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10 Signs Your Business Needs New Carpets

Every business needs a base. It doesn’t need to be a sprawling campus for you to worry about how that base looks either. In fact, if anyone but you ever comes into your office (that means employees as well as clients), you need to be concerned about the way your business looks.

Carpets are a big part of that. What’s happening on the floor can set the whole tone of your business. If you’ve been considering new carpets for your space for some time but you just haven’t gotten around to it, you’re probably waiting for a clear-cut sign that it’s time to get new carpets for your business. Here are 10 that you simply can’t miss.

There’s a Strange Smell That Won’t Disappear

Carpets can absorb the smells that pass through the air. Tiny particles become trapped in the pile of your carpeting along with dirt and debris. Usually, vacuuming is the solid start you need to remove these odours. Of course, you will also need to ensure that your office’s carpets undergo deep cleaning frequently as this should remove the smell. If that smell lingers even after deep cleaning treatments, then it’s likely to stay there. You can try some more, but you probably need new carpets.

It Looks Like Your Gran Choose the Carpet

Now, don’t take offense if your grandmother is super hip; we’re obviously not talking about your gran then. But, you do know the type of carpeting that we mean, don’t you? Of course you do. If your carpeting looks dated, it’s probably time for new carpeting. There is an exception to this though. If you deal in antiques and that carpet adds to the vibe, so be it. Every other business should start looking at carpet samples and picking out colours for their updated office space.

Your Broadloom Looks Like Frayed Tiles

Properly installed and maintained carpet tiles will not pull up at the corners. Let’s be clear about that from the start. It should remain as smooth as you would expect from broadloom. And, you know that your wall-to-wall carpeting definitely should never have pieces sticking up in funny directions. So, if your broadloom looks like frayed carpet tiles, then you have to know that it has passed its prime, and there is no coming back from that. This is a clear sign that it’s time to get some new carpeting.

You Apologise for Your Carpet (Frequently)

Everyone has begged for someone’s pardon before. It happens when the neighbours pop round and you’ve not done the dishes in a few days. But, you never want to apologise for the state of your office or business. (The only exception is when it’s undergoing serious renovations.) If you have apologised for your carpet once, that is one time too many. It’s just not something that a quality business can stand; unfortunately image does mean a lot. So, whether you’ve apologised once, or you do it all the time, you should take this as a sign.

Your Employees Poke Fun at Your Floors

It’s great when your employees all get along, and they naturally gravitate towards each other. Most employers would love to hear their employees engaged in discussions and laughter (at least for part of the time). But, you never want your team to make fun of th company - or any part of it. You want everyone to have a super opinion of what your business does or is. Sure, you can twist it to believe that you’re lucky if the only thing they make fun of is the carpet, but you don’t even want that.

You’ve Dreamed About New Carpets

The subconscious is a strange place. We’re probably lucky that we don’t know what’s happening down there. It would be like living in a dream state where ideas connect slowly, and we’re never really sure what’s going on. But, dreams do tell you something when you remember them; they’re the things that you need to process or that weigh heavy on your mind. If you’ve dreamed about new carpeting for the office - or just carpeting in general, then you really need to take that as a sign that you need new floors now.

You Try Not to Look at the Floor

Most people seek out beauty. Okay, we sometimes have a strange fascination with the unusual objects, but mostly we like to see nice things. That’s normal. It also means that you will turn away from things that don’t please you. If you have taken up the strange habit of never casting your eyes down, you know that you’re trying to avoid the inevitable. Perhaps you need to take a look at the floor; it usually enough of a sign that you don’t need anything else.

You Have No Idea When Your Carpets Were Made

Office carpets will last a long time. Indeed, today’s carpets will outlast a lot of employees. But, you should still have a general idea when the carpets were made and installed in your space. If you’ve only been in your current office space for a few years, your landlord should be able to tell you (or you should have inquired at the time of purchase). If you don’t know how old your carpets are, just that they are old, it is time to look for new carpets now.

Your Company Is Finally Doing Well

If you’ve put in all those hours and believed for all that time in your business and it has just started to turn around and come right, then you need to take a look at your company’s image. Sure, you could wait it out while times were tough - and we’re not saying you should pour all your new profits into carpeting. But, you want your business to show it’s successful colours and the way your office looks is one of the best ways to do just that.

If You Read the First 9 Signs, You Can Take This as a Sign

Really, if you are looking for a sign that you need to invest in new carpeting, it’s staring you in the face. If you read the first nine signs included here, then you really need new office carpeting. That’s the biggest sign you could ever hope for, isn’t it? Unless you’re dragging your feet for some other reason (and we can’t imagine what), it is absolutely and positively time for you to get new carpeting. Now, how about some samples?

http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#carpets #business

Choosing a Carpet for Your Financial Company

Does your business look after other people’s money? Or, perhaps you’re in the business of loaning money to students. Whatever it is that your financial company does, your business needs to look sharp. People simply don’t want to deal with unprofessional financial representatives.

Part of putting your best foot forward is the carpeting that you put it on. It may just be the ground you walk on five days a week, but what covers your floor sends a statement to your clients. And, you want to say the right thing. Never underestimate the importance of carpeting in your financial business. The carpet you choose demands as much of your decision-making skills as you would put towards any other business move you make.

Key Factors to Consider

Carpets are an investment. As long as you select a resilient (as opposed to cheap and nasty) carpet, it will last for an extraordinarily long time. So, you need to treat this as a facilities decision rather than a cosmetic one. But you can’t rule out the way a floor looks. It says a lot about your company - especially if you’re in the financial industry.

Any carpet that makes it to your shortlist must meet criteria you develop for facilities and maintenance as well as your brand requirements. And, of course, you can’t discount the way carpets, and colours make your customers feel.

It’s up to you to determine what the criteria are. Make sure you consider the time or maintenance resources you have at your disposal, and the psychology and principles driving your industry - and your niche in it. Your carpet must match these objectives. For example, you don’t want to sacrifice image if you’re business is high-end investing. But, you can probably choose a less expensive carpet if you handle short-term paycheque loans.

Choosing the Right Colour

If you work in the financial world, you may not spend a great deal of time thinking about colours and the effect they have on people. But, if you’re selecting carpeting for your financial business, you’ll have to bring colour psychology into consideration now.

Take a look at your logo and branding for a moment. There’s likely to be a dominant colour in this area of your business. This is a great place to start when considering your carpeting. But colours do suggest different feelings.

