Commercial & Residential Carpet Review
Some carpet manufacturers offer both residential and commercial grade carpet. Today I’m reviewing how each type of carpet is specifically designed and constructed to meet the unique needs of its environment and identifying the five main differences between commercial and residential carpet.
1) AESTHETICS
You will typically find a wider range of color and style options for residential carpet compared with commercial carpet.
In busy commercial spaces, dark-colored patterns are the popular choice. Dark patterns are traditionally more forgiving than solid colors: marks and stains over time will blend in with the pattern, allowing the carpet to last longer in a commercial environment where spills are more frequent.
In contrast, light-colored carpets are often favored in residential settings because they give the impression of space and light.
However, it’s becoming increasingly common for commercial spaces to mimic the comfortable environment of a residential setting – particularly in office environments. As this workplace trend grows in popularity, office designers are frequently selecting more textural, semi-solid floor covering patterns in lighter tones to channel residential aesthetics.
2) COMFORT
Comfort is the top priority for residential carpet and likely feels exceptionally luxurious underfoot when compared with commercial grade carpet. The two types of carpet are constructed differently: to improve underfoot comfort, residential carpet is likely to have a greater pile height, which creates the indulgent, plush feel.
Residential carpet is often supplied with a thick underlay, which acts as padding. This creates a more comfortable surface and has the added benefit of increasing sound absorption. Commercial grade carpet is starting to recognize the benefits of underfoot comfort and follow suit.
3) DURABILITY
If comfort is the main priority in a residential setting, durability is top for commercial grade carpet.
Commercial floor covering is created to handle high levels of foot traffic day after day. It’s carefully constructed so that it can withstand repeated heavy foot traffic without looking worn. For example, it normally has a shorter pile height, as longer fibers are prone to being crushed and distorted by high levels of foot traffic, meaning the carpet’s appearance deteriorates rapidly.
There are several factors which impact carpet durability, but the most important is the carpet backing.
4) CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
For both residential and commercial grade carpet, vacuuming is the primary cleaning method, with an occasional deep clean.
However, due to the higher levels of foot traffic, commercial carpet requires much more extensive cleaning and maintenance than residential carpet. Even in households with small children and pets, you won’t reach the levels of dirt and debris brought in on hundreds of people’s shoes in a busy commercial environment.
High-traffic areas in commercial environments may need vacuuming every day to prevent dirt and grit from wearing away at carpet fibers, whereas many homeowners won’t vacuum more often than once a week. Furthermore, while homeowners are recommended to deep clean their carpets once a year, high-traffic commercial environments may require deep cleaning on a quarterly basis or at least every six months.
5) EXPECTATION
The biggest difference between residential and commercial grade carpet is the expectation that people have when buying it. Commercial grade carpet needs to retain a beautiful appearance for ten years or more to provide a well-maintained, professional atmosphere. In contrast, residential carpet isn’t expected to last anywhere near as long, or endure as much wear and tear.
For the full article click here.
PUREALCHEMY DESIGN Pinterest Board: Commercial & Residential Carpet.
PUREALCHEMY DESIGN is an award-winning expert in the realm of commercial space design.
To begin the process of creating your branded environment:
Call 612.386.5154 or Contact us here!