Thursday, 24 April 2014

10 Reasons to Consider Carpet Tiles for Your Business



Perhaps you inherited the carpet in your office or commercial business when you took over the lease, and now it is finally time for you to replace your floors to match your company’s needs better.  Or maybe you are just starting out, and you would like to ensure you refurbish your space properly the first time around.  Whatever your reasons for wanting new carpeting for your space, now is a perfect time to do it.  After all, carpeting has never been more durable, yet more beautiful.  Between the technology that goes into carpets today and the wide range of choices you have available, you are certain to find the best carpeting for your business – and hopefully with decidedly little effort from you. 

And, if you are considering new carpets for your business, you should unquestionably take a look at carpet tiles.  Here’s why:

Carpet Tiles Are Resilient – Carpet is naturally strong; carpet tiles are even more so.  They would need to be because in manufacturing, all those resilient properties are spread over a much smaller area rather than imposingly large rolls of material.  Plus, each one comes with a backing that holds all those properties in place.  And that is all on top of the fact that carpet tiles are manufactured for areas that receive heavy traffic.  Plus, there is a fair chance that if you find a carpet you like, you will find nearly (if not exactly) the same thing in a more durable carpet tile.

They Are Easy to Clean – Along with the durability in construction comes easy cleaning.   It is the result of several different reasons, but one of the main ones is the pile, which are usually quite tidy on carpet tiles.  Without too much space for carpets to hold and “lose” dirt, they easily give up all that they have taken in.  And that means that your maintenance team will not have to spend hours working your reception area. 

Carpet Tiles Can Be Installed Easily – This should be fairly obvious throughout the carpet installation process, beginning with measurements.  When it comes to broadloom carpeting, you need to have some genuinely specific measurements to hand – and once you place that order, that is it.  You will need to pay again if you have gotten it wrong.  But, if you are a metre short with carpet tiles, you can simply add on a box.  And, if, by chance, you have ordered too many, then you can always hold on to them as replacements. 

Carpet Tiles Are Replaceable – Whether you have an auto business, and a can of oil fell on your carpets or you have an office space with a clumsy Friday afternoon wine drinker, carpet tiles are built-in insurance that you can still keep your space looking fresh and new.  That is because if the cleaning fails (which can happen with some carpet ranges combined with some substances), you can always replace a singular tile or even an area.  And, you can do this rather quickly and easily yourself without having to place a new order.

You Can Move Your Floors – Expanding in new ways that no one could have predicted?  Or maybe you just want to shuffle the colours from the back of your office to the front.  Either way, moving carpet tiles is not only possible, it is a fairly straightforward job.  You lift and reapply; just like that.  No other flooring makes that possible.  So, if you are uncertain of the direction of your enterprise, or you simply enjoy the freedom to redecorate on a whim, carpet tiles should be your first choice.

Carpet Tiles Offer Pattern Play – If you love your carpet, but you are uninterested in a solid flooring, then carpet tiles are perfect for your space.  You can use a textured tile to create a pattern on the floor.  And, it can be as wild, or as tame as you want.  Simply choose a random installation – or a set pattern.  It is up to you, and you can always change it if you feel the need. 

They Offer Colour Options – If you are more interested in mixing together bold colours to create a stimulating effect in your business, carpet tiles will obviously allow for that in a way that wall to wall carpeting never can.  Even if you are keen on solid colours throughout your office, you are likely to have the same range of colours – and the durability to go with them in a carpet tile.

Creating Invisible Walls – Ever notice how a change in flooring creates an invisible boundary?  It is like a wall is rising up at the breaking point, separating two areas.  This is something carpet tiles do exceptionally well, far better than broadloom carpeting can.  And that is because of the way tiles are installed.  Whether you want to separate your accounts department, or make it clear which area of your shop front is reserved for new products, carpet tiles allow you create illusions with colour plays. 