Blue, for example, is calming and a terrific choice for financial institutions that handle savings and investments. However, small loan companies may want to opt for a less soothing colour carpeting. Yellow inspires positivity and may convince on-the-fence customers.

Carpet Maintenance

No one wants to see carpets (or, indeed, anything) that’s not been cared for. You want clean and pristine. That’s especially true if you work in the financial sector. Although you can’t possibly stop accidents or certain types of damages from occurring, you can opt for carpets that are easier to maintain.

That’s not as difficult as you think. You only need to consider a few factors.

· Traffic - How much foot (or other) traffic do you expect? The more traffic, the stronger your carpet needs to be.

· Maintenance - Do you have the resources to care for carpeting properly? Most carpets don’t need a lot of effort, but choosing a lighter colour could preempt greater attention and additional cleaning methods.

Choosing between Broadloom and Carpet Tiles

There are only two types of carpets that you can install. (We’re excluding rugs from this category.) The two types are broadloom (also known as wall-to-wall carpeting) and carpet tiles.

Broadloom carpeting is often desired, especially for financial institutions, as it conveys unity and has a traditional appeal. It does, however, require more from you during installation and sometimes maintenance. This is perfect for larger offices with variable foot traffic.

Carpet tiles, on the other hand, are easier to install. They’re not any easier to maintain, but it is easier to replace individual tiles if one becomes damaged. Typically, carpet tiles are invariably strong and resilient. And, when properly installed, there should be no concern over their appearance. In fact, they do lend a certain something to some facilities.

Carpet Design and Layout

If you’re working with people’s money, then you’re well used to the meticulous planning and goal setting needed when choosing carpeting for your business. It’s never just a matter of saying “blue” and then covering the entire space with the same carpeting. It might come down to that, but it’s not at all how you should approach carpeting your financial business. It’s all in the details.

Take some time to walk through your space. Are there areas where the existing carpeting is more worn? If so, you’ll want to ensure that you avoid lighter colours in these spots (and you may want to consider a stronger carpeting or some form of additional protection). Do you have meeting rooms reserved for top customers? Perhaps you need something a little more plush. And, if you really can’t bear an expanse of a single pattern or colour, how can you break it up. Carpeting may not be your business, but your clients will want to see that you’re committed to the details.

If you do have trouble designing your layout - or measuring areas of space - it’s time to ring the technical consultant for your area. They’re a wealth of information and tips. And, they will be able to steer you away from a terrible carpeting decision. A quick conversation with a technical consultant could be the most valuable carpet selection tool at your disposal.

Carpet Selection Tools

At Birch Carpets, we don’t like to leave things to chance. We’re sure that you don’t either. And that’s why we’ve created a number of tools to help you select the best carpets for your business. You’ll find both of our top resources right on the homepage of our website.

You may want to start with our Product Selector. This app helps you to narrow your options based on the information that you already have. Do you know what colour you want? Add it to the Selector. You already know the type of facility that you have and which rooms need new carpets. And, there’s a chance that you already know whether you want broadloom carpeting or carpet tiles. Add in what you know, and the Product Selector will provide you with a list of suitable options. If you spot one that you want immediately, that’s great. If not, you’ll want to move onto the b-creative app. This programme shows you a visual representation of selected carpets in a space similar to yours.

And, don’t forget, you can always request carpeting samples. If you’re at all nervous about which carpets to choose for your financial business, then this is absolutely the way to go. Don’t hesitate to ask; you don’t want to make a bad investment, do you?

For more please see: http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#commercial carpet

Carpeting to Create a Dementia Friendly Environment

From the environment that people stay in, to the hands-on care that they receive, carers must think through as much of day-to-day life as possible. That’s true whether you are providing a home,permanent care for patients – or if you have an establishment that only sees to the occasional needs of visitors.

While there is always a great deal to think about, it can become even more challenging when you have dementia patients to care for. When this is the case, seemingly ordinary decisions can be of the utmost importance. That goes for the type of care – as well as small things like the type of carpeting you have installed in your home or surgery practice. Fortunately, there are many different ways to make this process easier.

Healthcare Surgeries and Care Homes Have Incredibly Strict Guidelines to Follow

There are many different rules and regulations that you must follow if you have other people under your care. That is on top of best practice when it comes to the actual care that these patients receive. Legally, there are a number of different authorities that health care providers must report to. However, that does not mean that there are not areas where providers have complete autonomy. You might think that carpeting is one of these areas of autonomy, but there are certifications that must be in place when new floorings are installed in surgeries and care homes.

As such, it is important to consider this aspect first when choosing new flooring, regardless of the type of practice that you have. But, there are additional considerations that should guide your decisions when installing carpeting in care homes and surgeries that assist patients living with dementia.

The Calming Effects of the Right Carpeting

Carpeting has many different uses. Sure, it is a traditionally used as a covering to prevent otherwise bare floors. But, there is a lot more to it than that. The right carpet can contribute a great deal more to a space – as long as the right carpeting is selected. Neutral or light coloured carpeting adds a softness or gentility to any space. On the contrary, bright, heavily patterned carpets can wake a space up and excite the people that walk across it. (Just think about the type of carpeting used in arcades and casinos if you need an example.) While there is a psychology behind the visuals, it is not complicated to understand it. Needless to say, it is important to choose a calming carpeting for any care home or surgery that tends to dementia patients.

Quietness Must be Considered When Caring for Patients with Dementia

In general, most people are disturbed by loud noises. It can shatter the nerves of the even the strongest souls. Consider the way the sound might affect those that are prone to confusion when selecting a flooring for surgeries and care homes. This is exactly why carpeting is such a popular choice. Unlike wood or tiles, carpeting absorbs sounds and dulls the sharpness of any environment. Carpet is a little like a miracle worker when it comes to the soothing the nerves of all patients, but it is especially true for dementia patients. This is important in many different areas of care homes and surgery practices. Reception areas are only the beginning. Think about dining rooms and even the corridors that extend between observation and care rooms.

Choosing the Right Pattern of Carpeting for Dementia Patients

Visual stimulation is very important – just remember the patterns used in areas such as casinos that are meant to excite and stimulate the people in those areas. This is exactly the type of pattern that should be avoided in any care homes, but it is especially important when the patients are prone to dementia (or already suffering from symptoms).

