Commercial Carpet: Everything You Need to Know
Carpet might be a good choice for your business or home if you need commercial flooring. If you’re looking for a low-pile, durable flooring option that won’t stain easily, then high traffic carpet may be for you.
Carpets designed for commercial use are extremely durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. Berber carpets have looped fibers that are looped through the carpet backing, making them less soft, but more durable.
A commercially-rated carpet has a lower pile, meaning it is thinner. This allows the carpet to withstand wear and tear without matting or crushing. The patterns and colors of industrial carpet can be chosen to fit your commercial space. Retail entryways, commercial gyms, commercial offices, grocery stores, airports, banks, and even your home can benefit from these!
About Carpet Fibers
- Nylon is a popular option inside commercial buildings, condos, and apartments. For indoor applications, nylon is often chosen due to its fire resistance since it does not burn – it melts instead. But keep it out of direct sunlight since it fades.
- The typical cost of polyester is lower than that of nylon, and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Due to its durability and stain-resistance, this fiber is suitable for any application in the home or even in a commercial setting.
- This fiber holds up very well in high-traffic areas, and it is cheaper than other fibers. In places like grocery stores and office lobbies, you can find polypropylene fiber. It resists mold and mildew, but it stains more easily than the others.
About Carpet Thickness
Residential carpets are thick and plush, whereas commercial carpets are the contrary. This carpet has short, dense fibers that resist crushing and denting. In exchange for all that durability, low-pile carpet sacrifices comfort, so it’s rough underfoot.
Commercial Carpet Traffic Ratings
Carpets designed for commercial use may handle more foot traffic than others. Check out the ratings to find the best durability for you.
- Walk-off: This is the ultimate durable carpet designed for entryways and even garages.
- Extra heavy: The toughest of the tough, this carpet can handle the busiest areas.
- High: Designed specifically for heavy foot traffic and busier areas.
- Medium: Great for use in most spaces with a lot of foot traffic.
How to Clean Commercial Carpet
Keeping commercial carpet looking great doesn’t require special equipment. Here’s how to do it:
- Vacuum frequently to keep your floor clean and inviting.
- Remove spills immediately with an absorbent cotton cloth and clean water.
- Occasionally deep clean using a hot water extraction-cleaning machine (i.e. carpet cleaner).
To spot clean carpet and remove stains, follow these tips:
- Spray your favorite carpet cleaner over a small area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Dab the stain with a clean towel.
- Once the stain has vanished, rinse the area with clean water.
- Soak up the remaining moisture with a second clean towel to finish up.
What type of carpet is best for commercial use?
In addition to being durable, low-pile nylon carpet can handle heavy traffic without matting or getting crushed. Stain-resistance and easy maintenance also make it a good choice for larger commercial spaces that require intense maintenance. Looped fibers, such as Berber, make the carpet more durable, so we recommend them.
Padding isn’t always necessary for commercial carpet. You can sometimes glue it directly to the subfloor. Choosing the right carpet padding option, however, can still benefit you. Underlayments made of rubber roll provide the best padding, since they are durable, not too soft, and offer some give underfoot.
