Trade Show Flooring Buyer's Guide: Carpet vs. Vinyl Tiles
Trade show flooring is the padded floor you lay over the concrete or thin carpet in your booth. Interlocking tiles are the most practical kind: they snap together like puzzle pieces, pack into a case, and can be used at show after show. The main choice is between carpet tiles and vinyl tiles. This guide covers whether you need flooring, how carpet and vinyl compare, how many tiles your booth takes, and the case that ships and stores them.
Do you need trade show flooring?
Most conventions, expos, and trade shows are long, arduous events that last most of the day. In many cases, your booth staffers will be on their feet for eight to ten hours at a time with very little room for breaks. Flooring earns its place in three ways:
- Comfort. Soft flooring provides an extra cushion for the tired feet of your booth staffers, helping them remain fresh and rested throughout the day.
- Traffic. Soft flooring attracts visitors too. Tired feet seek out a place to rest, and as the show wears on, a cushioned booth draws more people in.
- Definition. Flooring clearly marks where your booth begins and ends, which is especially useful if a nearby booth offers similar products or services.
Check your exhibitor manual as well. Some shows require every booth to have a floor covering.
Should you rent or buy?
You can rent carpet from the show each time you exhibit, or buy your own tiles once. Buying your own will save you money long term versus renting at each show, and it means your floor matches your branding every time.
Carpet tiles vs. vinyl tiles
Both are 2 ft x 2 ft interlocking tiles with a cushioned foam base. The difference is the surface.
| Carpet tiles | Vinyl tiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Carpet over a foam base | Luxury vinyl over a foam base |
| Look | Soft and traditional | Smooth, hard-surface finish |
| Colors | Many colors | Over 20 colors |
| Tile size | 2 ft x 2 ft, 5/8" thick | 2 ft x 2 ft, 5/8" thick |
| 10 x 10 set | 25 tiles, 46 lb | 25 tiles, 46 lb |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | A soft, classic booth floor on a smaller budget | A modern look that stands out from carpeted booths |
Interlocking carpet tiles
Best for: a soft, classic floor that costs less.
Our carpet tiles are built to last. Each tile is a base layer of foam covered by a layer of carpet. They are high heel proof and add cushion on top of the standard industrial carpet or concrete that is common at trade shows. Choose from many different colors to match your branding.
- Tile: 2 ft x 2 ft, 5/8" thick
- 10 x 10 set: 25 tiles, 46 lb
- Edges: optional beveled edges
- Turnaround: 6-7 business days plus shipping time
Interlocking Comfort Flex vinyl tiles
Best for: a modern finish that sets your booth apart.
Our vinyl tiles are built to last. This flooring is produced with a base layer of foam covered by a layer of luxury vinyl, so you get a hard-surface look with the same cushion underfoot. These padded tiles are a great looking alternative to carpet. Choose from over 20 different colors.
- Tile: 2 ft x 2 ft, 5/8" thick
- 10 x 10 set: 25 tiles, 46 lb
- Edges: optional beveled edges
- Turnaround: 6-7 business days plus shipping time
How many tiles do you need?
Tiles are sold in 10 ft x 10 ft sections of 25 tiles. Combine sections for larger booths.
| Booth size | Sections | Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | 1 | 25 |
| 10 x 20 | 2 | 50 |
| 20 x 20 | 4 | 100 |
How to ship and store your tiles: the XD Flat Shipper Case
Flooring only saves you money if it survives the trip. The XD Flat Shipper Case 49x25 is the case we use to transport and store flooring tiles. A full 10 x 10 section packs into one case, at about 90 lb packed.
- Built to last: roto-molded shell with chrome plated steel buckles and a handle molded into the case
- Easy to move: built-in wheels, and it can ship by UPS
- Interior: 49" x 25.5" x 8.5", with a telescoping lid that extends the case height from 11" to 15"
- Weight: 42 lb empty
Which should you choose?
- You want the lower cost option: carpet tiles.
- You want a soft, traditional floor: carpet tiles.
- You want a modern look that stands out from the booths around you: vinyl tiles.
- You exhibit more than once: add the XD Flat Shipper Case so your tiles travel and store safely.
Common questions
How do interlocking tiles go together?
The edges of each tile are cut like puzzle pieces. Lay the tiles on the floor and press the edges together. No tools or adhesive are needed.
What are beveled edges?
Beveled edges are optional sloped border pieces that finish the outside of your floor, so it tapers down to the hall floor instead of ending in a step.
How thick are the tiles?
Both carpet and vinyl tiles are 5/8 inch thick, including the foam base.
How long does flooring take to arrive?
Flooring takes 6 to 7 business days plus shipping time. The XD Flat Shipper Case ships in 2 to 3 business days.
Need help choosing? Call us at 540-438-9933, or shop all trade show flooring.