There are a few different patterns and manufactures of carpets that are specifically designed to soothe dementia patients. Although there are not thousands of choices as there are with carpets generally, the importance of utilising these carpets in your practice can not be overstated. And, that is not to say that you are terribly limited in your choices of carpeting either; there are more than a few and a variety of colours so you can be sure to find one that fits in easily with the colour scheme of your premises. And, unfortunately, using another pattern could cause mental disruption for patients with dementia.

Look for Carpeting that Feels Like Home – Only Not Exactly Like Home

One of the most difficult things about caring for patients with dementia is that memories come and go with seemingly little tie to what is going on. As such, carpeting should have an appeal – a kind of cosiness that makes people feel at home. However; it should not feel too much like being at home as this could cause extreme mental or emotional stress. This does not mean that patterns and carpeting must necessarily be nondescript. The ideal carpeting is something that adds to the overall appeal of a room without distracting or drawing attention away from the other elements.

If you’re in the market for new carpeting for a surgery or care home that provides for patients with dementia, you should consider all these factors when making a decision. Fortunately, Birch Carpeting has made it easy to select the right floor for your business as they have clearly identified the carpets that are designed to soothe patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As an added bonus, these floors often have additional benefits such as the ability to repel certain micro-organisms such as E. coli. All you need to do is get in contact with a technical consultant. After all, with everything else you need to consider in your practice, choosing a carpeting should be as easy as it can be, right?

For more information please visit http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#birchcarpets #dementia carpets

Special carpeting options you may not have considered

When you are shopping for new carpeting, you can become disillusioned quickly. After all, the carpet that you choose for your business will define and shape that space. So, it is easy to think about design first and the functions and features of a carpet later. But, there are such a wide number of options available on the market today that it really only makes sense to look at the features first. Not sure what it is that you should be thinking about? Consider taking a look at these special options that you can get when you order your next carpet.

There Are Carpets that Resist Staining

Carpet care is a part of life. It is something that should be done every day. Well, carpets should be vacuumed every day, at any rate. This should be the bulk of the work that needs to be done on a daily basis. You will need to have your carpets deep cleaned on occasion, of course, but for the most part, you will not need to do too much cleaning.

However, accidents do happen, and if you are working in a building where they could frequently happen , you will want to consider investing in carpeting that has stain-blocking properties built into the carpet. Not only are these carpets able to resist staining – sometimes to the point where you could almost leave a spill – they often come with guarantees or warranties that back it up. Now that is a deal most businesses cannot pass by.

Some Carpets Combat Certain Bacteria

You may think this is a joke, but it really is not. There are carpets that are developed to stop the spread of bacterial disease. Typically, these carpets can combat E.Coli and other microbial organisms. While this will not cure anyone, nor will it stop an outbreak, these types of carpets will actually halt the spread of these diseases that would perhaps be able to travel along the floor in other conditions.

While you may not need this in an office (though, in some cases, it might not be a bad idea), these carpets are a great idea for certain types of enterprises. Consider their use in care homes and gym facilities. They can also be very beneficial in schools and other types of businesses that service the public. If you could see this type of carpet aiding your business, you may just want to start here.

Carpeting Can Help with All Sorts of Care

You may think that the special features of carpets end with stopping the transmission of bacteria, but believe it or not, carpets can do more. That is because there are some carpets that are specially designed to soothe troubled minds. This can come in very handy in certain types of environments.

Think for a moment about the level of care needed in some homes. Those that cater to the needs of patients that have Alzheimer’s or dementia can actually be troubled by the grain and pattern of certain carpets. And, there are other carpets that are designed not to worry the minds of these patients. It may seem like a small thing at first, but it can make all the difference to the well-being of these patients.

Carpets Can Further Educational Efforts

Children are unlikely ever to shop for carpeting on their own, but that does not mean that they should not be considered when selecting new carpets for your space. That is especially true when your business is aimed at servicing children. Think about the needs of schools as an example, though there are many other businesses centred on the needs of children.

When it comes to selecting carpets for these types of businesses, there are a few special ones that can be considered. Although the design is not necessarily a feature, it can be considered as such when the featured patterns actually help students to learn and teachers to teach. These carpets should always be looked at as an option for very young students and learners as they can help immensely.

Want to Help the Environment?

Carpets do not break down in landfills. They are made to be strong and resilient, and that carries through long after carpets are lifted from your floors. Of course, there are many options when it comes to recycling your carpets so that they can avoid landfills. Not only can many carpets be reused, some are made with enough material to largely be recycled, and there is also the incineration (waste to energy) method to consider. But, even with these options, there is still usually some waste products leftover. Fortunately, there are now carpets that are 100% recyclable. And although that does not sound like it is a feature, it can make a big difference on the carbon footprint of a business.

And remember, there are also carpet tiles to consider. These are so commonplace that you may not consider them to be a specialised carpet, but they truly can be – especially if you have never considered them before. These squares are designed to be super resilient – and because you can use them to assist with design features, they are certainly very versatile. Indeed, if you have never considered carpet tiles because you love the look of broadloom carpeting, then this is exactly the place to start.

When choosing new carpets for your business, you should always consider function first and design after. That is because there are just so many colours and pile patterns available no matter what type of carpeting you want on your floor. You will be hard-pressed to not find something that does not match everything you want in a carpet. After that it is just a matter of enjoying it – and catching those spills as soon as they happen. Warranty or not, you will want to enjoy your carpet for a very long time.

For more please see http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#broadloom carpeting #carpeting #birchcarpets

What You Need to Know about Carpet Recycling

Although packaging and paper waste it typically easy to dispose of, not everything is as simple to recycle. Carpeting has long been one of these difficult items with tonnes and tonnes of carpeting making its way to landfills. Fortunately, this is starting to change.

Diverting Carpets from Landfills

Typically, carpets have been created from a variety of materials which means that they don’t always break down easily, if they do at all. The durability that you want for your floors is, unfortunately, not what you would like to see heaped on a landfill. These fibres simply remain in landfills where they take up precious space, create deadly gases and offer no further benefit to the planet.

Simultaneously, it is completely possible to recycle carpets. They can be reused or recycled in a variety of ways. And, with efforts doubling every day to reduce the carbon emissions of the UK, recycling should no longer be seen as an option but rather a requirement when it is possible to do so. Fortunately, efforts are being made across the carpeting world to make complete landfill diversion of carpeting a reality.

