Introduction to Office Carpets
Office carpets are on top of the list for many businesses when choosing what kind of flooring the office should have. With brilliant design selections, great acoustic qualities and an abundance of other advantages that check all the right boxes, carpets for offices are always a solid choice for commercial flooring.
Take it from us, however, that selecting the right office carpets for each of your projects may not be as easy as it appears. There are many fantastic options with so many factors to take into account. Therefore, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to take out clients through the entire process of choosing the best office carpets.
How to Choose the Best Office Carpets
Designing an office space can be a long process, part of which includes picking the perfect carpeting for the office. Choosing the right carpet for your next office-project requires you to assess the workspace and consider the multiple factors that can affect commercial carpet types. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when picking a carpet for office use.
Why Office Carpeting Is a Great Choice for Office Spaces
Allowing you more freedom and flexibility in creativity and design than any other flooring material, office carpeting is the perfect pick for any office design project.
Flooring is such an important part of any design project, encompassing a massive percentage of an office space. Great office carpets enable you to use this space to your advantage by creating a design that defines the brand you are working for, and a carpet for office use is the most practical flooring choice for an everyday work environment due to its ability to absorb and improve sound in an open office layout.
How long does the office carpet need to last?
First things first. Figure out what the office carpet’s life expectancy should be. A basic rule of thumb: the longer the lease, the higher quality of carpet required.
A quality commercial carpet has a life expectancy of 5 -15 years and will remain in tip-top shape as long as it is properly maintained.
How will the different spaces in the office be used?
Next, determine how much each office area will be used in terms of foot traffic and furniture movement. Private offices and conference rooms may require lower levels of carpet resilience due to moderate use, while corridors and common areas typically receive heavy use. These are important things to consider when choosing the best office carpet for your office.
Read more for further details on performance attributes of different office carpets for different levels of usage.
What will this carpet look like in an actual office space?
Lighting can impact your office carpets in more ways than one, changing the look and feel of your design completely. Taking office carpet samples on-site allows you to view the carpet under the office lighting, as well as bring your vision to life in the space it will operate. Your client is putting faith in you to design something spectacular, so why not give them a taste of your creative talent by bringing some office carpet samples to show in person.
How well can a commercial office carpet handle stains such as coffee spills?
It’s essential to select different carpeting for different areas, such as cafeterias and corridors, which foster heavy foot traffic and coffee drinkers. When someone inevitably spills their cup of coffee or carries in dirt on their shoes, it’s best to have colour choices that fall in the medium range, which are able to mute out the daily build-up of soil and stains on the office carpets.
How will this carpet perform in a workspace?
Cushion backing improves comfort and carpet performance, as it absorbs the impact of foot traffic, making carpet fibres look better and last longer in a workspace. Carpet backing for office use is not only comfortable on the feet, but also easy on the ears due to its ability to improve acoustics. Consult with your carpet supplier to be sure you specify the right carpet backing for each area in the office building.
Carpet backing role for office use
Should I create a flooring plan?
Preparing a detailed carpet placement plan can reduce costly mistakes and delays on carpet installations for large office environments. Have a supplier check over your flooring plan to ensure all components run smoothly.
How can I prepare for office carpet installation?
Before installing your new office carpet, confirm all details at hand with your carpet supplier and office carpet installer prior to delivery. Have a logistics plan in place and take into account possible delays such as the 24 hour wait time for broadloom carpet to settle flat before installation and whether the space will require airing for 48 hours or more after installation due to the type of adhesives used.
Costly mistakes are common at the installation stage unless careful preparations are made. You don’t want this happening with your project. Instead, you want to be able to admire the stunning results.
Office Carpets – Pros & Cons
There’s no denying that options such as hardwood, polished concrete or tiles can be a great choice for many flooring spaces, so, when and why might office carpets be the ideal option for one of your office design projects? What are the benefits of office carpets vs hard flooring options? Let’s take a look.
In general, hard flooring options lack the variety of styles, designs, textures and construction types available with their carpets counterpart. When properly installed and fitted, a good quality carpet brings an abundance of advantages to a workspace that stretch further than just physical appearance.
Comparision – office carpet design with carpet tiles and plush rugs
Working with a carpet manufacturer or a seasoned supplier for commercial or domestic use provides you with the freedom to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for in your office carpet design. From vibrant colours, to custom ordered patterns, to luxurious fibre textures and classic neutral tones – the choice is yours.
Sustainable office carpets
Turn your office project into an eco-friendly one by selecting a carpet manufacturer that has devoted itself to creating sustainable office carpets that do not cause negative impact to the environment. Some types of carpets for offices contain dangerous substances which not only cause harm to the ecosystem, but can also pose a threat to the health of workers. It’s imperative to look into what materials manufacturers use. For example, many manufacturers use bitumen and PVC in carpet backing, which is bad for the environment.
Sustainability and environmental impact may also be of great importance to your client who may only want to use sustainable office carpets. If so, choose a carpet provider that has implemented recycling systems and sustainable processes.
If you aspire to work in an environmentally conscious way, but are unsure of what you need to make that happen, take a look at the following Things You Need to Look For When Talking Carpets and Sustainability.
