Nothing will have an impact on the look and feel of an office space like the choice of flooring. A commercial office space requires a certain look and feel that reflects what goes on inside the building. Not only does flooring contribute to a room’s aesthetic, but also its functionality and level of comfort. All three of these factors are equally important, and thus choosing the best option for office flooring is a very important process. Let’s take a look at some of the common options and why they may be right for you.
There are three major options for office flooring which are all quite different. The first is carpet – which also has an array of sub-options to suit the needs of different office spaces. The second is resilient flooring, suitable for spaces with harsher conditions. The third is hardwood, which looks wonderful and can add a certain flair to an office space.
Manufactured in two main types:
Woven
Woven carpet flooring is the classic carpet style, made using techniques that date back almost 200 years. Woven carpet is slower and more labour intensive than other types, such as tufted or flucked, and because of this tends to be little dearer than other carpet options. That being said, the weaving techniques allows for endless design possibilities and is suitable for grander applications. Woven carpet is popular in industries where aesthetics and durability are a key concern.
Woven carpets tend to be made from roughly 80% wool and 20% artificial materials. This, combined with a superior face construction to other carpet types, retains its original look and feel for a far greater amount of time. They are often viewed as the deluxe or luxurious option for flooring needs, and thus are generally more expensive.
Tufted Carpet
A far more contemporary method of carpet production, tufted carpet uses much faster and more efficient methods of production, thus is it is ultimately much cheaper.
The process uses specialised multi-needled sewing equipment to stitch rows of tufted pile yarn through a backing ‘canvas’ fabric. The yarn is caught by loopers and then cut off with a blade. There are also various types of backing that can be applied for different performance applications.
These carpets are secured in place by a synthetic latex that acts as an adhesive, plus a secondary backing fabric. Tufted carpet is affordable and durable; and its flexibility makes it a suitable choice for designers.
Modular carpet is made up of carpet ’tiles’ and are very flexible for use in buildings or retail spaces that require rapid changes. These ’tiles’ are held in place by PVC or bitumen compounds that keep the carpet flat and secure.
Modular carpet is a cost effective method that can greatly reduce expenses. This style of carpeting is highly flexible and allows for an array of arrangements to suit many different spaces. ‘Tiles’ have different features, such as cushioning for greater foot feel, variegated patterning and feature tiles to liven up large expanses.
Sheet vinyl is made from coloured vinyl chips which are ‘welded’ together under pressure and heat. It stored as large ‘sheets’ and rolled out on top of a surface, to then be heat welded into place. This process makes sure that no dirt or residue can be trapped under the surface, ensuring absolute surface integrity. Vinyl is water and slip resistant and is highly durable. It is called resilient flooring for these reasons, and because it has a degree of give, making it able to sustain harsher conditions than other materials (such as wood and tiles).
Vinyl planks are manufactured in a very similar way to sheet vinyl and have many of the same characteristics. Depending on the desired style and finish, plank vinyl can have a photographic layer can be added underneath the surface to mimic wood, tiles and other materials. Modern vinyl finishes are very convincing.
Depending on the product and its application, planks can be wet or dry laid. If dry laid they have a special backing that prevents slip and stops any curling or lifting. They are faster and less costly to lay than sheet vinyl.
Engineered wood flooring has many benefits for both consumers and the environment. Engineered hardwood is created using a careful layering process where multiple sections are fused together using heat, pressure and adhesives. The result is a durable, beautiful and cost-effective alternative to pure hardwood flooring that is very suitable for office spaces.
Choosing the best option for office flooring is a crucial element to creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing and highly durable work space. It is perhaps the most important decision you’ll have to make when fitting out an office. Hopefully this guide is helpful in ensuring you can make the most informed decision.
Aussie Flooring Insights works with all major flooring manufacturers to ensure we can find the best products for your unique needs. Give us a call or contact us online and let us help you find your perfect flooring.
Aussie Commercial Flooring Insights is one of Australia’s largest commercial flooring contractors. We are committed to providing flooring solutions that will enhance built environments for end users as well as delivering on the business needs of our clients across Australia.