Modular Carpet Vs. Broadloom

Characteristics

• Carpeting is categorized as broadloom if it's more than 6 feet wide, but the Carpet and Rug Institute indicates that broadloom carpet is usually 12 to 15 feet wide. Modular carpet is sometimes called carpet tile, because it comes in 18- to 24-inch squares and has an adhesive backing. Modular carpet is easier to handle and install than broadloom carpet, but broadloom’s larger size creates fewer seams upon installation. The numerous seams created in modular carpet installations make the carpet vulnerable to curling up at the edges, according to Build Direct, a building materials supplier.

Installation and Design

• It’s usually necessary to install carpet padding before installing broadloom carpet, but some modular carpet brands come with padding already attached. Unlike broadloom, you can remove individual carpet tiles to clean them or replace them, because the adhesive that attaches them to the floor isn’t permanent. You also can create your own designs with carpet tiles by arranging the squares in any number of geometric patterns.

Environmental Benefits

• Modular carpet is a more environmentally-friendly product than broadloom in some cases. Many varieties of carpet tiles consist of recycled fibers, and tiles that remain in good condition can be moved to another location for reuse. Some modular carpet comes with a vinyl backing that prevents spills from soaking into the subfloor or ruining carpet padding as they would with broadloom carpet.

Pricing

• It's difficult to estimate the cost of modular and broadloom carpeting, since prices vary widely. Carpet squares usually cost more than broadloom, but discount retailers sell modular carpet for as low as 30 to 60 cents per square foot. Product quality will affect how much you pay for any type of carpeting. Mid-range prices for standard broadloom range from $1.75 to $2.50 per square foot, according to CostOwl.com. However, the site notes that some prices are as low as $1.25 per square foot.