When installing flooring for your business or office, you want to select a comfortable, attractive and durable material. Carpet has become a popular commercial floor option as flooring technology has advanced. Many of today’s commercial carpet options are easy to clean, water-resistant and stylish, making them the perfect choice for any commercial setting.
When choosing a carpet style and deciding between broadloom and carpet tile, consider your budget, needs and preferences. Let’s look at the benefits of carpet tiles and carpet to see which option is best for your commercial space.
Broadloom carpets, also known as carpet rolls or wall-to-wall carpets, are large rolls of carpet laid over a carpet pad. They’re a popular choice for homes since their wide variety of patterns, styles and colors make them perfect for creating a custom interior. Although popular in residential areas, commercial broadloom is different from residential because it’s built for durability and high traffic instead of casual home use.
While broadloom is often called wall-to-wall carpet, it doesn’t have to sit against every wall. This carpet can be cut to fit virtually any sized room or area, often flowing into another flooring material or carpet type. The large sections of broadloom are chemically-adhered together, creating a seamless look without visible section lines.
When you compare carpet roll vs. carpet tile, the rolled-out nature of broadloom makes it more expensive to install. Carpet pads must be laid down before installing broadloom, and the material will need sizing to fit a room exactly. This process produces more waste than carpet tile since the excess gets cut away. The installation process that often makes carpeting more expensive also makes it more plush and luxurious. Broadloom offers thicker yarn and carpet backing options, increasing the carpet’s comfort and softness.
Overall, broadloom can be a comfortable, customizable option for any business. Some advantages of broadloom include:
While it has many options and a more polished look, there are some disadvantages of broadloom:
The large sections of broadloom make it better at hiding any flaws in the substrate, but this can also make it more challenging to clean. Since large sections of carpet aren’t easily removed, you’ll likely need to replace the entire carpet if damaged or worn.
Easy installation and durability make carpet tile a good choice for carpeting in commercial businesses. Carpet tiles are pre-cut sections of carpet with an attached backing that help it adhere to floors quickly and conveniently. When comparing carpet tile vs. carpet, the tile’s smaller area makes it easier to replace than broadloom. Carpet tile also produces less waste than broadloom since pre-cut pieces are easier to size and fit into a commercial space than large rolls of material.
The small tile sections make the carpet less expensive to install than broadloom, but this convenience may come without some of broadloom’s aesthetics and strength. While carpet tiles are very durable and an excellent option for high-traffic commercial flooring, they may experience edge fraying between the sections after excessive wear. The seams where the squares meet will eventually fray, but they’re straightforward to replace individually without removing all the flooring.
The feel and look of carpet tiles may be less luxurious than plush wall-to-wall carpets, and they have fewer design and thickness options. The pre-cut nature of carpet tile means seams will always be visible, even when installed by a professional. Carpet tile costs are typically minimal compared to broadloom since the pre-cut sections come with backing and don’t require laying large sections, alterations or underlayers.
For commercial businesses, there are many advantages of carpet tiles, including:
Like any convenient, easy to swap material, there are some disadvantages of carpet tiles:
When comparing the pros and cons of broadloom and carpet tile for your business, there are several features to consider. Take thickness, durability, style, color and overall cost into account when selecting a carpet type.
The specific cost of carpet vs. carpet tile depends on the carpet’s quality, the size of the space and the material’s strength. Weigh the costs and benefits of each carpet type carefully against your business’ needs. Commercial spaces are often high-traffic, making some features, like color and fiber, ideal for cost-effectiveness and durability.
If you’re looking for convenience, low installation costs and easy maintenance, carpet tiles are probably the best choice for your business. However, some commercial offices can benefit from the added comfort and seamless look of broadloom. High-end designs and carpets can elevate a company’s appeal to clients, providing a luxury-feeling experience.
If you’re looking for a creative way to add style to your space, broadloom’s many designs, colors and patterns make it a good choice for creating a standout commercial space. Combining different shades of carpet tiles can make an eye-catching floor, but there are much more limited visual options than broadloom.
Whether you choose broadloom or carpet tiles, select a color that will resist showing dirt in high-traffic spaces prone to debris. Choose a stain-resistant carpet type that’s easy to clean — carpet tiles are easier to maintain and work great for areas that receive a lot of wear.
Whichever carpeting you choose, make sure to have it installed professionally. While self-installation can save you money upfront, you’re likely to spend those savings on repairs and corrections later. Poorly-installed carpet won’t fit well, sit right or last as long as expert installation. After taking the time to find a durable, cost-effective carpet for your business, help improve its life span and appearance by hiring professionals to correctly size and install it.
Choose Metro Flooring Contractors for your commercial flooring installation in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Delaware, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and receive high-quality carpet at affordable prices. As an experienced, reliable flooring company, we know how important it is to have the right floors for your business. That’s why we offer free flooring estimates and free flooring measures to help you find custom options for your unique space.
Whether you know what you want or need help getting started, our expert team will work with you to find the durable, attractive carpet your commercial business needs. Contact us to schedule a free appointment today.
