this type of mishap.
5. They are less expensive
In the past year or so, laminate and hardwood flooring has skyrocketed. However, basic carpet tiles can still be found for around a dollar to $2 per square foot. A typical 250 square foot tiny house will cost less than $1,000 to have carpet tiles installed and if there is a sale or a deal, around $500.
By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]