Ensuring Your Old Carpets Are Diverted from Landfills

Carpeting manufacturers, installers and distributors are all getting on board to work on diverting carpeting, and its related waste products are diverted from landfills. And, while compliance to this initiative is voluntary, a large number of companies, like Birch Carpets, are not only getting involved, they are actively recruiting and supporting the movement to include more partners to the cause.

One of the ways that you can ensure your old carpets are diverted from landfills is to mention that you have old carpets to your technical consultant when you order new carpeting. Disposal of your old carpets will be included in the chain when your new floors arrive. And that doesn’t mean disposal in the old-fashioned sense of simply dumping carpets in landfills. You will receive a certificate that shows your carpets have been diverted – and that’s something that reflects well on every business (and home) owner in the UK.

What Should You Do If You Aren’t Replacing Your Old Carpets with New Ones?

As much as we pride ourselves on our carpets, and their durability, reliability and versatility, we do understand that not all rooms will be furnished with carpeting. That, of course, is your choice. And, while that does make it more difficult to get involved in the landfill diversion of your carpets, we will still do everything we can to assist you along the way.

Now, there are a few things you can do before you give us a call for carpet landfill diversion services. For example, if you are planning to dispose of carpet tiles, you may want to ring up a few local shelters or other charity organisations. Because carpet tiles last for such an incredibly long time, they can often be repurposed for reuse. And, many cities now offer community collection points where old carpeting can be left for recycling organisations to collect.

How Birch Carpets Is Getting Involved with Carpet Recycling

Birch Carpets is one of many different companies getting involved with the initiatives of Carpet Recycling UK. This is the central headquarters behind all of our carpet recycling initiatives. Together, partner organisations are able to lobby with the various councils for recycling points – and to ensure that all the players involved are working towards recycling.

Of course, in addition to the work this organisation does together, individual companies like Birch Carpets, are working to ensure that all their waste products are recycled. That means that when off cuts are produced in the factory, they don’t go into the bin as they would have once done. Now, they head straight off to recycling. This makes an extreme difference in the mentality and moral of the entire organisation.

In addition to this, Birch Carpets has created a carpet that is 100% recyclable which we do encourage our customers to consider when re-carpeting their floors. This product is revolutionary in that not all carpet is fully recyclable into raw materials the way this line is.

What Happens to Carpet Diverted from Landfills?

If not all carpets are 100% recyclable into new raw materials, then what happens to them when they are diverted from landfills? The exact answer is, “it varies.” Carpets that are largely one material or another will be sent for processing to remove the other materials from the mix. And, any products that are unusable as raw materials are either repurposed (as turf or industrial filling, etc.). If reuse or recycling is not an option, then these materials are typically sent to incineration plants where waste is recycled into energy rather than allowing it to take up space in a landfill. This is becoming more popular throughout the UK and Europe as a whole.

However, all these efforts rely on increased involvement from communities and individuals. Even if you’re not involved in the carpeting industry, you can still do your part to help. You can be as involved as helping to link charity projects with carpeting donors. Or, you can simply let your neighbour know to contact Carpet Recycling UK rather than leave their old carpeting out with their black bin waste. After all, once upon a time, recycling on any level was foreign to us all; now it is commonplace. And, every step in the right direction counts. If you’re unsure of what you can do, why not give us a call; it will be our pleasure to help you get involved with saving the planet.

For more information please see http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#carpet recycling #Carpeting #carpet

Installing Carpet Tiles in Your Office

No matter where you work, you’ll need something to walk on. But often, where you work influences the floor you have. Sure, you can get away with poured concrete on the ground when it comes to the factory, but when you work in the office, people are expecting carpet. It simply makes them more comfortable, and that means happier customers and employees. Since both are exactly what you need, isn’t it time you installed some new carpet tiles in your office? And, if you’re after more than simple comfort, you should consider these reasons for installing carpet tiles in your office.

Ease of Ordering

Carpets are usually much easier to order than most people think they are. All you need is precise measurements of the room to be carpeted. However, sometimes, this is a little difficult. After all, to what point do you measure? Do you include the skirting boards? And just how precise should these measurements be?

However, this is hardly the case when it comes to ordering carpet tiles; you actually have the ability to be much more lax when it comes to ordering. That’s because you just need to know the square meterage of a room, not the actual dimensions. And that makes a difference. Well, that and the fact that you’ll be ordering a few extra boxes anyhow. After all, one of the benefits of carpet tiles is that you can remove any that are worn or damaged and replace them with new ones. While you can replace these with a new batch of freshly ordered tiles, the standard is to order them all at once so they come from the same colour batch.

So, when you go to order carpet tiles for your office, all you need is a minimum number of square meters; after that, you can just add on a few extra boxes, and you’ll be ready to go for longer than you can even imagine.

Ease of Installation

Few, if any, floors are easier to install than carpet tiles are. And that makes a big difference to many companies. Yours is probably one of them. With most other floors, you need to clear an entire room before you can install new surfaces. That applies to broadloom carpeting as much as it does a high-gloss screed. And the room with new flooring is only the beginning; you’ll need room to work outside of this area too (including storage). When it comes down to it, that’s an awful lot of space which is not something every office has.

On the other hand, carpet tiles can be installed after simply pushing all the furniture and heavy objects in the room to one side. Carpet tiles can then be laid on the other side of the room. As more of the carpet is laid, the furniture can be shifted accordingly. It can make a big difference when it comes to the disruption of your space. And that’s not even the best part. Carpet tiles do not require professional installation. Of course, it’s not recommended that just anyone lay them; a little DIY experience is usually beneficial, but they are easy enough to install as long as you’ve got that... and a bit of patience too.

Ease of Maintenance

Carpet tiles may just be the most resilient things on Earth. Really, they’re great at combating all sorts of dust, dirt and debris that other floors just can’t deal with. Partially, that has to do with the way this floor is designed. After all, as these are designed in squares – and to hold their shape – they need a heavy duty backing. That means that the dirt can’t permeate to the bottom layers of your carpet tiles. And that’s a pretty big deal when it comes to maintenance. You’ll need to put in less effort than you think to keep your carpet tiles looking fresh and new.

In general, you should plan on vacuuming your carpet tiles once a day, though you may need a little more for high traffic areas or heavy duty days. But, as long as you move the vacuum cleaner around in a different direction every time you bring it out, you should be golden. You’ll hardly need to put in more effort than that on a regular basis.