1. Durability of office carpets
Carpeting is generally thought of as the less durable choice when it comes to flooring but through regular housekeeping and maintenance, office carpets will perform for decades. In Europe, carpets should be rated in terms of durability and long-term appearance retention through EN 1307, the European standard of textile flooring. Make certain that your carpet manufacturer uses proper testing equipment and holds their product to the utmost quality standard.
2. No static shock
Static electricity is a phenomenon which can cause danger in indoor environments. By deciding on a carpet with permanently anti-static and conductive fibres, your shock problem is solved in your office environment. In most office spaces, this is merely a question of comfort. But in select cases, delicate electronic equipment or flammable substances might require a completely static-free environment. If you’re in doubt, check with your client and report back to your carpet supplier to make certain the carpet you select lives up to the anti-static demands.
3. Thermal comfort and energy efficiency
Office carpets can significantly improve the thermal comfort of interior environments. The fibres that make up carpet act as natural insulators, meaning the floor feels warmer and doesn’t draw heat away from feet as quickly as hard flooring options do.
Office carpeting could lower energy bills, as it’s able to reduce room temperature by 2-3 degrees Celsius without the room feeling colder. Carpets offer the same effect in colder environments by trapping the heat, making it a balancing factor throughout the year.
4. A safer environment with carpets for offices
Office carpets provide a safe environment with a reduced risk of falls, slips and trips. Carpets act as an adhesive friction, lightly grabbing the soles of the feet and increasing stability, unlike smooth flooring types. If a fall should happen anyway, carpets offer softer surfaces to land on making the consequences of a fall far less serious. From an orthopaedic standpoint, commercial carpets provide soft and springy fibres that are easy on the feet and joints after a long workday.
5. Lower noise levels with office carpeting
Hard surfaces reflect sound, causing open office layouts to become noisy and bothersome. The acoustical benefits provided by office carpets are essential in a workspace, as the carpet is able to reduce noise through absorbing sound – creating a workspace with less distractions inhibiting its employees.
It’s critical to consider the acoustics of a room when creating an interior design for an open office layout. In this next section, we will uncover the acoustic benefits that office carpets provide.
6. Acoustic Benefits of Office Carpets
Carpet really is the base of the whole space. It acts as the first building block of a room. It’s not just a colour vehicle, it’s a sound deadening vehicle, a comfort vehicle as well. It softens a space immensely in no other way than any bit of furnishing can.
To fully grasp the importance of acoustic control, take a moment to empathise with the employees that will actually work in your project space. Imagine yourself trying to finalise a design for an important client – you have a deadline approaching and need full focus. On the opposite end of the room a group of colleagues engage in conversation.
You’re shocked that they can be so far away, yet sound as if they’re within arm’s length. On the right side of you, a colleague answers a phone call, on the left side, you hear the grinding of coffee beans in the kitchen and the countless sound of footsteps entering the office throughout the day. All these disturbances can quickly turn a productive workspace into a noisy nightmare.
A study carried out by the Danish National Institute of Occupational Health indicates that more than half of all employees working in open space office environments are negatively affected by noise.
As an architect or a designer, a quality office carpet is your number one tool to improve the sound quality of an office space. The carpet itself absorbs sound as efficiently as acoustical materials and can further reduce, absorb and mute noise with the addition of a cushion backing.
How to achieve the best acoustic results with office carpets
You must consider each area of the office to determine how much noise canceling properties will be necessary in your final choice of office carpeting. Will this area be a silent lounge or a loud and busy corridor? Are chairs going to be pulled back and forth? Will this be a space for telephone calls? After analysing your space and determining the required noise level in each area, you must select what kind of office carpet that should be installed to successfully improve the sounds of the room.
For the best results in acoustic quality it is imperative to consult with your carpet provider, but in general do note that:
The carpet backing you select for your office carpet has the greatest impact on the sound absorption of your carpet.
A higher mass of fibres will also be more efficient at absorbing sound, with wool fibres being exceptional.
Some manufacturers even offer acoustic-optimised carpet backing.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute the more permeable a carpet backing, the more sound energy can penetrate into the cushion resulting in a higher Noise Reduction Coefficient.
Office Carpet Design – What Are Your Options?
So, you’ve made the decision to install commercial carpeting in your next office project? It’s time to dive into the premium office carpeting design choices available to you.
Important decisions as to what type of carpet is most suitable for your project, will further impact circumstances such as delivery time, cost, quality, durability and, finally, design options.
Should you choose broadloom or carpet tiles in your office?
Of course, a good carpet supplier will assist you along the way with expert advice, but the more you know yourself, the better you are able to understand and appreciate that advice and make informed decisions.
Types of Office Carpets
Broadloom carpet (or wall-to-wall): Is manufactured in long, wide rolls and installed either directly to stick on the subfloor or laid on underfelt over the substrate flooring. Broadloom carpets for offices present unlimited design options and a seamless canvas for custom designs. Despite the name, wall-to-wall carpet does not have to cover a whole room; the carpet can be easily installed in specific areas or integrated with another carpet or flooring type. Read our comprehensive guide on wall-to-wall carpet to learn more.
