For Ash

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 3:52 pm

Ash,

As you know we are moving into a new house in 6 weeks. The carpet is a lush creamy colour.

The new study has this carpet in, and we were wondering if we should replace it with a 'sturdier' carpet? Current carpet is a stainmaster and has had a hiding from us, we also use plastic mats under the chairs.

Keep in mind that this is a working study (we work from home), and will get lots of traffic.

I was thinking of going a darker colour.

Before I go to a carpet shop, what should I ask for?
(I'm assuming carpet is the best floor covering to out down?

)

Thanks

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 6:09 pm

Paula, an excellent question! (One more people should ask)....

Areas where wheelie office chairs are used are very hard of any floorcovering, so the choice is particularly important. Most carpets sold in domestic situations are constructed by the tufted method. These simply are not designed to withstand this sort of traffic.

Carpets that perform the best in this environment are modular carpet tiles or fusion-bonded carpets. In both cases, they are extremely hard wearing, and are designed to be stuck directly on the floor without underlay.

Interface (formerly Huega) are the major suppliers. Have a look at their site... http://www.interfaceflor.com.au/ They have a good range of designs, including plain colours, so you should be able to find one to suit your decor.

Ash.

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 8:39 pm

Quote:

Most carpets sold in domestic situations are constructed by the tufted method.

Thanks Ash,
Looked at the web site and when I did a search of plain colours it came up with 'tufted multi level loop'

this is the stuff I was looking at
http://www.interfaceflor.com.au/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=50001&storeId=40001&productId=69553&langId=-18&parentCategoryId=15304

Is this the wrong stuff?

the fusion bonded carpet was very -um how do I say it- bank looking!!

Michelle · Apr 10, 2008 8:52 pm

And just to add this, once they are glued onto the floor they are pretty hard to get up!

When I worked at Carpet Court they used to just lay other carpet and underlay straight over the top of the glued down stuff.

So…..no problem in the future if you want to replace the glued down carpet, you just lay the new carpet over it.

Its shame everything wasn’t that easy! :idea:

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 9:01 pm

Really dont want to replace what is there, its good quality, but I know what will happen to it when it becomes a 'work' space

I want to get it changed now before any built in cabinetry goes in.

By the way, there already is one cabinet built in, will this have to come out to change the carpet?

Really need to have another look

need to get back in there !!!
A call to the realestate agent might be in order.

Michelle · Apr 10, 2008 9:06 pm

No the will carpet to the edge of the unit!

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 9:09 pm

The type of adhesives used for carpet tiles allows them to be lifted very easily. I think Mish was thinking of the old rubber backed carpets, which are quite different. In fact, the tiles can often be laid without glue at all.

the suggestion of laying new carpet over the top in the future is flawed....
A. it's contrary to Australian standards.
B. These carpets will last forever. You practically won't need to replace them.

Carpet tiles can easily be cut & laid right up to built in furniture, so I say build it all in, and then lay the carpets.

Ash.

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 9:11 pm

Quote:

No the will carpet to the edge of the unit!

And just cut away the old stuff?

Ash, will a normal carpet shop sell the stuff you mentioned?

Michelle · Apr 10, 2008 9:15 pm

royalblue

:roll:

The type of adhesives used for carpet tiles allows them to be lifted very easily. I think Mish was thinking of the old rubber backed carpets, which are quite different. In fact, the tiles can often be laid without glue at all.

the suggestion of laying new carpet over the top in the future is flawed....
A. it's contrary to Australian standards.
B. These carpets will last forever. You practically won't need to replace them.

Carpet tiles can easily be cut & laid right up to built in furniture, so I say build it all in, and then lay the carpets.

Ash.

Possibly…..

Carpet tiles are good, but quite truthfully I never found one I liked!
The best thing about them is you can swap them around when they wear.

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 9:17 pm

Here's another
http://www.interfaceflor.com.au/webapp/ ... ryId=14636

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 9:30 pm

Most carpet stores that cater to domestic sales don't carry these carpets. If you ask, they can often get them in. If not, contact Interface direct, and ask them for their retail outlets. The retailers are not promoted to the public, as they normally just cater to commercial contracts (yes-like banks)!

There are new carpet tiles that when laid, you wouldn't know they are tiles at all, and can be quite attractive Fusion bonded carpets can be made in plain colours, and usually in cut pile.

Ash.

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 9:45 pm

Thanks Ash,

Liked that one you posted and have ordered a sample!

Think I will have another look at study before I decide to put carpet or cabinetry in first.

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 9:52 pm

When you get the sample in your hand you'll see the difference to domestic carpets. It has a very firm pvc backing material. This is what makes it perform so well.... it has superior dimensional stability.

royalblue · Apr 10, 2008 9:59 pm

http://www.interfaceflor.com.au/webapp/ ... 004-750552

Paula · Apr 10, 2008 10:02 pm

Very good link, love the spaced out. Although it was up against a blue wall...

royalblue · Apr 23, 2008 2:17 am

So did you receive your sample from Interface, Paula?

Paula · Apr 23, 2008 11:00 am

Yes I received the sample.

Great carpet for the study, DH loves it says its just what we need, but I'm still not convinced it will not look odd, as it is not in keeping with the rest of the house. I still think it belongs in a bank!

I have got a pic for all to see the thickness, or lack of thickness.

I didn't realise how many scratches my coffee table has!!
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royalblue · Apr 23, 2008 11:10 am

You're right it does belong in a bank. Banks have a lot of wheelie chairs..... just like your home office! :roll:

What many people fail to realise is that a products suitability is about how it looks after it has been in use for a while. Other carpets may look nicer to you now, but after the rigours of being pummelled by aggressive wheelie chairs, most will look crap.

They are fairly low profile, and if you do fit them, you have to consider any height differential to other floors though. This could be built up with a levelling compound if necessary, or there are certain types of underlay that may help to raise the level. Interface could advise.

Ultimately, its your (and DH's) choice. But you asked the question what's suitable, and you have your answer.

Ash.

Paula · Apr 23, 2008 11:22 am

Thanks Ash, as I said DH is all for it.

May need to look at a colour closer to what is there already.

Quote:

They are fairly low profile, and if you do fit them, you have to consider any height differential to other floors though.

Yes, something to consider.

Need to pick your brain...

1 - if we leave current carpet there would the plastic matt under the chair be suitable.
2 - if the cabinetry is installed on top of current carpet, will it be difficult to remove? Will there be old carpet under the cabinets that create a height difference and will show? (need to get into house to have a look to see if this is the case)
3 - Can an underlay be installed to bring up the height difference to the other flooring?

Quote:

Ultimately, its your (and DH's) choice. But you asked the question what's suitable, and you have your answer.

I appreciate your time on this, and all your advise is taken on board.

There are so many things going on right now I dont know if I'm coming or going!! Now gotta get back to packing!!

to_do_list · Apr 23, 2008 11:49 am

Paula

if we leave current carpet there would the plastic matt under the chair be suitable.

Paula please note that those mats don't last for ever I can only get one year of use out of a good quality one (and I'm not using it as a true home office and I'm not HEAVY!!) and it's the best part of $100, and after about six months bits start coming out of it.

The house we just purchased has the "bank" carpet in what was a home office for two people the carpets been there from day dot (7+ years) and looks in great condition.

The study is in a "loft" and therefore there is no "flow" of floor coverings from the rest of the house.