The Invention of Carpet Tiles

A common everyday essential in homes, offices, schools and hospitals across the country, it’s interesting to discover that carpet tiles have a fascinating history. If you’ve always taken these practical yet attractive floor coverings for granted, it’s time to find a few moments to discover more about the invention of carpet tiles, this versatile interior surface which offers so many exciting possibilities for its users.

A relatively modern invention

Initially carpet tiles were produced by a small Dutch company, Heuga, whose main line of business was the production of bicycle seat covers! Using a needle punch machine, they began to produce a tough material made of hog and horse hair yarn. This was used both for their bicycle seats and for the creation of carpet tiles, which rapidly began to gain popularity. The company were particularly keen to utilise waste materials in their tile construction, turning discarded items into a useful finished product. Even now, reducing waste and conserving natural resources during production has remained a constant focus within the company.

Widespread use

Technological innovations in materials and processes has seen the range of carpet tiles which are available grow greatly since their initial production so many years ago. An American, Ray Anderson, was sent over to Europe in order to learn more about carpet tile production by Milliken, who at the time were a prominent US textile company. Ray Anderson was so impressed by what he saw that he formed his own enterprise, concentrating on carpet tiles. Today the company Anderson created, Interface, are still a leading supplier of premium carpet tiles, producing lines which are appropriate for many different types of floor.

Contemporary carpet tiles are available in a number of finishes and colours. Hardwearing and adaptable, carpet tiles are an ideal option for environments where noise, heavy traffic, hygiene or durability are priorities. The FLR Group offers a bespoke carpet tile solution to a wide range of organisations, utilising the expertise of brands such as Heuga, Interface and Polyflor to provide high calibre tiles which are easy to install, suitable for challenging locations and surprisingly affordable.