What You Need to Know about Today’s Carpet Tiles

 Remember those old ratty carpet squares that you had in your old office?  If you flinched as soon as you saw the words carpet tiles, then you probably do.  But, not all carpet tiles are miserable like the ones you remember.  In fact, most of today’s carpet tiles are not only incredibly strong and versatile; they’re also remarkably stylish (and back in fashion).  

Why You Want Carpet Tiles for Your Business

There are a number of reasons that carpet tiles make the absolute best flooring for most offices and plenty of commercial enterprises too.  One of the top reasons that they’ve always been on the list is their durability.  Carpet tiles are strong; indeed, they’re the kind of intense that most people wish they were.  This sort of strength means you can install carpet tiles in the areas of your business with heavy wear and tear and excessive foot traffic; they’ll still hold up to the challenge.  That’s not something every flooring can take, not even every carpeting.  So, if you need a floor to battle everything you're throwing at it seriously, carpet tiles are what you want.

Caring for carpet tiles is remarkably easy.  Of course, carpet maintenance in general is pretty simple.  That’s because they’re built to take on the world.  So, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, you’re golden.  For the most part, that means regular care, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need to do a lot of it.  Vacuuming and the occasional shampoo are really all you’ve need to include in most care routines.  That’s something you can handle, right?  (And by you, we do, of course, mean your support teams.)

Plus, you can (we promise) get carpet tiles in a range of colours, patterns and textures.  You’re not stuck with the carpets that you remember from old buildings (unless, of course, you want that).  And there are plenty of different variations to fit with your business needs.  Not only that, but playing with carpet tile patterns is seriously in style again.  Plenty of prominent offices are using tiles to accent company colours in principal spaces or creating illusions within the reception area.  Isn’t that something your business should be doing if you can do it cost-effectively?  Of course, it is.

There’s one other really crucial reason you want to incorporate carpet tiles into your office.  (We say one other, but really, there are hundreds.  We just know you don’t have the kind of time needed to wade through all of them.)  That reason is the ease of installation.  Really.  It’s simple to order them (and to do so without making a mistake), and it’s even easier to have them put into place.  Plus, you don’t need to clear the entire area; you can simply shuffle things to one side, have the carpets laid, and then move those items back over to the other side.  Don’t you wish everything was that simple?

Caring for Your Carpet Tiles

Okay, carpet tiling, just like its brother broadloom carpeting, needs regular vacuuming.  Usually, that means you’ll need to pull out the vacuum cleaner once a day.  You can always pull it out more often if you’d like though you may not need it.  However, the trick is to make sure you vacuum like you mean it every time you do it; that way your carpet tiles will last for, well, a lot longer than you want them.  Get the best vacuum you can possibly afford and make sure it has a brush, as well as a suction function, as this will make all the difference in the world.  Then, make sure you move the vacuum around in different directions and from different angles every day.  These things will help to lift any trapped dirt – and thereby lessen your need for deep cleaning treatments. 

When it comes to deep cleaning, you’ve got to ensure that you’re working with a trusted supplier.  Ideally, you can choose a dry cleaning solution rather than the more traditional carpet shampoo.  The latter, unfortunately, can loosen the glue underneath your carpet tiles if it’s not done correctly.  (That’s why you want to work with a qualified team.) 

Obviously, one of the key benefits of choosing carpet tiles is that you can remove them one at a time or in batches if you need to cover a stain.  Of course, that means that you need a few extra tiles on hand to do this, but not to worry, your friendly technical carpeting consultant will probably remind you that you need an extra box (or two, depending on the environment you work in).  If you do need to remove a tile or a group of tiles, it is basically as pulling up a tile, slapping some glue on a new one and laying it in the proper position.  Okay, it’s not exactly that simple and you will want to take a look at the installation guide before doing so, but it’s pretty close.

Ready to Dispose of Your Carpet Tiles?

There’s every reason to believe that your carpet tiles will last longer than you want them too.  You’ll probably want to refurb the place long before your carpet tiles need to be replaced.  Sorry about that, because it will make it more difficult for you to justify more spend.  On the other hand, because they last forever – and can be repurposed in new areas, you can become a local hero by donating washed and ready carpet tiles to local charities and shelters.  There are plenty of social enterprises that will gladly accept a donation of your old carpeting. 

And, if you really cannot find a charity in your area, then you’ll be happy to know that carpet recycling organisations can help you divert your old carpeting from the local landfill.  You can even get a certificate to prove it.  And that’s something that every business in the UK would love to show the government.

Just remember, today’s carpet tiles bear no resemblance to the ones in your old office.  Hallelujah!

