When you’re installing carpet in high-traffic commercial areas, you want the floors to look good and last. You also need the carpet to be comfortable and resistant to stains, spills and wear. The right choice will save you time and money on maintenance and replacement costs.
Choosing the right carpet for your business requires knowledge of the many options available. You may be familiar with the various types of commercial carpeting — broadloom, tufted or looped — and you can find a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from. However, you may not know that some fibers are better suited to high traffic areas than others.
Wool commercial carpet is one of the best choices for high-traffic areas, as it has natural properties that protect the fibers and help them resist stains and moisture. Wool also provides a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. This can improve comfort and reduce employee fatigue in busy areas. Nylon is another popular carpet material for commercial spaces. It is easy to clean, durable and available in a variety of styles and colors.
Other flooring materials may be suitable for high-traffic areas, including tile, vinyl and hardwood. However, they have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic tile is hard and cold underfoot, but it is durable and has a resistance to water damage. Vinyl is durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain, but it can become slippery if it gets wet.
The type of backing on a carpet is important, too. Unbacked carpet would deteriorate quickly in a busy commercial setting, so the best option is a secondary woven synthetic or polypropylene backing. Most tufted commercial carpets have a primary polypropylene or jute backing, and an adhesive compound bonds the two together.
In addition to the fabric material, the pile and style of the carpeting are important features to consider for high-traffic areas. You will find that some styles of commercial carpeting are better suited for heavy traffic than others, including berber, level loop and cut pile. Level loop and berber styles have low or medium piles and hide footprints and seams well, while cut pile carpets have a higher pile and are more susceptible to fading.
Whether you’re looking for a wool or nylon commercial carpet for your business, make sure to choose a quality installation to ensure the longevity of the floor. Choosing a carpet installer in Tampa that uses advanced seam sealing techniques will help prevent fraying and premature wear in high-traffic areas.
Other commercial flooring options that can withstand high-traffic areas include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and engineered wood. Unlike traditional vinyl, LVT is thicker and more durable, making it an excellent choice for commercial spaces. It can be designed to look like hardwood flooring or stone and offers more design options than vinyl. A successful Tampa commercial carpeting installation starts with an on-site assessment and accurate measurements. Professional installers will thoroughly inspect your space and discuss your preferences and requirements to ensure you get the perfect solution for your business.