Carpet Tiles Are Easy to Recycle – In many cases your carpet tiles will last longer than you want them; simply because upgrading your business is always a fun venture.  When it comes to the point where you want to invest in something new, carpet tiles can be easily recycled.  And, you have a wealth of options at the ready to do so – they can go to a local shelter, or other charity to be reused.  Or, you can simply take advantage of the carpet recycling services available from reputable manufacturers and dealers.  Just make sure you do not toss them with your black bin waste, they are far more useful than that.

Carpet Tiles Offer All the Other Benefits of Carpeting – This includes things like natural warmth and beauty, acting as a help to ground level insulation and noise absorption.  And although you may be able to achieve these in other ways – nothing will ever be as cost effective or lovely as carpeting.  And, if you can get all these things plus the benefits of carpeting tiles, then why wouldn’t you?



If you’re considering carpet tiles for your business please contact the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Everything You Need to Know About Carpet Tiles



Carpet tiles are a necessity for a number of businesses and social impact enterprises.  But, just because something is a necessity that does not mean that it cannot be enjoyable (think about your food if you need an example).  Carpet tiles may not immediately come to mind when you think of enjoyable necessities, but when you consider the negative impact an unsightly carpet can have, then you will begin to understand.  And, the more you understand about carpeting tiles, and how they affect your business, the more enjoyable they become.  Ready to learn more?



What Materials Are Used in Carpet Tile Manufacturing?

Carpet tiles are made from the same materials as any other carpeting.  But, because of the way they are cut and installed, carpet tiles are often manufactured to have more inherent strength than broadloom carpeting.  So, although you may find a few wool blends in the mix, you are likely to encounter more manufactured materials in their compositions.  Fortunately, carpet tiles are tested for flammability and fire safety too.  That just gives you one less thing to worry about. 

Choosing a Carpet Tile Style

Carpet tiles are not the staid products they were decades ago.  Well, you can still get that if it is what you are after, but modern manufacturing means that carpet tiles now come in a wide variety.  This means that if you want an attractive pile or pattern – you can get it.  If you want to play with colour, you can do just that.  You are only limited by your imagination.

Carpet Tiles Are Better When You Chat with a Consultant

People who are passionate about carpeting can tell you all sorts of details about the product you are considering.  Those are the tiny details that get people excited, like what the pile density is.  That may not seem thrilling at first, but it means you can calculate how many times a month you will need to vacuum it (if you are a maths person or you just love your job).   Speaking to a consultant will also help you know when you are on the right track, or if you are daydreaming. 

It Is Easy to Order Carpet Tiles

Ordering ease is important to just about everyone, especially if they are a facilities manager.  Unlike broadloom carpet, you really do not need to be precise when you order carpet tiles.  You can simply calculate the square meterage, and then add in an extra box or two for good measure.  After all, your carpet will last for a remarkably long time, you will want a couple extra squares in case someone stains a part of your carpet (unintentionally, of course).

Carpet Tiles Do Not Need Special Equipment

Really, you can install carpet tiles yourself.  Though, it is always better to let the professionals handle it.  There are reasons for that, largely to do with warranties and guarantees; but why would you trouble yourself with a task that you are not proficient with when there are so many other (usually more effective ways) to spend your time?  Of course, you can install them if you are handy (and stubborn) enough. 

They Are Easy to Remove

When you are tired of your carpet tiles, they are easy to remove and replace.  Of course, they will not be worn thin; this change will be driven by the horrible colour choices made by your predecessor, or because you are changing the entire layout of your premises or because your business has just rebranded.  Whatever the reason, though, you can easily pull up carpet tiles for disposal and recycling.

You Can Transform Carpet Tiles into Good Deeds

And, you may even get a tax break for doing it.  The truth is that your carpet tiles will probably have a longer lifespan than your purposes.  That is simply because your business is doing well, right.  But, there are other operations which run solely from donations.  You can always donate your used carpeting tiles to a shelter or animal home – and you may even chalk it up to tax deductible charity.

Carpet Tiles Do Not Cost a Fortune

For many enterprises, this is the key point.  No one likes to spend more than they need, and that is especially true in today’s economy.  Carpet tiles are manufactured in such a way that excesses in transportation and cutting costs are removed.  Those savings are passed on to you, and everyone is happy.  Now, that is something that you wanted to know, right?

