If you are a business owner or manager interested in buying a new carpet for your office space, you would be surprised how many flooring options are out there. Today’s flooring provides myriad options designed specifically for businesses like yours. From luxury vinyl and laminate to commercial carpet flooring, there is almost infinite range of choices for your décor. But, what actually makes something a commercial flooring product, rather than a residential one?
For residential flooring, comfort is often the first priority. A home is a place where people can relax and enjoy their free time. So, carpet that is intended for residential purposes must be comfortable, appealing to the eye, and quiet. This type of carpet usually has taller pile and a fairly loose loop design. Both of these produce the plush feel that homeowners want from their flooring. High quality carpet for residential use is good for reducing noise levels and sound transmission and has excellent thermal qualities, keeping the home environment warm and energy efficient. It can also help to minimize injuries when falls occur, especially to toddlers and the elderly. Residential carpet can be installed wall to wall, or in carpet pieces. It can be glued to the floor, but also installed without adhesion. Residential carpets are available in various styles, colors, and patterns.
Commercial carpet is made to withstand a lot of foot traffic without looking worn, and that requires choosing the proper carpet specification for its intended use. This type of carpet is usually made with a tight loop and a short pile, giving it the density and thickness enough to withstand extra-heavy traffic on a daily basis. Some commercial carpets are made with an attached high density performance cushion or other PVC backing system, which give the carpet extra support for very heavy traffic areas such as hospitals or hotels. Design of commercial carpets is usually easy to fit in with various interior styles. They can also be cut in a larger variety of sizes and are generally less expensive than residential carpets, making commercial carpet a great option for large spaces.
Even though, residential and commercial carpets are made from the same materials, they are not always cleaned with the same methods. Most popular professional cleaning method when it comes to residential carpets is steam cleaning or hot-water-extraction method. It can remove more than 95 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting and it is best for dealing with pet and food stains. On the other hand, the low moisture method is usually the favored method of commercial carpet cleaners. This method is highly efficient for removing dirt, grit, sand and allergens. However, in contrast to hot-water-extraction method, low moisture method has much quicker drying time, which makes it more business friendly.
