Carpet is a fixture that makes a room look beautiful and vibrant. You can design the schoolroom that complements its theme and design. However, carpet isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. It’ll also provide the best comfort and protection for your school’s floors against wear and tear, dirt and dust, and spills and stains. That’s why choosing the right carpet for your school isn’t a decision you should take lightly.
Of course, it’s fun to visualize decorating the school’s floors with fresh carpeting. It’s an exciting task; however, with so many types of carpet in the market today, it can be overwhelming which one to choose.
So, how do you know if you’re selecting the right school carpet? This article focuses on the most important factors you should consider when choosing the best carpet for your school facility.
1. Size
The first thing to consider is the size of the area you want to be covered. You’ll need a rough estimate because it’s hard to predict how much carpet your school requires for each room.
Since it’s not an easy task to measure the rooms precisely, you might want to hire a professional to help you. The professional will be able to dimension your floors and give you the exact amount of carpeting required to cover a room.
2. Carpet Material
The next important factor in deciding on is the material of choice for your school’s carpeting project. There are four common types of school carpet materials: nylon, olefin, polyester, and wool. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that comes in different colors and textures. It’s a very tough material that can withstand wear and tear as well as daily foot traffic from students and faculty members. However, it’s also one of the most expensive types of carpet in the market today.
- Olefin
Olefin is a type of fiber made from polypropylene. It’s rugged, durable, and stain-resistant, so it’s perfect for high-traffic areas of your school. However, this type of carpet is more susceptible to fading than other carpets due to its lower density.
- Polyester
Polyester is another synthetic material that comes in many colors and textures to choose from. It’s stain-resistant and easy to clean, but it’s not as resistant to wear and tear as nylon.
- Wool
Wool is considered the most luxurious type of carpet material because it comes in different types of fibers, including wool or blended fiber with other fibers like silk or synthetic fiber. It can also be found in natural colors, making it a good choice for high-end school buildings and facilities.
However, it’s not as durable as nylon or olefin, and it can be more expensive than other types of carpet materials.
3. Carpet Construction
Carpet construction comprises the materials used in manufacturing your school’s carpet. It determines the durability, appearance, and texture of your carpet. Here are some basic carpet constructions:
- Cut Pile
The cut pile is composed of different colors and textures that are cut into uniform pieces. Cut pile carpets have a luxurious appearance and much softness. Although several cut piles can withstand heavy foot traffic, they’re typically less stain-resistant and durable than loop piles.
- Loop Pile
This construction is composed of loops that are made of uncut or twisted yarns. It’s durable and less susceptible to wear and tear but has a lower softness compared with cut pile carpeting. Loop pile carpets are perfect for hallways and other areas where there’s heavy foot traffic. It’s also good for hiding dirt, making it easier to clean.
- Cut-Loop Pile
As the name implies, a cut-loop pile is a combination of cut pile and loop pile carpets. It’s composed of different colored fibers cut into uniform pieces then looped together for added durability and comfort. Cut-loop pile carpets offer excellent performance but are significantly less resilient than loop carpets.
4. Price
The price of school carpets might be a significant consideration for many schools. This factor can greatly affect the overall budget of a school improvement project. School carpet prices usually vary depending on the type, size, and quality of materials used to manufacture them.
Additionally, never equate a high carpet price with a good quality product. Remember, not all expensive carpets are premium, and not all low-cost carpets are substandard, so don’t rush. Always check the label, brand, and warranty before buying school carpeting.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Last but not the least, always find out about the maintenance requirements of your chosen school carpets before committing to buying them. Ask the supplier how often they have to be replaced and what types of cleaners should be used in cleaning them. By doing so, you’ll be able to compare the cost of maintenance for different carpets.
Conclusion
School carpeting is a significant investment that can have a massive impact on your students’ quality of education. In addition, never disregard the color and design of the carpets as they can substantially improve the overall appearance and ambiance of your school area.
Most importantly, select school carpets that are cost-effective, durable, and comfortable. By following the guidelines above, you’ll be able to make the right decision in finding the best carpet for your school.