Carpet tiles:
Small squares of carpet that can be laid in many versatile ways. Often cheaper than broadloom, carpet tiles for offices are also faster and easier to lay, saving both time and money. Wall-to-wall carpet certainly trumps carpet tiles for high-end projects, but for more casual office spaces, carpet tiles can often be a good option.
Office Carpets Constructions
Tufted: 95% of commercial carpets on the market are tufted. Tufted carpets are known for a quick and easy installation process and a low price point. Tufted carpets produce great results in most applications, however, there are times when the superior quality and durability of woven carpets may be preferable.
Woven: Weaving was the production process of choice in the 1950’s, but due to the carpet’s remarkable quality and acoustic benefits, most carpet suppliers carry woven carpets today. Woven carpets are made up of materials such as 100% wool or wool blends. The quality and purity of the wool are important factors influencing the long-term appearance and durability of the carpet. The luxurious feel and elegant appearance of woven carpets make them an ideal selection for high-end projects.
Office carpet trends to watch in FUTURE
Minimalism has expired and with that comes a new set of office carpet trends full of extroverted designs and colours:
1. The new opulence: Highly decorative interior carpeting with exotic jewel-toned patterns, on top of more exquisite patterns.
2. Biophilic design: Patterns mimicking nature and a healthy environment.
3. Floor power: Bold colours and major design statements providing a powerful brand image.
4. Geometry lessons: Custom patterns through piecing together an endless variety of carpet tile shapes.
How much does Office Carpets cost?
The cost of office carpets depends on the exact specifications of quality type, installation, construction, etc. If you want to find out how much it would cost to install carpets in an office, you have to consider the following variables:
Carpet type and construction:
Wall-to-wall is generally more expensive than carpet tiles, with tufted being the cheaper option compared to woven. Therefore, choosing carpet tiles for your office project is likely to be the cheapest option.
However, depending on the quality and design of a wall-to-wall carpet, prices can become quite similar. There are many manufacturers and importers who offer a number wall-to-wall carpets that are actually less costly than carpet tiles.
Type of fibres:
Prices in fibre, whether polypropylene, acrylic, nylon or wool or blended wool, fluctuate depending on pureness, content, dye, and type. In general, natural wool fibres cost more than nylon synthetics.
For wool, the pureness and average length of fibres will determine the price.
For nylon, prices depend on the use of bulk continuous filament (BCF) or staple fibres. Pre-dyed yarn can reduce the price of nylon.
NYLON CARPETS
Every homeowner who deals with a high-traffic home knows the potential for a carpet installation that’s quickly crushed. But you can solve this problem if you choose nylon carpet, even in busy spaces.
Choosing the suitable material for your home’s traffic level is likely the most crucial part of your remodel. Here’s what you should know as you move forward with your plans for new flooring.
Why nylon is the better choice
Nylon fibers feature the perfect twist, resilience, and density for carpets that hold up well under repeated traffic and activity. It’s a beautiful choice for homes with children, pets, or lots of foot traffic.
Some carpet products have built-in benefits like an added stain, odor, and crush protection. Ask for brands that feature these and other excellent advantages that could serve your busy household well through the years.
Added benefits of durable carpeting
One of the best attributes of durable carpeting is the longer lifespan and easy maintenance. These features will be welcomed and appreciated if you’re already busy with your active lifestyle.
You’ll also find that durable flooring can be as soft and comfortable as needed in every room where it’s installed.
Polyester is often less expensive than Nylon, though different qualities can increase this price tag.
Polypropylene is generally the cheapest of the synthetics, but of poor quality.
Standard or custom design:
A standard design carpet, or solid colour carpet, is typically predicted to cost less than a custom designed or custom coloured carpet.
Backing type:
For wall-to-wall carpet backing, your most expensive option is thick latex, followed by felt, thin latex and finally woven textile.
Many manufacturers around the world use bitumen and PVC in their carpet backing. This is cheaper but environmentally harmful.
Cost of office carpet installation:
Installation prices of office carpets differ depending on carpet type, as some may be more time consuming than others. Considering wall-to-wall carpet types often require a more extensive installation process, carpet tiles tend to be the cheaper installation choice.
Wall-to-wall carpets can also waste anywhere from 5-25% of the product during cutting mishaps during installation. Though with proper planning, cost, time and waste can be kept to a minimum with wall-to-wall installation.
Understanding Carpet Properties
There are many variables or properties that accompany a carpet next to physical appearance. With hundreds of properties to contemplate, it’s up to you to consult with your client and decide which properties are most essential to include in their office environment.
Properties you need to consider when choosing an office carpet:
Underfoot comfort
Insulation properties
Wear resistance
Acoustics
Footstep suppression
Fire resistance
Soil resistance
Colour fastness
Light fastness
Light reflectance
Sustainability
Based on the properties most required in your project, look to certifications and classifications to narrow in on which carpet face and carpet backing will be the most appropriate choice.
Conclusion
Choosing office carpets for your workplace is an excellent way to enhance the look and aesthetics of the space. Their durability, affordability, and premium look are what make them special and a unique solution for every business.
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