Carpet tiles consist of squares of bonded carpet. Their main advantage is that you can replace a worn or damaged area without having to replace the whole carpet. Tiles from underneath furniture, for example, can be swapped with those in high-traffic area to even out wear. They also allow easy access to under-floor wiring or plumbing. Extra replacement tiles should be purchased with the main batch, as those brought at a later date will probably be of slightly different color.

Carpet tile turns the messy, awkward job of carpet installation into a quick and easy one. Placement requires less time and few special tools. This type of flooring can be chosen for any room. The pile is not as dense as that in rolled carpet, but it can serve well in both high and low traffic areas.

Carpet tile (or "carpet squares") normally comes in one size: 18 x l8 inches. Varying thickness and patterns are available, as well as hundreds of different colors. They can be purchased either dry-backed or self-sticking. The dry-backed version needs a special adhesive or, for less permanent jobs, double-faced tape. These can go over almost any surface, as long as it is clean and dry. However, it is not highly recommended for use in below-ground areas, such as a basement, because it could become mildewed.