Of course, you’ll need a deep clean from time to time, but that’s not something you should be dealing with directly (unless it involves making a call). Deep cleaning is a task that’s best left to the professionals. That’s especially true not that there are viable dry cleaning options to consider. And, yes, this is exactly the type of deep cleaning treatment that’s best for your carpet tiles.

Don’t forget about those extra boxes of carpet tiles either. They’re especially handy for replacing damaged squares. Although you never hope for damaged or stained tiles, it does happen, and fortunately, it is easy enough to replace them. Simply remove the old carpet tiles and lay down new ones; it couldn’t be simpler.

Ease of Removing Carpet Tiles

And, just as it is easy to install carpet tiles, it is that easy to take them out again – and move them to a new location or to recycle them. And, this may not seem like a huge benefit at the moment, but it will be when you consider the flexibility it provides your office. Whether you want to move across the passage or you want to move across town, you can take your carpeting with you. Not that you need to, of course.

Carpet tiles last for a remarkably long time; perhaps even longer than you think they will. You’ll probably be likely to move on to new flooring before your carpet tiles wear thin. But, with such durability, they make a perfect donation to local shelters or other charities. Or, you can simply opt to have your carpets recycled when you have your new tiles installed. And, that’s not only easy on you; that makes carpet tiles easy on the environment too.

Please visit our website for further information:

http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

How Do You Clean Your Carpet Tiles?

Carpet tiles have come a long way since they were first created. These days, carpet tiles are widely varied in colour and texture. They can be installed in just about any area with great effect. And, carpet tiles are known to provide all the warmth and benefits of broadloom carpeting, plus a few more wonderful aspects too.

But, just like any flooring, carpet tiles do need regular care and maintenance. Neglecting this can lead to the necessity to replace your tiles earlier than they should be (and in some cases, this neglect could potentially negate any warranties that may be in place). Fortunately, caring for and cleaning your carpet tiles is remarkably easy, as long as you stick with it.

Daily Maintenance

No matter where you have carpet tiles installed (unless, of course, they are in a storage cupboard that no one enters more than once a month), they need to be cleaned on a daily basis – or at least every day that someone walks over them. (And, for those other areas, you really shouldn’t go longer than a week without considering your floors.) But, daily cleaning doesn’t need to be oppressive; all it requires is a vacuuming.

However, your daily vacuuming shouldn’t be like mowing the lawn. It’s not a straight pass up and down the floor. To make your daily cleaning effective, you should be moving your vacuum around in different directions. This works to loosen the dirt underneath the pile making the suction function more valuable than it is on its own.

Additionally, you will need to consider the type of vacuum cleaner that you use. Ideally, you will have a machine with brushes as well as a suction feature. When you combine this with movements in various directions, you will soon discover that your vacuuming needs are more succinct, and less work is needed from you to get the job done.

Deep Cleaning Treatments

Often, people use the words deep cleaning to mean shampoo when it comes to the care and maintenance of their carpet tiles. While this truly was the most efficient means of cleaning carpets for many years, that’s no longer the case. You can have your carpets shampooed if that is your only option. But, it is infinitely better to opt for a dry cleaning treatment. This avoids unnecessary loosening or softening of the glue adhesive under the backing of your carpet tiles. It also means that you can walk on your floors just as soon as the cleaning is done (and yes, during too, but do you really want to?).

Usually this means that you will need to call in a professional carpet cleaning service unless you’ve got an extremely large organization with plenty of resources. But, that’s okay because you actually want the professionals to tackle your floors. Their equipment is wonderfully powerful compared to the domestic cleaning machines and those you can hire from local shops. The important thing to remember is that your carpets cannot wait forever between deep cleaning treatments. However, the frequency of this type of cleaning depends, almost exclusively, on the amount of traffic your floor receives.

When There Is a Stain

Carpet tiles are remarkably durable and stain resistant. They’re built to withstand a lot of heavy foot traffic – and to look good while doing it. Plus, there are many carpet tiles on the market today that actually have stain resistance built into the fibres of the pile. That means that you’ll have to work really hard for these carpets to become stained – and they may even come with a warranty that enables you to a replacement if they are stained.

But, if you do spill something on your carpets (or rather someone spills), then you do need to act quickly, just as you would do if something were spilled on any floor. Often that means removing any solid pieces from the area, blotting with a damp towel and then using a mild shampoo on the area. However, this is not always the case. Certain fluids do require a different treatment, and you should always have a stain cleaning chart to hand in the event that something spills. This will alleviate the frustration of making a spill worse rather than better.

Replacing Your Carpet Tiles

The beauty of choosing carpet tiles over broadloom (otherwise known as wall-to-wall) carpeting is that you will have a much easier time replacing damaged carpet tiles. Keep in mind that you should not have to do this often. As long as you chose a carpet that matches your traffic needs, and your floors are generally treated with the respect they deserve, you shouldn’t need to do that much replacing. However, this is always an option if it needs to be – and you have extra carpet tiles on hand.

To replace your carpet tiles, you should always consider the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning. This is likely to save you a headache or two. But, for the most part, it is as simple as lifting the old tile. To do this, you will likely want a tool to help remove it. You will want to loosen and clean any glue, debris or residue left where the carpet tile once was. You should treat this area as though you are preparing to lay a whole new floor as this will help to ensure the resiliency of the new carpet tile. And, your new square (or squares, as the case may be) should be laid exactly like the rest of the flooring was. Ensure that you use the proper glue – and preferably the kind recommended by the manufacturer.

Really, maintaining your carpet tiles is about as simple as that. As long as you stick with your daily maintenance – and you treat stains and damages as soon as they occur, you should have your carpet tiles with you for a very long time. And that’s a god thing now that they are so much better looking than you ever expected them to be.

For more information about choosing the right carpet tiles for your establishment please visit the Birch carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/productrange/type/carpet-tiles

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Growing Your Hotel Chain – Why the Right Carpeting Matters

Smaller hotels are discovering they have the recipe for success – at least in today’s discerning marketplace. And rather than ignoring their achievements, these hotels are embracing them. Small and individual hotel owners are growing their properties into a chain of lodgings. This is excellent news for the public that supports it, and for a job market looking to expand.

But, running a successful hotel group is nothing like working with your flagship establishment. It comes with a whole new set of challenges and batches of crucial decisions to make. After all, the reason for growth is success – but which part of your business prompted that?

