A Commercial Decision … �
Choosing wool for a commercial location is a serious business . It is the primary choice in many instances — floor first , always . In most cases , the other elements will be designed to fit around it . This is how the commercial building will begin — with practicalities — and it is the way a designer would recommend everyone start with their floor plans .
There are many considerations that a designer will take into account . Most of these are built around fundamental requirements such as safety , environmental requirements and wear or durability .
Design is often a corporate decision for multi-location businesses or brands . Flooring is a key part of unifying a large space or , indeed , separating it . Large areas will use floor design to build rooms without walls , and clever carpet planning is a major way of signposting people in airports and defining entrances in hotels and casinos . It can create intimate space or expansive space and can change mood and atmosphere .
Big space is improved by colour and pattern and , of course , the cushioning of sound is an asset where large numbers of people move around and talk . Here carpet is a preferred option — no other flooring meets this need as well , and wool is a safe and healthy choice with its fire safety attributes and low flammability .
However , probably top of the list is budget , and a commercial specification needs to know that the floor will stand up to the extensive use it will endure over the lifespan it will have prior to refurbishment .
Woven wool carpets are nearly always the preferred choice , as they have the structure to endure and the production to allow multiple colours and patterns . Wool represents an industry standard due to its resilience and superior ability to resist flattening and tracking due to excessive footfall and the pressure of wheeled luggage .
The investment in wool is always worthwhile , as appearance and pattern retention in quality wool is consistent , and the on-going refurbishment can be completed to a high standard .
Commercial locations will have many specific requirements and the commercial wool carpet has plenty to offer . �
A grand staircase aboard the ocean liner Queen Mary II ( Brintons ). A dramatic carved wool rug in an office conference room ( Rodeo ).
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