Carpet Tile Sizes and Coverage
Most carpet tiles sold in the UK are 50x50cm (500x500mm). This is the industry standard size for both commercial and domestic use. Larger 60x60cm tiles are available from premium brands. Plank-format carpet tiles (25x100cm) are a newer format designed to mimic wooden flooring.
| Tile Size | Tiles per m² | Tiles per Box | Box Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 x 50 cm | 4 | 20 | 5 m² |
| 60 x 60 cm | 2.78 | 16 | 5.76 m² |
| 25 x 100 cm (plank) | 4 | 20 | 5 m² |
Carpet Tile Laying Patterns
Monolithic (All Same Direction)
All tiles laid with arrows pointing the same way. Creates a seamless, uniform appearance similar to broadloom carpet. Shows seams more obviously than other patterns. Use 10% wastage.
Quarter Turn (Chequerboard)
Each tile rotated 90° from its neighbour. The most popular pattern for offices and homes. Hides seams effectively and adds subtle visual interest. Use 10% wastage.
Brick Bond (Offset)
Tiles offset by half, like brickwork. Works best with plank-format tiles but can be used with squares. Adds directional flow to a room. Use 12% wastage.
Ashlar (Random Offset)
Tiles offset by random amounts (typically one-third and two-thirds). Creates a modern, dynamic appearance. Use 12% wastage.
How to Lay Carpet Tiles
- Find the centre: Snap chalk lines from the midpoints of opposite walls to find the room centre.
- Dry-lay a row: Place tiles from the centre to each wall to check the border tile widths. Adjust the centre point so border tiles are at least half a tile width.
- Apply tackifier: Use carpet tile tackifier adhesive (not permanent adhesive) so tiles can be lifted and replaced.
- Lay from the centre out: Start at the centre intersection and work outward in quadrants.
- Cut border tiles: Overlap the last full tile onto the wall tile, mark, and cut with a sharp Stanley knife.
- Press edges firmly: Use a carpet roller or press down edges to ensure good contact with the tackifier.
UK Carpet Tile Prices (2026)
| Quality | Price per Tile | Price per m² | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (polypropylene) | £2–5 | £8–20 | B&Q, Wickes, Amazon |
| Mid-range (nylon loop) | £4–8 | £16–32 | Carpet Right, Flooring Superstore |
| Premium (branded) | £8–15 | £32–60 | Interface, Milliken, Burmatex |
| Designer/Luxury | £15–30 | £60–120 | FLOR, specialist suppliers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpet tiles are not recommended for bathrooms due to moisture. They can develop mould and mildew underneath. Use ceramic or vinyl tiles in wet areas. If you want a soft floor in a bathroom, consider a washable bath mat instead.
Budget carpet tiles last 3-5 years in moderate traffic. Mid-range tiles last 5-10 years. Premium commercial-grade tiles (Interface, Milliken) can last 10-15 years in heavy-traffic offices. One advantage of carpet tiles is that you can replace individual worn tiles without replacing the entire floor.
Most carpet tiles have built-in backing that acts as underlay. You do NOT need separate underlay. Lay them directly on a clean, flat, dry subfloor. If the subfloor is uneven, use a self-levelling compound first. On concrete, ensure the floor is fully dry (use a moisture test).
50x50cm is the UK standard with the widest range of colours and styles. 60x60cm tiles have fewer options but cover larger areas faster with fewer seams. For most rooms, 50x50cm is the better choice due to availability and ease of handling.