Appearance Is Everything

... At least it is when you are running a hotel. Okay, there needs to be plenty of substance behind that appearance, but everything must appear clean and tidy in a hotel – at all times. And that is not the end of it; people will judge an establishment almost as soon as they walk into it. First impressions count, and they count gravely in the hotel industry.

Choosing the right carpeting for a hotel does not just mean opting for the grey flooring over the bright pink choice (indeed, that may just be the other way around depending on the hotel). It means making a proper colour choice, of course, but additionally, it means a carpeting that does not reveal the dirt it has hidden inside, or any wear and tear. And while all carpets can do this to some extent, you need to match your carpeting to the amount of traffic it will receive and the mood you intend to set. Unfortunately, making a decision based on price alone could cost you more than you bargained for.

Guests Must Always Be Comfortable

The main aim of any hotel is the comfort and security of its guests. There are many ways to make and keep your guests happy during their stay with you. There is the call for experienced staff, delicious food (if a kitchen is available) and a few amenities to soothe weary (yet, excited) souls.

If you are expanding a small hotel into a chain, then you already know there are millions of seemingly tiny ways to make your guests comfortable without them even noticing. Carpeting falls into this category. It can make or break a mood. Choosing the wrong one means that guests can have a negative reaction – and never know why.

Additionally, most guests look at a night away from home as an experience. They will appreciate plush flooring in their individual rooms. Even business travellers, who are seeking a comfortable home away from home will desire beautiful carpets in their room, and a hallway that does not startle them when they emerge in the morning.

It Is Always About Maintenance

Upkeep is a central tenant of the hotel industry. There is a constant stream of maintenance which must be attended to. More than any other industry, there is a demand for cleaning staff. And, there never seems to be a moment when this stops. Guest rooms need to be cleaned daily, there is always a load of laundry waiting to be done or folded, and as soon as a guest moves from an area of the lounge, there is always a pillow to be fluffed or a fingerprint to wipe away. It is just the way the game is played.

With all the maintenance that must be done every day, burdening your staff with additional and pointless tasks is a bit silly. Yet, choosing the wrong carpeting, one that is not properly suited for your needs means exactly this. Carpeting strength and resilience must match the requirements of the space. Carpeting that is suitable for guest rooms is unlikely to withstand the foot traffic of the hallways, dining room and reception areas.

Carpet Creates Invisible Walls

Because carpeting is so varied in its construction, not to mention colours and textures it can add a lot more to your space than simply style and warmth. Clever use of carpet can unify your entire space, or serve to break it into separate areas. Whether you opt for a different colour flooring, or just a different texture, to break your open plan reception and lounge areas, carpeting can effectively break these into two different spaces. Conversely, using the same carpeting to join an oddly shaped breakfast nook to the dining room can remind guests that it is all one space, not separate ones that they should avoid.

This concept holds steady throughout your hotel. Using different colour carpeting in guest rooms than the one used in the long corridors that link them provides guests with a sensation of coming home. It works simply by breaking the space into two distinct colour palates, even if they are complementary. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder that guest rooms should be distinct from passages which are common areas.

Carpeting Sets the Tone for the Entire Space

Your hotel may have regency overtones or be a thoroughly modern space. Whatever mood, tone and decor you choose, your carpeting must follow suit. If the entire space is black, white and linear, a pink carpeting with tiny roses will jar your guests and distract from the overall mood. Even simple hotels that are focused on providing the basics for their guests need to consider the tone of their carpeting. It must always be fresh smelling and complement the full decor rather than detract from it.

Fortunately, carpeting does this job exceptionally well. It provides warmth and beauty in nearly every area of a hotel – or a home. Even utilitarian, heavy duty carpeting provides a welcome that other floors simply cannot. Keep that in mind when discussing options with your carpeting sales consultant. You will likely be steered towards the best option for your needs as sales consultants have years of experience – and they have seen what can happen when a great business chooses the wrong flooring. It is as true for hotels as it is for any other company. Fortunately, hotels provide a playground of carpeting opportunities, allowing you to mix and match according to every area of your business.

For more information about choosing the right carpet for your hotel chain then please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/productrange/type/carpet-tiles

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Choosing Carpets for Care Homes

There are many different flooring options to choose when you need to develop or refurbish your care home. But, there are just as many considerations that you must keep in mind too. Time and time again, care home managers opt for carpeting because it really is the best option for most homes. Not only is it easy to maintain and economical to install, it adds warmth and comfort to the residents – and that’s something that can never be negated.

Carpet Tiles or Broadloom Carpeting

One of the first decisions that anyone buying carpeting must make is whether to opt for carpet tiles or broadloom carpeting (otherwise known as wall to wall carpeting). Carpeting tiles are often easier to manufacture without waste, which usually makes them a cheaper option for large facilities. They also last for an uncommonly long time which makes them a perfect choice for many businesses – especially within the current economic conditions.

Carpet tiles also have benefits when it comes to installation. They are quick and easy to install for a start, but it’s also possible to simply move the furniture and larger items to one side of the room rather than moving them out entirely. This is a real bonus given the limited space in most care homes. Carpet tiles also have the added benefit of easy replacement if one tile (or a group of tiles) becomes damaged or stained through the course of normal wear and tear. It helps to keep care homes looking their best at all times, no matter what’s happened the day or week before. This can be remarkably important when residents stay only for a short term.

However, many care homes opt for broadloom carpeting in many different areas of their enterprise. Often this has to do with the mobility concerns of patients and residents. In many care homes, it is not just a matter of foot traffic which must be considered. There are also wheelchairs and walkers added to the mix, although these may not be present at all times, they can be expected.

Additionally, although properly installed and maintained carpet tiles should not pull up at the corners, this is a concern for many care home residents. And, it is one of the reasons that many care homes prefer to order broadloom carpeting for their business. If it comes down to a matter of costs, sometimes it’s better to ensure that resident rooms and certain common areas have broadloom carpeting while other areas are covered with carpet tiles. However, that is completely at the discretion of the management. Keep in mind though that carpet, whichever kind you choose (carpet tiles or broadloom) lasts for a long time. You should consider future developments along with current business needs.

Other Special Considerations

Although every business has individual concerns and considerations, care homes have these to the extreme. Every resident will have different challenges, even if the care home deals with a particular need. And, all of these must be considered in conjunction with the requirements of the other residents.

