What is the difference between commercial and residential carpet?

Author: Ms. Jazmin O'Connell  |  Last update: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Residential carpets are designed to be plush and comfortable, while commercial carpet is more durable. The carpet in your home usually has a higher pile and softer fibers than commercial flooring. High-traffic carpet will be more rough and dense, so it can withstand heavy traffic, stains, and more.

Can you use commercial carpet at home?

Commercial carpet can last even longer in a home setting because it doesn't receive as much varied foot traffic as its designed to receive in a building. Consider choosing commercial carpeting with a flat weave construction for the busiest areas of your home, such as your living room, hallways or children's rooms.

Is commercial carpet cheaper than regular carpet?

Commercial carpeting is typically more affordable than residential carpeting because it's manufactured to cover a larger area. Some homeowners, especially active families, may consider commercial carpeting better for their budget since it holds up to daily wear and tear and looks better in the long run.

What is commercial carpet used for?

Walk into any gym, exercise room, weightlifting arena, garage, warehouse, or airport, and you will find carpets made from nylon fibers and polypropylene that are tough and durable. These are the advantages of commercial carpet.

Do you put padding under commercial carpet?

You May Not Need Carpet Padding

You may have heard that you have to lay padding during carpet installations. While that's true for residential carpeting, you can probably skip this step in commercial installations.

The WORST Flooring Choices That Could Tank Your Home's Value When You Sell Your Home

What is considered commercial carpet?

Commercial carpets are ultra-durable carpets designed for heavy traffic, stain resistance, and easy maintenance. They're typically Berber, which means the fibers are looped through the carpet backing, making them less soft but more durable.

Does commercial carpet have to be glued down?

When it comes to picking the right flooring for a commercial setting, there are various choices, including hardwood, laminate, and carpeting. A commonly asked question about commercial carpet is whether it's always glued down or if there are other ways to install it. The quick answer is no, it's not always glued down.

Does commercial carpet need underlay?

Before you can install your commercial carpet, first you need to install underlay for your carpet. Lay the underlay out on the floor, in the longest lengths possible, with the seams running perpendicular to the carpet seams.

How thick is commercial grade carpet?

Commercial grade carpet usually has a thickness that ranges between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. This thickness is carefully chosen to balance between comfort and durability. A thinner carpet typically tends to be more durable, which is a crucial factor in high-traffic areas like offices or retail spaces.

How long does commercial grade carpet last?

The lifespan of commercial carpet can vary widely based on factors like foot traffic, material quality, and maintenance practices. Generally, commercial carpet is designed to last between 7 to 15 years.

What makes carpet look expensive?

Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.

What is the most popular commercial carpet?

Nylon Commercial Carpet

Nylon carpets and area rugs are the most durable of all synthetic fiber area rugs. They're well known for their ability to stay strong during heavy foot traffic. As a result, they're one of the most common and durable rugs that are available today.

How much should commercial carpet cost?

Average commercial carpet cost

Commercial carpet costs $2 to $12 per square foot installed, depending on the carpet type. Commercial wall-to-wall carpeting costs $5 to $12 per square foot, while carpet tiles cost $2 to $11 per square foot.

How often should commercial carpet be replaced?

As you contemplate what to do about your carpet, keep in mind that the average lifespan of an industrial carpet is about 7-10 years (though some can last even longer with proper maintenance and regular industrial cleaning).

How is commercial carpet installed?

For many commercial installations, the carpet is glued directly to the cushion or underlay. This process provides a secure and stable installation that can withstand heavy use. A high-quality adhesive should be used to ensure strong bonding.

Can I use commercial carpet in my home?

Commercial carpet may be the perfect choice for high traffic areas where you want something softer than tile or hardwood. Media rooms, home theaters, wine cellars, or even a downstairs living space may be the perfect place for commercial carpet.

What is commercial carpet called?

There are two primary types of commercial carpet: Broadloom (roll) and carpet tiles. And if you're looking for soft surface flooring for your facility, deciding between these two types is one of the first decisions you'll need to make.

Is 50 oz carpet a good carpet?

A good face weight for a carpet ranges from 40 ounces to 60 ounces per square yard for high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, entryways, and hallways. A good face weight for low-traffic areas, such as a bedroom, home office, or den, ranges from 30 ounces to 50 ounces per square yard.

Do you need a vapor barrier under carpet?

Even with a concrete subfloor under your carpet, it is important to have a moisture barrier. Water or other liquid can penetrate and erode the concrete so it's important to keep it protected.

Can you install floating floor over commercial carpet?

At SelecTech, we're often asked if our floating floors can be installed over carpet. While there are several considerations, the short answer is yes!

Is expensive carpet underlay worth it?

Good quality underlay will prevent premature wearing and keep your floor looking new for longer. As the underlay acts as a shock absorber, your flooring or carpet will sit better and take more wear. The best type of carpet underlay will reduce your energy bills as it will keep the heat in your room.

Is it dumb to put a rug over carpet?

Is it dumb to put a rug over a carpet? No, it's not. First, carpeted floors are expensive to clean. But layering an area rug adds a stylish shield allowing you to clean a spillage before it stains.

How much does it cost to remove commercial glue down carpet?

This is particularly true if you're removing glue-down or double glue-down carpet because the adhesive has to be removed. This is why glue-down carpet removal costs about $3 to $5 per square foot. Meanwhile, stretch-in carpet removal costs around $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.

How long does commercial carpet last?

In general, commercial carpeting has a much shorter lifespan than most other flooring materials. Even though the first-generation carpets usually lasted 8-10 years, the latest generation of products can last anywhere from 10-15 years or even longer.

Previous article
What do professional chefs say about air fryers?
Next article
How to save electricity on a hot water heater?