A Buying Guide to the Three Basic Types of Commercial Carpet
by Kim Schroeder
When contemplating commercial carpeting for your business, there are some things that need to be considered before buying. For example, what type of business do you have, and what kind of foot traffic comes through on a daily basis? The answers to these questions will determine what type of carpeting you will need to install.
Commercial carpeting is durable and intended for heavy traffic. It is designed to last a long time and has stain-resistant properties to make it do so. Most of our flooring brands carry limited lifetime warranties, reflecting the high standards of performance in commercial carpeting. However, depending on the type of business that you have, you may find that there are other important specifications to consider including the carpet type, installation method and fiber type.
There are 3 types of commercial carpeting: Broadloom, Carpet Tiles, Carpet Planks.
Broadloom is typically the most cost-effective option. Broadloom is generally less money per square foot than carpet tiles and planks and can be good in a cost-conscious project. It comes in rolls and in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Careful consideration of the placement of the seams should be noted. One con to make note of when choosing broadloom is that if you have a stain that can’t be removed, you are stuck with that stain, unlike the flexibility of a carpet tile.
Carpet Tiles (or modular tiles), on the other hand, are much more flexible than Broadloom. They can be a little bit more expensive, but, in the long run, may prove to be the better choice. Carpet tiles can be configured in many different patterns. You can quarter-turn the tiles or run them all the same way, which provides you with more design options. Below is the same carpet tile in two different configurations. One of the biggest benefits to carpet tiles is that you can pull up one tile and replace it with a new one if it becomes stained or damaged. Carpet tiles typically come in 24”x24” square tiles and the ease of installation, for this type of carpet, is very desirable to installers.
Ashlar
Quarter-Turn
Carpet Planks are similar to Carpet Tiles in that they are very versatile and easily replaced when needed. They come in long planks (12”x48” or 18”x36”) and allow for more design pattern options.
The type of foot traffic that you have coming through your business will also help to determine what carpet is best for the area. Some types of carpeting are better equipped for higher traffic areas than others. For example, for high-traffic areas, a walk-off carpet is beneficial. This type of carpet is used in entryways where dirt and debris will be tracked in. A walk-off carpet is designed to scrape off most of that dirt from your shoes and helps to keep the main carpet areas clean and longer-lasting.
Lastly, other considerations are the types of carpet fibers. There are some fibers that are just better wearing than others. Most products are solution-dyed and the fibers will maintain their color and not fade with time. Nylon is a good choice in a carpet fiber, whereas Olefin and polypropylene are also decent, but do not wear as well. Solution-dyed fibers also have a high resistance to staining. If you are environmentally conscious, look for a carpet with some or all recycled content in them.
Our design team is here for you! We’re happy to assist with any questions you may have. Call us at 877-795-2600 and ask for Interior Design or speak with your sales rep.