Choosing commercial carpet is a more complex process than selecting residential carpet. Beyond budget and aesthetics, numerous practical factors must be considered.
To help you find the best carpet tiles for your organisation’s needs, here are ten essential tips to avoid common pitfalls when choosing commercial flooring.
1) Choose the Right Carpet for Your Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for commercial carpet. A high-traffic office with heavy use has different requirements than a smaller, quieter workspace.
Use TARR ratings (Texture Appearance Retention Rating) to gauge the durability of carpet tiles. Select tiles with a TARR rating that matches the demands of your office environment.
2) Don’t Focus Solely on Aesthetics
While flooring contributes significantly to the look of a space, prioritise durability alongside design to ensure lasting appeal.
Carpet tile backings are critical for longevity. Hardback carpet tiles bear all foot traffic pressure on the carpet fibres, which leads to wear and tear. In contrast, cushion-backed tiles compress underfoot, protecting the fibres and preserving the carpet’s appearance over time.
3) Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Initial purchase price is just a fraction of the total cost over the flooring’s lifecycle. Installation and replacement costs often outweigh the upfront savings.
Investing in quality materials and innovative products can reduce long-term costs, minimising the need for frequent maintenance or premature replacement.
4) Understand Installation Processes and Savings
Modern carpet manufacturing can eliminate many traditional installation costs:
- Adhesive Removal: Specify products with non-reactive adhesives or backings to avoid removing old adhesive from subfloors.
- Subfloor Levelling: Cushion-backed carpet tiles mask uneven surfaces, reducing the need for costly levelling.
5) Purchase Extra Stock for Replacements
The modular nature of carpet tiles makes spot replacements easy – but only if you have matching tiles.
Keep attic stock on hand to ensure you can replace damaged tiles without worrying about discontinued products or colour mismatches.
6) Check the Warranty Carefully
Manufacturer warranties vary widely in terms and coverage. Some are time-limited or require strict adherence to specific conditions, leaving little room for error.
Look for flooring with lifetime warranties to protect your investment and simplify claims if needed.
7) Prioritise Health and Well-Being
Carpet impacts employee comfort and productivity:
- Underfoot Support: Cushion-backed tiles reduce muscle strain and fatigue, using materials similar to high-performance sports shoes.
- Noise Reduction: Cushion-backed carpets can lower ambient noise by up to 50%, reducing stress in open-plan spaces.
8) Don’t Confuse Face Weight with Durability
High face weight doesn’t necessarily mean greater durability. Shorter pile carpets are typically more robust as their fibres are less likely to crush or bend underfoot.
For lasting durability, focus on factors like design and backing rather than fibre weight alone.
9) Embrace Modular Carpet Aesthetics
While seamless broadloom carpet might seem appealing, modular carpet offers unparalleled design flexibility.
Instead of trying to mimic traditional carpet, take advantage of modular tiles to create unique patterns and layouts that can’t be achieved with wall-to-wall options.
10) Protect Your Carpet from Dirt and Moisture
Without proper protection at entry points, dirt and moisture from shoes can wear down carpet fibres, accelerating deterioration.
Installing a tiered entry system can block up to 80% of dirt and moisture from reaching your carpet. For smaller spaces, mats provide an effective alternative.
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial carpet tiles involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and practical considerations. By following these tips, you can select flooring that meets your organisation’s needs, lasts for years, and maintains its visual appeal.