One of the primary concerns that many care homes must consider is dementia. Another is Alzheimer’s disease (keep in mind that these often overlap, but they’re not the same thing). Unfortunately, it seems that this is becoming a more prominent challenge, perhaps because people are living longer lives than previously. With longer life expectancies, additional health and mental concerns are likely to crop up. And, although you may not initially think that carpeting plays a role in the care of dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can do. Certain patterns and colours are more likely to trigger the effects of these conditions, and if a patient spends any time considering these on the floor around them, it can be frightfully challenging for them as they cannot always (or quickly) move away from this trigger. Fortunately, there are carpets that are designed to pacify these conditions. These lines do not present the triggers that others patterns might do. And, although this may not be your primary concern, it’s certainly worth considering when you’re ready to carpet your floors.

Another major concern for most care homes is the spread (or the potential spread) of certain bacteria. While it is often possible to contain many germs, they are known to be transmitted when least expected and through the most obscure of channels. Once again, there is a type of carpeting that is known to prevent the spread of these bacteria (actually, there are a few different types). If this is a concern for your care home, then you will want to opt for carpets that are manufactured to combat MRSA, E.coli and other microorganisms. Fortunately, these are often the same lines that are also known to soothe Alzheimer’s patients. You can be confident with any carpeting you choose from these lines. And fortunately, there are many different colour options available within these lines. That makes a big difference, especially when you want to avoid anything too feminine (or too masculine) in resident rooms. (And, once again, it’s worth remembering that you’ll have your carpet will be with you for a very long time, so careful decisions are required).

Caring for Your Carpets

Every floor needs routine maintenance to keep it looking its best. Carpeting, no matter how strong or durable it is needs the same care and concern, especially when it has been installed in a care home. Fortunately, carpeting designed for these environments does not need a great deal of care; it just needs to be routine.

Ensure that carpets that are frequently used are vacuumed every day, and from a different direction every time, as this will cut down on the number of shampoo or deep dry clean treatments required. Opt for a vacuum cleaner with brushes, as well as suction features, as these do make a difference when it comes to maintenance.

Above all, remember that purchasing carpeting for your care home is a big decision. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to address them before ordering your new floors. After all, that carpet will be around for an incredibly long time.

For more information about choosing the right carpet for your care home then please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

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How to Vacuum Your Carpets Properly

New carpeting is a joy to behold. That is not an overstatement; just think about the last time you chose new carpeting. You were probably overjoyed. It looked sensational and smelled fresh too. And now?

If your carpet is only a shadow of its former self, then you can likely chalk it up to lazy maintenance. Modern carpets, after all, are designed to last for a remarkably long time. Indeed, most carpets manufactured today will probably last longer than you would like them too. (That is only because it is gratifying to spoil yourself, and upgrade your property at the same time.)

Whether you have just gotten new carpeting - or a new vacuum – or you are simply tired of the way your carpeting is beginning to look (and possibly smell), here is everything you need to know about vacuuming your carpets.

How Often Should You Vacuum Your Carpets?

There is something of a myth floating around regarding the frequency required when it comes to vacuuming. Many people tend to believe they can get away with it about once a week. And, for some of the rooms of your home, and possibly your office, this could be true. However, these are the rooms that you hardly frequent and rarely use.

The areas of your space that you walk across every day should be vacuumed every day. It is true; however much you dislike this particular chore. There are a few ways to prolong this, for example, taking off your shoes as you enter the house – before you step on the carpet. You could also lay down runner, or area rugs, over this area – though this tends to defeat the purpose of having beautiful carpeting in the first place. If you are not ready to take such desperate measures, then you should at least ensure that you have an entry mat outside of exterior doors so you can get a fair amount of dirt off your shoes before entering.

Now, the vacuuming that you do every day does not need to be anything complicated; it can be an easy routine chore just like washing the dishes after dinner. Just a quick little once over the key areas, then you can tuck the vacuum away until the following day. (While you are at it, you may want to consider running your vacuum over the kitchen floor to grab those few crumbs from supper.)

Areas of your space which are hardly used, or walked on with footwear that has been outside can be vacuumed about once a week. This includes rooms that you never walk into except to clean. Although you think you may be able to avoid vacuuming these spaces, there is enough dust in the air that says you should probably rethink that decision. If you can see it on the surfaces, you can be certain it is on - and in - your carpeting.

How to Vacuum Your Carpeting

Sure, you know how to vacuum, right? Of course, you plug in the machine and run it over your floors a couple of times. And yes, that is technically true. But, if you want to maintain your carpeting properly, then you need to put just a bit more effort into the process. Although, you should take comfort in the fact that you do not need to put that much more in it, especially if you are pulling out your machine to tackle high-traffic areas every day.

One of the most valuable things to remember whenever you vacuum is to move in a different direction every time you work. Although this sounds trivial, it is truly important. All that dust, dirt and debris which comes into contact with your carpet needs to come out of it. Because of the pile and manufacture of any carpet, some of this dirt can become worked into your floors. Working in different directions helps to loosen this dirt and extract it through your vacuum.

As long as you follow this simple guideline, you should not have to work too hard in any one area of your space. The key is just to focus when you work, even if you are doing a few other things at the same time.

Maintain Your Vacuum

You need the right tools for any job you undertake. Maintaining your carpets is no different. A vacuum that does not work properly means that you will have to do plenty of extra work yourself. Besides investing in the best machine that you possibly can, you will need to ensure you maintain your vacuum cleaner. Those manufacturers’ recommendations that come with your vacuum cleaner are not there to make your life more difficult. On the contrary; those guidelines are there so that your life can be easier. If you have a filter, or a vacuum bag that needs cleaning or replacing, then do it. These simple maintenance tasks are just as powerful as regularly vacuuming when it comes down to it.

Bits and Bobs You Cannot Ignore

If something spills on your carpeting, you will need to clean it immediately. Most substances are easily treatable if you catch them quickly. If you wait, they are increasingly more likely to become stains – and that means you will need to call in the professionals, live with the stain or replace your carpeting. While you may be keen on the last option, you may have to suffer through the first two for awhile – and that may just be what stopped you from maintaining your carpets in the first place.

And, one final thing, you absolutely cannot ignore the need to shampoo your carpets every now and again. However, once again, you do not need to do the whole house at the same time. Main living spaces should be done more frequently than others. Do not forget about hallways and steps when you have your floors cleaned. And, although you may thing you are prepared to hire a machine and spend a day cleaning your carpets, you should bring in the professionals every now and again. Their machines are stronger, and you will actually save in the long run. And now? Happy vacuuming.