If you’d like to find out a little more about carpet tiles then please head over to the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

Why You Need Colour in Your Office (And How to Get It)

Offices are a peculiar environment.  Unlike our partners and friends, people do not get to choose their colleagues (usually).  And unlike our homes, employees do not choose the environment they work within.  Most offices and colleagues are simply handed to employees.  And they are often told to make the most of it.

These offices are meant to be both functional and enjoyable (as rather staid working environments often lead to high employee turnover).  There are things employers can do to improve both facets of an office, and indeed, these do not need to cost a fortune.  Usually, one goes hand in hand with the other; it is just about making considered choices.

 The Call for Colour

People are affected by the items and objects around them.  Above all, people strive for environments that are clean.  Dirty spaces tend to make people feel the same way – and decidedly uncomfortable at that.  Assuming your office is generally tidy, you have cleaners to handle the hard bits and (most) employees clean up their work spaces every evening, then you are half way there.  (Incidentally, ensuring everyone tidies their desk at the end of the day is a terrific way to ensure positive moods the next morning.)

The cleanliness of a space is just the beginning.  People react differently to the different colours around them - or the absence of colour altogether.  Certain colours evoke different feelings in people, and it is all done subconsciously.  Green, for example, reminds people of the fresh outdoors, and this connects indoor office workers to the greater world outside their indoor space.  The colours you choose for your office will have an impact on the productivity of your staff – it is a matter of choosing the right colour for the work your company does.

Above and beyond the influencing of moods and working styles, colour appeals to the eye and draws people in.  Even spaces, which are largely white and airy, will have dashes of deeper colours, which attract the eye.  Consider the large halls of an art museum; the walls are typically painted a light, natural colour, with similarly neutral flooring.  As you cross into a new room, it is the colours in the paintings (whether light, dark or bright) that grab your attention as they pop in the otherwise dispassionate space. 

Offices with a bit of colour do the same; they draw people in and assist them to feel more comfortable in the space.  Even sterile hospitals avoid too much white as it makes everything feel a little too cold and clinical.  Huge white spaces are best reserved for the magazines. 

 
How to Liven Your Office with Colour

Once you realise that your office needs a bit of colour, it becomes a question of bringing it into your space appropriately.  After all, too much colour and too many patterns can become a distraction which can be disastrous in an office.  Fortunately there are really only a few ways to bring colour into an office.  Nicely balanced, they will naturally create the mood you desire. 

Wall Coverings

The first thing you are likely to notice whenever you walk into a room is the colour of the walls.  Whether it is a hotel room, and office or even a restaurant – those walls speak to you.  However, office walls are different than the ones in your home.  These must appeal to a wide range of people, and that includes clients and investors, as well as staff members.

Creative areas of your office may do well with bright, stimulating colours, but most work spaces demand something a little more subtle.  Most employees need something, which helps them to focus on the task at home - and most employers prefer focused work rather than the frenetic pace of a trading room floor. 

Try to keep walls as neutral as possible, adding in light, natural tones throughout most working areas.  However, if you cannot get away from the idea of colour on your office walls, work towards feature walls, or a few stripes or contrasting patterns.

Office Flooring

This is one of the best – and easiest ways to add colour to your office space.  Done properly, they will lift the entire mood of the office – and employees will not even realise why.  When selecting a colour for your office carpeting, try to steer away from the traditional grey, and possibly even lighter blues, as these are the most common colours for offices around the world.  Instead, opt for punchier colours that create a vibrant mood without overpowering your space. 

Carpets, when placed in rhythmic, linear patterns can help you to create divisions in working spaces.  Whether it is a contrast in colour, or simply a darker tone of the same hue, a differentiation in carpeting can separate a space almost as well as a wall can.  In this way, colour can actually influence the productivity of an office directly, by separating brainstorming areas from the more stoic responsibilities of your business. 

Add in Accents

Everyone has something on their desk; and it starts (usually) with a computer.  To this, a range of stationary and electronics cover a bit more space, and this is usually peppered with personal mementos (or even lunch boxes).  To unify these items, properly placed accent pieces do the work that carpets and walls cannot. 

Start with engaging artworks, or create colour combinations through deeply hued storage cupboards and containers.  These objects will pull attention away from the myriad of different photo frames and lunchbox lids. 

Remember that accent pieces are exactly that.  They are meant to complement the other tones in the room.  To create a comfortable space, accents must work with the primary colours used in an office space.  If your office already has an accent theme, consider choosing your flooring and wall colours around them.  Otherwise, make sure you have done your office planning and re-carpeted your space with the flooring you plan to keep for the next decade before bringing in smaller pieces as you may find they suddenly become all wrong.

And don’t forget – your office may not be your home, but it does not mean you cannot have a bit of fun in it!

For more information about adding colour to your office please visit the birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

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