What Is the Best Carpet for Commercial Use?

Carpet flooring has been used in the commercial business sector for many decades. Many options exist from which to use carpets for commercial use.  A myriad of colors and patterns are available to help you find the exact combination of professionalism and warmth that you desire for your business.  What is the best carpet for commercial use?  That depends entirely on your business and your preferences

WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL CARPET?

The best carpet for commercial use is one that is durable, aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean and maintain, and one that can take heavy foot traffic with ease. It also should be resistant to spills or stains.

Carpet for commercial use generally has a lower pile, which means they are thinner than carpets for residential use.  Many people select Berber carpet because the fibers are wound through the carpet backing for extra strength.  Typically, they are not as soft as some other carpet types, but they are durable – exactly what they need to be for commercial use.  Carpets with a lower pile typically hold up better to wear and tear with no crushing or matting of fibers.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIBERS

• Nylon fibers used in carpets are a favorite choice for commercial spaces, including apartments and condos.  Nylon is great for indoor use, largely because of its safety rating.  It won’t burn in the unfortunate event of a fire and meets fire code regulations.  Nylon tends to fade when exposed to the sun, so it is not recommended for outdoor use.
• Polyester fibers (also known as PET) are typically less expensive than nylon.  Polyester fibers work well in both indoor and outdoor settings.  It’s another durable fiber choice that resists retaining moisture and is also resistant to stains.  It is also a great choice for commercial spaces.
• Polypropylene is another material used in commercial carpets.  It is also known as Olefin.  It is much cheaper than nylon and polyester but still can withstand significant traffic. Polypropylene carpets are widely used in smaller commercial businesses, such as offices, grocery stores, banks, motels, and diners. While polypropylene is resistant to mildew and mold, it does stain more easily than other materials.

Both olefin and polypropylene are less costly and very durable, but they won’t give you the same lifespan that nylon will.

Both are solution dyed, meaning they have very good stain resistance. Often, a good solution can be to choose olefin and polypropylene for less trafficked areas and nylon for more highly trafficked areas – provided the look can be kept consistent.

Maintenance

Daily maintenance, according to the instructions that come with the carpet, will extend its life substantially. If grit and dirt are being tracked in from outside, it will grind into the carpet and wear areas out. Regular cleaning removes these issues The best carpet for commercial use is one you’ll maintain well. This decision is just as important.

Durability

Since most businesses tend to have heavy foot traffic, it is important to select a tough, durable carpet that will not quickly get damaged from daily usage. You want the carpet to last a long time as it is inconvenient and expensive to replace floorings frequently. If you want a carpet to last, be aesthetically pleasing, and be of high quality, your initial investment will pay off over the years.

Aesthetics

In any business, it is important to have flooring that reflects good aesthetics. Carpets, in general, come in many styles and designs, and most offer great aesthetics. Most people are not impressed by lackluster flooring in today’s competitive business world. Selecting a commercial carpet that reflects your style, business, and personality is important. 

Easy to Install

You also want to select a relatively easy carpet to install and remove. You preferably want a commercial carpet that is low pile, thick, and dense so that it will muffle sounds, cushion falls, and is easy on the feet. The low pile carpet will not get easily matted down or have a worn-out look even after extensive use.

Ease of Care

Finally, you want a carpet that is easy to clean and maintain. You should be able to remove stains and dirt with ease.

Fire Rating

Carpets rarely cause a fire, but a fire can spread to a carpet. Because of this, carpets are put through two tests to ensure increased safety. Any carpet that’s sold – commercial or residential – must pass the NBS Smoke Chamber Test. Commercial carpets must also pass the ASTM E-648 Radiant Panel test. Class II carpet is appropriate for the vast majority of commercial spaces that don’t involve health care.

Commercial Carpet Traffic Ratings

Always check the commercial carpet ratings because they will tell you how much foot traffic they can handle. The ratings for commercial carpets include:

• Medium: used in most areas with just heavy foot traffic, like grocery stores
• High: these carpets are designed to match the heavy foot and roller traffic, like at an airport
• Extra heavy: these carpets are tough and used in gyms, exercise studios
• Walk off: this is the ultimate rating for durability and is designed for garages and mechanical repair shops

Additional Needs

If your business has specific needs, ensure you make them clear before making a final decision. Certain carpets hold up to rolling traffic well, while others are made to withstand chemicals and spills well. Some can handle direct exposure to weather, while others might be suitable for light vehicles passing through. You want to ensure you make the right choice for your commercial use.

East Coast Flooring & Interiors has a vast storehouse of knowledge when it comes to carpets for commercial use or residential needs.  Call them at 1-954-626-8053 to discuss the carpeting requirements for your commercial space today.  They offer a free estimate.  These professionals care about your needs, so call them today to have a conversation about the best carpet for commercial use.