What type of carpet is best for commercial use?

Author: Dr. Harvey Aufderhar IV  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

Low-pile nylon carpet is best for commercial use because the durable fiber can handle heavy traffic without matting or getting crushed. It's also stain-resistant and easier to keep clean, which is important in larger commercial spaces where intense maintenance would be a hassle.

What is the best material for commercial carpet?

Commercial flooring is an investment that you want to last, so finding a carpet fiber that can withstand frequent use is key. The best carpet for commercial high traffic areas is nylon, a durable, crush-resistant synthetic fiber.

What is the highest quality commercial carpet?

Nylon, on the other hand, is the highest quality fiber carpet for a commercial installation. It's more expensive, but it's also more durable so it will inherently look better longer. Like the Olefin/Polypropolene fiber carpet, Nylon products are solution dyed and offer the same level stain resistance.

What is commercial grade carpet?

Simply put, commercial carpet refers to an extremely durable type of carpeting that has been crafted with a primary emphasis on withstanding high levels of foot traffic—while still adding a little style to the space. Commercial carpeting is low profile and features dense, tightly - looped fibers.

What kind of carpet is best for high traffic areas?

The best kind of carpet for high-traffic areas will use SmartStrand (triexta) fibers and a low-pile style of carpet. This combination will make it easier to clean and maintain, plus it's resistant to stains, moisture, and footprints.

How to Pick the Best Carpet for High Traffic Areas

What type of carpet is most frequently used in commercial applications Why?

Low-pile nylon carpet is best for commercial use because the durable fiber can handle heavy traffic without matting or getting crushed. It's also stain-resistant and easier to keep clean, which is important in larger commercial spaces where intense maintenance would be a hassle.

What carpet does not show traffic patterns?

Textured carpets are an elegant choice and will not show any traffic patterns. Choose a multi-colored carpet like a frieze that has different color fibers twisted together. So, when the fiber is laying down, it shows less of the shade variance and more of the color selection.

What is the difference between commercial and residential carpeting?

Commercial-grade carpet is built to last and withstand activity after long periods. It's geared toward heavy foot traffic, while residential carpeting is often designed with comfort and style in mind.

How thick should commercial carpet be?

Generally, commercial carpets prioritize density over thickness for durability and ease of cleaning. A dense, low-profile carpet (with a pile height of about ¼ inch) is often recommended for most commercial settings.

How can you tell high quality carpet?

The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the better the carpet quality. Density: The number of fibers in a pile. The more fibers, the denser the pile, and the higher the carpet quality. Height: The length of the wear layer of the carpet, measured from the top of the pile to the top of the backing.

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.

What is the toughest carpet on the market?

Nylon is generally known for being the most durable type of carpet for residential use. These carpets are good for use in places with heavy foot traffic and for households with kids and pets. Some carpet manufacturers treat their nylon carpet with a protective coating, which helps it to be more stain-resistant, too.

Is commercial grade carpet more expensive?

Commercial carpet tiles cost a bit less due to the easier installation. The modular squares of carpet with pre-attached backing are designed for easy replacement when worn or stained.

What is the best color for commercial carpet?

Try to avoid bright or light colours, such as yellow or red as this tends to highlight dirt and stained areas.
  • Dark Grey. ...
  • Dark Leafy Green. ...
  • Light/Dark Brown. ...
  • Dark/Burnt Orange. ...
  • Navy blue. ...
  • Patterned Carpets. ...
  • Matching Your Business Vibe and Aesthetic.

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 long does commercial grade 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.

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.

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.

What is the most common installation for commercial carpet?

Direct glue down installation is the most popular carpet installation in commercial settings. In this type of installation, the carpet is glued directly to the floor. The floor needs to be very smooth. Any imperfections in the floor will telegraph through the carpet and be visible.

Is more expensive carpet better?

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.

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).

What is the most common method of commercial carpet construction?

Tufted carpets

Around 95 percent of all commercial carpets on the market are tufted, mainly due to the fast production time, lower price point and high design flexibility of this type of construction.

What carpet to avoid?

Synthetic Chemicals

Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.

What is the best grade of carpet to buy?

If you are looking for a carpet that offers superior quality and luxury, high-end residential grade carpeting may be the right choice for you. This grade of carpeting is made from top-quality fibers like nylon or wool, which provide exceptional durability and comfort.

What color carpet stays cleanest?

We would recommend avoiding bright colours, but multi-coloured or multi-tonal carpets in darker shades of neutral tones such as greens, blues and browns are ideal for hiding stains or marks until you can get your carpet cleaned!

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