The carpet is an important part of the aesthetics of a building. It should be something that the employees enjoy seeing every day. A beautiful carpet can make guests feel welcome.
You should familiarize yourself before you start your search for a new carpet. You will feel more confident and comfortable in your choice if you are well-informed.
The thought of choosing the “wrong carpet” can be overwhelming. With the right information it doesn’t need to be a chore. You’ll first need to decide what the purpose of the carpet is.
- What type of business do you run? Medical? Industrial? Industry? Retail?
- What is the average daily traffic on your floors?
- What is the aura like? Professional? Casual? Nondescript?
- What kind of chemicals, liquids or foods will you be putting on your new floor?
If you are looking for a commercial carpet that is cheaper, it may tempt you to do so. However, cheaper carpets tend to wear out faster than carpets of higher quality. The initial costs of replacing carpets can be high, but it may also disrupt the workflow and reduce productivity (depending on how you install them).
Ask yourself these six questions when you’re comparing different commercial carpets to help you make a decision.
Commercial Carpeting: Is it Durable?
Many people will walk on your carpet in the office. You don’t want to have to change your carpet every year or two. It makes sense to choose something durable.
In general, an office will see more foot traffic. It is important to choose carpeting that will last the test of time. Three factors can have a significant impact on the durability of commercial flooring:
- Color
- Pattern
- Density
The color of the carpet should be chosen according to the traffic that you anticipate. White carpet, for example, will not likely stay clean in an area that is heavily trafficked. It is likely that a darker color will be a better choice.
A pattern will help you hide dirt and the traffic patterns on your carpet. You can go longer without replacing or cleaning your carpet.
Consider the traffic rating for the area before choosing the carpet density. Carpeting with a higher density and greater durability is recommended for areas that are heavily trafficked.
What Carpet Type Is Right For You?
Decide if you want to use commercial carpeting in your office. High-traffic areas, for example, are better suited to carpet tiles which can be changed as required, while areas such as reception areas, where chairs must roll easily, will benefit from low-pile options.
Ask yourself whether a carpet will suit the purpose of a particular room. If the carpet is likely to be exposed chemicals such as chloride, a more durable carpet will be required. To be prepared for a fire, you should also make sure that the carpet has passed the NBS smoke chamber test.
Carpet may not be ideal for your business if you have to deal with a lot of wet or potentially flammable floors. Linoleum flooring or laminate might be a better option. Consider combining different flooring types to define the various areas of your building.
What is the impact of carpet construction on its performance?
The construction of your carpet will affect its performance. Consider the construction of your carpet when choosing a carpet.
Face weight/Pile weight
The face weight of a carpet, also called pile weight, is the amount of yarn used in its manufacture. The carpet is usually measured by ounces per square foot. Commercial carpet typically has a face-weight of 16-40 ounces per square foot.
Density
How the yarn is woven determines how dense a carpet will be. Face weight is not the same as this. Some carpets are tightly woven with short threads while others are made of long, loosely twisted threads. The density of the carpet is what determines its ability to withstand traffic and wear and tear.
Backing
There are many different backing options for carpets that can increase their longevity. The yarn is held together by a plastic backing on most carpets. Some carpets have an extra backing called action back to improve security and resistance to pulling. Commercial carpets are often made with a regular plastic backing, and a latex coating instead of a secondary backing. If your carpet is going to be in a location that sees moisture or liquid, you can choose a carpet with a moisture barrier.
Padding
Underlayment is an important part of the construction of commercial carpet. Some office carpets adhere directly to the flooring, but depending on your needs, padding may be a better option. Padding is ideal for colder areas like Rochester, NY, as it reduces echoes and provides extra insulation. This is also an excellent idea for conference rooms and stairs where standing or climbing may be required.
What is the impact of carpet on the aesthetics of a business?
Commercial carpets were not as diverse as they are today. You have almost limitless choices. Now, you have the option to choose your own:
- Color
- Texture
- Design
- Pattern
Color
First, you need to decide if the color should be light or dark depending on how much traffic will pass through the building. The next step is to determine the ideal color. Consider the mood you want to create in your office. For example, law offices might need to look plain and professional. Businesses that want to showcase their fun side can choose something bold and bright.
Style
The pattern is important. You don’t want a carpet that is too distracting. Choose a carpet that suits the atmosphere you wish to create in your business.
Carpet Seams
Seams can be a problem for your aesthetic quality. Seams are often unavoidable unless you’re carpeting a very small area. The majority of carpet is available in 12 to 15 foot lengths. You may see some seams in your carpet if your space is longer than 12 to 15 feet. You could use furniture strategically arranged to achieve this. You can also ask Greenfield Flooring for help in minimizing the appearance of seams.
Pile Shading
You may also be interested in pile shading. The effects of shadows on a carpet are called pile shading. The lines that you see when you vacuum are caused by the pile shading of the carpet. It’s normal, but if you find it annoying you can use curtains or shades to reduce the amount of pile shading.
Is the price within your budget?
Cost is an important factor. You probably have money set aside to cover the cost of new flooring for your office, or new flooring for your new office. It’s a great idea, as it will ensure that you do not spend more than necessary on the project.
Before meeting with professionals, you should set a budget of how much money you plan to spend on new commercial carpet.
When deciding between commercial carpets, keep in mind your budget. You may choose a designer carpet if you have a lot of money to spend. If you want to keep your costs down, choose a simple color.
What will maintenance be like?
You should also consider the cost of maintaining the carpet. Some carpets only need to be vacuumed every now and then. Some carpets require professional cleaning. You want to keep your carpet in great condition for years.
How to choose carpet
It can be hard to think about aesthetics when contractors ask you about functionality.
Aesthetics is important. Aesthetics can affect the mood in the office, the employees and clients. We like to offer building owners tools that will help them select carpets that match their office personality.
This is a design tool that was created by a commercial carpet brand we install. This tool makes it easier for you to choose the carpet that best suits your personality.
Get help from Commercial Carpeting Professionals
Contact us if you’re unsure which commercial carpet is best for your business. We will be happy to show you our most popular choices and guide you through our showroom!
