Carpet & Carpet Tile Coverings

What is the difference between Carpet and Carpet Tiles?

Carpet tiles and traditional carpet (often called broadloom) differ primarily in their form and ease of installation, maintenance, and design possibilities. Carpet tiles are pre-cut, square or rectangular pieces of carpet with backing already attached, allowing for simpler, modular installation. Broadloom carpet comes in large rolls and typically requires professional installation, including cutting and fitting to the room's size.

TRADITIONAL CARPET

carpet is a dense, woven textile designed to cover floors, often spanning from wall to wall. It generally comprises a pile (the soft, textured surface) affixed to a backing material. Traditionally, wool was utilised for the pile; however, contemporary carpets predominantly use synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene due to their cost-effectiveness.

CARPET TILES

Carpet tiles, also referred to as modular or square carpets, are individual carpet squares designed for straightforward installation and serve as an alternative to traditional broadloom carpet. They are frequently utilized in commercial spaces due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and design flexibility.

Carpet tiles are pre-cut carpet squares, typically measuring 12x12 or 18x18 inches, which can be installed individually and interlock to cover a floor. They generally include a backing material (such as hardback, closed-cell cushion, or open-cell cushion) attached to the carpet fibers, enabling direct installation onto the subfloor.

Why choose Carpet coverings?

Selecting a new carpet involves numerous decisions. These include choosing the appropriate style for your household needs, whether a durable loop or a softer cut pile, determining the material and color, and planning for the carpet installation.

Thankfully, you can avoid getting overwhelmed with the help from Contemporary Flooring, who can walk you through the process and identify various carpets, even carpets on sale.

Carpet Pile Types

Loop carpet fibers are exactly as they sound—closed loops of yarn with no exposed tips. Low-pile carpet, such as Berber, results in a more structured feel underfoot.
Cut pile carpet features cut yarns of the same length with exposed ends. If the fibers are short and densely packed, it is considered plush carpet. Longer fibers that are twisted and cut are known as frieze, which resembles a distant cousin of traditional shag carpeting.
Cut and loop pile carpeting offers a combination of loop and cut strands, creating a textured pattern that is easier to clean and suitable for busy areas of the home.

Carpet Fibers

Nylon - This synthetic fiber is highly durable and widely popular due to its resilience. Nylon feels soft underfoot and maintains its shape, resulting in fewer footprints. It is also resistant to stains, fading, mold, and mildew.

Polyester - Another synthetic option, polyester carpet fibers are hypoallergenic, making them ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. This material repels moisture and resists odors and stains. Additionally, its eco-friendly variant, known as PET polyester, is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Olefin - Olefin is a synthetic material commonly used as backing for area rugs and carpets. Its water resistance makes it perfect for porches and other indoor/outdoor spaces.

Wool - Derived from natural sheep fibers, wool creates soft, environmentally friendly carpeting that is inherently water resistant.

Carpet Appearance

Numerous factors determine the appearance of your optimal carpet choice. Consider what material is most suitable for the high foot traffic your main floor experiences daily, as well as the style that best complements your contemporary decor. Reflect on the type of cut and yarn height that will provide the comfort you desire each morning upon waking. Lastly, decide on the color that will adorn a significant portion of your home for years to come.

Certain carpet materials demonstrate superior fade resistance compared to others, particularly synthetics like polyester. Solution dyeing, a process that infuses color during fiber creation, produces rich, fade-resistant hues.

How to maintain Carpet:

To maintain your carpet, it is essential to vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris, address spills and stains promptly, and consider professional deep cleaning every 12-18 months.

Here's a more detailed guide:

Regular Maintenance:

Vacuum Regularly: It is advisable to vacuum at least once a week, or more often in high-traffic areas, to prevent dirt and debris from settling into the carpet fibers.
Use a Good Vacuum: Select a vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar to agitate the carpet fibers and loosen dirt.
Address Spills and Stains Quickly: Blot up spills immediately with a clean cloth to prevent stains from setting.
Spot Clean: Utilize a carpet spot cleaner for removing stubborn stains.
Rotate Furniture: Periodically rotate furniture to distribute wear and tear evenly across the carpet.
Use Area Rugs: Place area rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the carpet.
Consider Carpet Protectors: Apply carpet protectors after professional cleaning to create a barrier against dirt and spills.

Deep Cleaning:

Professional Deep Cleaning: Have your carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months (or more frequently in high-traffic areas) to remove embedded dirt and grime.
Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is an effective method for deep cleaning carpets; however, it is best performed by professionals.
DIY Deep Cleaning: If you choose to deep clean your carpet yourself, follow the instructions carefully and use a product that is appropriate for your carpet type.

Preventative Measures:

Use Doormats: Keep doormats at entrances to prevent dirt from being tracked into the house.
Remove Shoes Indoors: Whenever possible, discourage wearing shoes inside the house to minimize dirt and debris.
Groom Pets Regularly: Regular grooming can help reduce pet dander and hair, which can contribute to carpet wear and tear.
Change Air Filters: Regularly changing air filters can help prevent dust and allergens from settling into your carpet.

What Our Clients Say

PH

Pivotal Health Cleveland

“So happy with our new floors. Thanks to the amazing Gavin from Contemporary Flooring and his super, professional and super-efficient crew who completed this project over the weekend. We love how it has brightened and modernized the practice.”