MENU

5 Differences Between Residential and Commercial Carpet

5 Differences Between Residential and Commercial Carpet

If you own a business and you’re trying to decide on carpeting for your space, you might be wondering what sets commercial carpet apart from carpet often installed in homes and how to make the right purchase for your needs.

5 Differences Between Residential and Commercial Carpet

Five critical differences between residential and commercial carpeting construction prioritize durability, style, cleaning and comfort. Whether you’re looking for the best commercial-grade carpet for your home or business, you’ll want to consider five specific factors for the wisest investment.

1. Durability Considerations

Consider residential vs. commercial carpet durability before installing flooring at your home or office. Both types have different priorities that are suited for different kinds of activity. In homes, you’ll want soft and plush carpeting for your family, while you’ll want to look at commercial carpeting for flooring that withstands a high degree of foot traffic.

Commercial carpet is often thicker and constructed to hold up to the unique stresses of a bustling company, while residential carpeting is usually not designed for a longer lifespan.

Typical commercial-grade carpet lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on a few factors. These include:

  • Fiber: Most often, nylon is a popular fiber option in commercial carpeting because it is easy to clean and long-lasting, while polyester is more affordable and stain-resistant.
  • Density: Commercial-grade carpeting installation often employs a lower pile height and tight looping to keep it intact for frequent activity. Residential carpet usually has a higher pile height for extra comfort but can mat and deteriorate over time.
  • Color: Some carpets may show their wear before others depending on the carpet’s dye. Usually, multi-toned and darker patterns will look better over a more extended period.
  • Installation: When commercial carpeting is installed correctly with the proper padding, it will last much longer than carpeting incorrectly installed.

Consider the above factors before purchasing any carpet. Commercial-grade carpet is built to last and withstand activity after long periods. It’s geared toward heavy foot traffic, while residential carpeting is often designed with comfort and style in mind. Have professionals install commercial carpets with the proper padding and colors to provide sustainability benefits for years to come.

2. Style and Aesthetics

When it comes time to decide on carpeting for your needs, you might be surprised to find many style differences between commercial and residential carpets. It’s typical to find that residential carpeting provides more stylistic options to suit different moods. For instance, to create a more open and airy feel, most homeowners choose lighter color carpeting to create an illusion of a larger space. Residential carpeting might have unique accents in the patterns to reflect interior design features such as furniture or wall decor.

Commercial carpeting uses durable materials while showcasing a sleek and clean feel for businesses and clients. Darker-colored options can camouflage stains and other blemishes that may appear over time while absorbing sound levels for peak comfort levels in your business space.

Although residential carpeting is geared towards style and aesthetics to personalize your home living space, commercial carpeting has stylish and sustainable options, too. Consider commercial grade carpet for residential use if you’d like the benefits of neutral styles and long-lasting, affordable materials.

3. Maintenance and Cleaning

Commercial and residential carpeting have different upkeep and cleaning priorities in their materials. While residential carpeting boasts style and variance, commercial carpeting successfully stands up to daily wear and tear.

Commercial carpeting might easily mask dirt with specific patterns or colors. However, businesses need to deep clean their commercial carpeting more frequently than residential carpeting to ensure a spotless look.

The low pile height in commercial carpeting makes it easier to maintain, but since businesses have heavy foot traffic, we recommend a professional cleaning every four to six months. On the other end, since residential carpeting doesn’t attract as much dirt, it typically only requires a deep clean every 12 to 18 months.

Depending on the materials of your commercial grade carpet, you can spot clean with steamers or dry carpet cleaners. For instance, nylon might require a steamer, while it’s easier to treat wool or sisal with dry carpet cleaning methods. Additionally, some carpets might be equipped with stain-resistant materials or can be treated with materials to reduce stains in your office.

If you make a habit of regularly cleaning your carpeting, the fibers will remain intact and ensure a flawless-looking space that lasts. Also, ensure that you hire a reputable company to install carpet with maintenance in mind. Most flooring contractors will assess your space, consider your lifestyle and needs, and recommend suitable carpeting materials for your home or business.

4. Comfort

You’ll find a wide variety of comfort options among different carpeting, but the comfort differences between commercial grade carpet vs. residential carpet are often very distinct.

Most residential carpeting provides a plush feel that commercial-grade carpeting cannot. Since both undergo a different design and construction process, luxurious padding typically applies to residential carpeting for relaxing, sitting and laying down. Another essential thing to consider is that commercial carpeting is for walking only, typically in shoes rather than bare feet or socks in your home.

Commercial carpeting employs materials that focus on sustainability rather than comfort. However, there are commercial-grade options to choose from if you want something that looks cozy to create the illusion of an intimate space. And similarly, if you’re looking for the best commercial-grade carpet for your home, choose from growing options that are both cozy and affordable.

5. Cost

Commercial carpeting is typically more affordable than residential carpeting because it’s manufactured to cover a larger area. Some homeowners, especially active families, may consider commercial carpeting better for their budget since it holds up to daily wear and tear and looks better in the long run.

Similarly, if you have a basement that opens up into a backyard, commercial carpets would be the cost-effective option for you. Commercial carpeting is good for home use when you frequent your outdoor space and need flooring that holds up to indoor-outdoor parties or your child or pet’s backyard playtime. However, if you typically don’t have many guests, don’t have a large outdoor area or frequent your backyard, residential carpet might provide the comfort and style you desire.

Trust Metro Flooring Contractors for Residential or Commercial Carpeting Installation 

Now that you know the commercial carpet vs. residential carpet benefits and differences, you can make an educated decision before installing flooring for your business or home. You’ll want something that looks great and lasts a long time, so it’s essential to consider your flooring project’s specific needs.

Metro Flooring Contractors advises business owners and homeowners alike on the right carpeting fit for their unique budget, style and comfort preferences. You can trust us to deliver expert installation services, lifetime warranties and beautiful, durable carpet for your home or commercial space.

For more information or to schedule a free flooring estimate, schedule an appointment today!