When you compare carpets intended for residential spaces and commercial carpeting, there are quite a few similarities and even more differences to note. Read on as we explore some of the key features that separate these types of carpets.
Carpet Pile in Residential and Commercial Spaces
The pile of a carpet refers to the thickness of the fibers. Professionals usually separate carpeting into three categories based on pile height: low, medium, and high. Low-pile carpet is the shortest option, with the loops of fiber being the smallest and most compact. Medium sits between low and high, and while it doesn’t have any official length requirements, you can generally tell it’s medium when you compare it to low- and high-pile options. High-pile carpets are the thickest options, with long loops of fabric. Commercial carpeting essentially always sits at medium-pile or below, and residential carpeting is generally medium or higher. You can, of course, always find exceptions to this rule, but the reason for this basic separation of pile height is practicality. Low-pile carpet is more durable and easier to clean than its high-pile counterparts, making it much better in commercial spaces like offices or retail stores because of the high foot traffic these places attract. High-pile carpeting offers more comfort and is especially noticeable on your feet when you’re not wearing shoes. Since you should generally keep your shoes on in public, most high-pile carpet is used for homes rather than commercial buildings. The chosen carpet types in a given space are generally determined by their use.
Home and Commercial Carpet Materials
Different types of carpet can be made of synthetic or natural materials, and certain materials are often used in different settings. Most high-end carpeting is made of natural fibers like wool, which can be used in both commercial and residential spaces. Wool has a very natural springiness that offers great comfort in a home, but that durability also works well against heavy foot traffic. Wool needs to be cleaned carefully, which can sometimes be an issue for commercial spaces since cleaning a lot of carpet at once is a time-consuming process. Using generic chemicals that may work fine to clean synthetic carpets can damage wool and other natural fibers. This is why synthetic options are often chosen over wool for commercial spaces. Synthetic carpet materials include nylon, polyester, and olefin, and each has its own pros and cons. Synthetic options can work in any setting, with olefin being a common budget option for both commercial spaces like offices and homes.
Comparing Style Trends
Carpet styles also vary depending on where they’re being used. You often see wildly different patterns and colors on commercial carpeting versus residential carpets. Residential carpeting has steeply declined in popularity in the last 20 years, with many opting for hardwood or vinyl options. The most enduring carpet styles for a home are often monochromatic neutral colors like tan, gray, and white. Colorful carpeting tends to be out of style for residences but may be seen in commercial spaces. Patterned carpet is common in commercial spaces or large areas where a pattern can break up the monotony of a single color on the floor for hundreds of feet. Like with carpet materials, carpet style can vary depending on budget, so you may see expensive or cheap options that break the general style rules. For instance, expensive residential carpeting can sometimes have very complex patterns and designs, and low-budget commercial carpets can be neutral-colored and monochrome.
Think About Carpet Type Before Committing
The type of carpet and its style will change based on its intended use, so it’s important to know what different needs commercial and residential spaces have. If you’re looking for either commercial or residential carpeting in Nashville, look no further than the pros at Ozburn-Hessey for your installation.
