Introduction
Carpet tiles are an excellent flooring option in both commercial and residential spaces. Additionally, carpet tiles offer a soft feeling underfoot, unlike laminate, luxury vinyl tiles and porcelain tiles. That being said, there is a rumour that carpet tiles tend to be more expensive than other flooring types, so this article is here to investigate whether or not there is any truth to that claim.
Carpet Tile Cost vs Other Flooring Types
- Average Carpet Tile Cost: The average cost of carpet tiles per square metre is £25-50. This will of course depend on quality, design and branding. Let’s use this as a benchmark to see how the cost of carpet tiles weighs up against other popular flooring options.
- Average Laminate Cost: The average cost of laminate per square metre is £30-60. Again, this will depend on quality, texture and any protective coatings that have been added. But as you can see, carpet tiles can work out more cost-effective than laminate and you get that soft and warm feeling underfoot. More expensive than carpet tiles.
- Average Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost: The average cost of luxury vinyl tiles per square metre is £25-40. This will depend on the texture of the tile, the locking system and any UPVC protective layers that have been added. But as you can see, luxury vinyl tiles do work out cheaper than carpet tiles, though you do lose out on the warm and soft feeling underfoot. Cheaper than carpet tiles.
- Average Porcelain Tile Cost: The average cost of a porcelain tile per square metre is £25-50. Again, this depends on the size, colour and quality of the tile. But as you will notice it is identically priced compare to carpet tiles. However, you definitely lose out on the warmth and softness underfoot. Also, bear in mind that the cost of installing porcelain tiles may be higher due to the complex nature of the work when compared to installing carpet tiles. Same cost as carpet tiles.
- Average Sheet Carpet Cost: The average cost for sheet carpet per square metre is £6-60. This wide price range reflects the wide range of quality, tufts, piles and branding available. At the lower end of the scale, sheet carpet can work out cheaper than carpet tiles. However, for mid to high end carpet the price is similar whether in sheet or tile form. Also, bear in mind that you will likely need a professional carpet fitter to install sheet carpet for you, whilst you could DIY a carpet tile installation if you want to. Either way, you still get that soft and warm touch underfoot. Potentially cheaper or more expensive than carpet tiles.
Other Cost Considerations:
- Cost of Installation: Sheet carpets and porcelain tiles will probably require a flooring professional to install them for you properly. Whereas, carpet tiles, laminate and luxury vinyl tiles can be self-installed by a DIY-enthusiast with some basic tools. This means you will need to add on the cost of labour for sheet carpets and porcelain tiles, which could make them uneconomical for you. On the other hand, choosing a DIY-friendly flooring product to install could save you some extra pounds!
- Cost of Maintenance: Both sheet carpet and carpet tiles require periodic deep cleaning to remove dirt from the fibres and ensure a hygienic and aesthetic carpet for many years to come. Some people undertake the deep cleaning process themselves, but some people prefer to pay a professional to do the job for them. Bearing in mind that annual deep cleaning is recommended, over the course of the carpet’s life you may need to spend a significant amount of money paying people to help maintain your carpet. On the other hand, hard floors like laminate and luxury vinyl tiles do not require a deep clean and could save you money over the course of the floor’s life.
- Cost of Repairs: Carpet tiles are much easier to repair than sheet carpet. Simply remove the damaged tile and replace it with a new carpet tile. This ease of repair is matched by porcelain tiles, as a broken porcelain tile can be lifted out and replaced with a new tile. However, the same is not true for laminate or luxury vinyl tiles, which will require you to remove sections of the floor before you can access and replace the damaged tile.
Conclusion
There you have it, a guide to the costs involved in selecting, installing and maintaining different types of flooring. As you can tell, the rumour that carpet tiles are more expensive than other types of flooring is just that – a rumour. Carpet tiles work out cheaper per square metre than laminate and some carpets, and are a similar price to porcelain tiles. However, carpet tiles main advantages are the possibility of a money-saving DIY installation and the ease of repairs that it offers. Both of which could save you a lot of money in the long run. In conclusion, carpet tiles are a cost-effective flooring option in terms of materials, installation and repairs.