Maintenance is Extraordinarily Easy

Carpet tiles are created for easy maintenance.  Truly, they require little effort.  That is because they are made from the strongest materials and have pile densities that enable them to be cleaned easily.  This cuts down on the amount of vacuuming you need to do – and the number of times you need to shampoo your carpet in a year.  Plus, if an area of carpeting (or even just a tile) becomes stained or damaged, you can easily replace it, rather than fighting it.

Carpet Tiles Are Made to Withstand Your Wear and Tear

This is one flooring that is meant to be walked over.  You cannot imagine just how many pair of shoes it takes to damage, or wear out one carpet tile.  Although you may believe that you have heavy foot traffic, carpet tiles are made to withstand more so you can welcome new clients through your doors for years to come and never worry that you will need to replace your carpeting. 

You Do Not Have to Be Like Your Competition

You can always install better carpeting, or aim for a pattern that will set you apart.  Look for inspiration on how to play with carpet tiles for a unique effect, or chat with your consultants.  Remember that people who are wild about carpeting cannot wait to assist you – just like your business gets jazzed about the things that you produce.  It is simply the way people, and companies, behave.  But, of course, you can do whatever you like with your floors, we just hope you get as excited as we do, however you do it.

For more information about carpet tiles, please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/productrange/type/carpet-tiles

Monday, 6 January 2014

Office Design for a Veterinary Clinic



Decorating a veterinarian’s office can be a challenging task, but with a few creative ideas, this unique project can be a fun experience that your employees and patients can enjoy for years.

No doubt the flooring choice for a veterinary clinic needs to be easy to clean, durable (to handle heavy traffic of two and four legged visitors) and of course, stain resistant.  These days, whatever type of flooring you choose, be it tiles, laminate or carpet, you will be able to pick up a highly stain resistant product very easily. Don’t dismiss the idea of carpet of for such an office, modern stain resistant carpets are easy to clean, don’t absorb spills and are very hard wearing. 

Wall decals are a fun way to advertise your business, direct patients to certain areas, and some textured floor decals can prevent slips and falls.  Decals in bright colours and fun shapes (such as a large paw print) are sure to draw the attention of everyone that walks through the door.  Fun artwork, in addition to educational charts on the walls will keep people moving around, and reading about important aspects of their pets overall health.

Also, thank you notes and letters from previous clients should be prominently displayed, to show new customers that you are compassionate, educated, will instill confidence, and that you will be a significant part in keeping their entire animal family happy and healthy.

Certain colour invokes different emotions, and you want to have your patients feeling calm and confident in your abilities to provide the best care for their furry friends.  Pale greens, blues or purples have been said to have a calming effect.  These light shades of colours naturally suppress the nervous system, and this is beneficial for those who need to be in your waiting room.  A slightly darker shade in the entire color scheme is acceptable, to accent the borders around the room.

Also, encourage employees to wear fun, animal print medical scrubs, as they offer a sense of friendliness, as well as professionalism. 

Something unique to a veterinary clinic/office, and an important consideration, is a good ventilation system.  For one reason or another, the variety of animals can cause an overwhelming odour in the office. In addition, all the unfamiliar smells from different animals can make other animals anxious.  To eliminate these problems, it is advised to use air filters, fans and air fresheners that will neutralize overwhelming odours, and make the air quality cleaner and more breathable.

Furniture type is also a major consideration for the décor of a veterinarian’s office. Upholstery is probably not the best choice for a veterinary clinic, since a majority of the patients have claws, and may be prone to “accidents”.  Outdoor-type benches may be a better choice, as they are stable/sturdy, and easy to clean.
Reading material in the waiting room should be focused on pet care, and also some animal picture books for young children helps to keep nervous and active minds preoccupied.

Remember, the small touches that you add to an office environment can make big impressions. Some suggestions may include an animal themed lamp shade; an accessible water cooler for humans, and where owners may fill water bowls for their thirsty pets.  Keeping a few healthy treats for your four legged patients is also a nice, friendly addition to your entire office.