For more hints, tips and advice on how to care for your carpet as well as other industry news, please visit: www.birchcarpets.co.uk

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The Importance of Carpets in Theatres and Cinemas

No matter how much modern life goes online, it can never replace certain interactions and amusements. You can certainly chat over the internet all day, but it will never replace one on one time spent face to face. Even with all the DVDs and video downloads available, the digital world can never replace the excitement of heading out with your loved one to the movies, or to see a local play performance.

But, with the uncertainty of the past couple decades, many theatre and cinema owners put off refurbishing their buildings. Now that it has become clear that humans still need places to go on dates, or simply to enjoy time with their friends and family, it is time to spruce up our cinemas and theatres. No matter how modern you want your complex to look though, you will still need to install carpeting throughout your space.

Carpeting Is Remarkably Durable – This is one type of floor that is built for heavy traffic. And yes, that does mean all those people who come in at all hours, drifting through the doors with the hope of capturing a special memory. It also means that carpeting can withstand the wear of a heavy delivery or the shifting of enormous props when it is time to change the show. Certain carpets, of course, are more resilient than others, but as long as you choose the right one – you will have a floor that is capable of taking everything you can throw at it. The important thing here is to choose a manufacturer and a sales consultant that you trust – after all, the last thing you want is to wind up with a carpet that was built for hotel bedrooms, and was meant for much lighter use.

Carpets Are Easy to Maintain – One of the biggest challenges with any enterprise that is open to the public is maintenance. Usually, this needs to be done throughout the day when there are people in the space. Too often hard floors need a quick wash which presents unspeakable dangers – especially to more vulnerable parts of the population. With carpets, you can easily sweep the area, waiting to vacuum until people are gone. And, if a liquid does spill on your floor, it is hardly the health and safety conundrum that solid floors present.

Additionally, regular maintenance of carpets means they rarely require anything too intense. They need daily vacuuming in public spaces and an occasional shampoo, and that is all that is required. After all, this floor is made to take heavy traffic – and it never needs to be buffed, shined or polished which is a plus for any business that must employ a maintenance team.

Carpets Are a Cost Effective Flooring – With their strength and resilience, carpeting is obviously one floor that is built to last. This means that you should only be induced to replace it after a decade. Of course, you can always invest in new carpeting sooner if you prefer, but that is your choice.

With such straightforward maintenance, theatres and cinemas will not need to invest in intense, heavy or expensive equipment. And, many cinemas with a staff of people employed in various jobs will find that they hardly need to bring in an external maintenance team. Much of this work can be done by these employees, making it one of the most cost effective floorings of all time. That is a real bonus, no matter what the current economic climate offers.

Carpets Retain the Charm of the Theatre – Whether you have a large cinema complex, or a small stage used by local performing troops, carpets are the traditional flooring for these spaces. There are many reasons for that, and most of them are included in this list, but one of the key reasons is the atmosphere that carpeting provides. It is reminiscent of the days when theatre could never be replaced by data floating through the air to our computers. It reminds patrons of the tradition of the theatre – or the cinema – without having to clutter the place with extra photographs or replica movie posters. There is simply something about carpeting that you will never be able to ignore when it comes to owning a movie cinema or a performing arts theatre.

Carpeting Has Natural Noise Reduction Properties – Soft materials such as carpets and curtains absorb sounds. They reduce the echo in empty, open spaces so people never feel swallowed or alone. That alone can be a benefit when it comes to a slow night for entertainment. But, carpeting also acts as an aid when a theatre or cinema is teeming with people. As it absorbs the sounds, carpets help to reduce the overall noise level in any room. That is especially salient at the end of a film or at intermission in a crowded theatre. Without carpeting, excessive sound insulation could be required in central areas of any venue – not to mention within the theatre itself. After all, most recent cinematic productions have several changes in volume to correspond with the action of a scene. And, every good theatre production calls for louder tones to support certain points. Noise control may just be one thing that cinemas require more than any other business.

Do Not Forget about Carpet Tiles – Carpet tiles can do everything that wall to wall carpeting can – and sometimes they do it even better. If a couple of kids decide to damage a section of the carpeting, or someone spills on your carpets, tiles make it easy to replace these areas when necessary. It is done quite easily, without having to worry about ordering new rooms of carpeting – or even calling your carpet manufacturer. This makes them even more cost effective than broadloom carpeting.

Carpet tiles also make it easy to play with colour in your space. Whether you want to divide up the tuck and concessions area from ticket sales, or you need to create a VIP section, you can do this in an open space much more easily with tiles then you can with wall to wall carpeting.

The important thing to remember is simply that your cinema or theatre absolutely needs carpeting. Whether you opt for tiles or broadloom, red or dark blue – those choices are up to you.

For more information about the importance of carpets for theatres and cinema please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

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Using Carpet Tiles to Create an Effective Workspace

Everyone wants an office that makes them feel motivated and happy. Part of this is the layout of the space itself, but every aspect of an office contributes to the overall efficacy of the working environment. Without an in-house designer, it is often the finest – or most obvious – points that are overlooked. Carpeting usually falls within that category, though it should not. Carpet tiles can actually make an amazing difference to an entire office – and the work that happens in it.

Whether you have a large office building, or your team is crammed into small quarters above the high street shops, carpet tiles can transform your space.

Carpeting Sets the Mood – Okay, this may not be specific to carpet tiles (as opposed to their bigger broadloom brother), but carpet evokes a comforting feeling in the hearts of most people. It is such a familiar texture that it makes people instantly feel at home. Now, you may not want your employees to get too comfortable, but you will certainly want them to stick around for awhile. Carpeting can be used as a subliminal message to do just that. It will also evoke the same feeling in your clients, who you surely want to keep.

Come On In – Carpeting has the ability to draw people in because of the friendly mood it evokes. People are more likely to turn away from other types of flooring simply because it is not as inviting. Of course, there are times when carpeting just will not cut it (think pottery or photography studios), but for the most part, a carpeted floor ensures that people open the door and come on it. How you make them feel once they have done that is up to you.

Safety and Security – No, this is not about those legal rules that your business must continually take note of (though carpeting does prevent its fair share of slips and falls, which is included within those guidelines). Instead, this goes hand in hand with making people feel welcome. Carpeting is comforting to the point where people feel secure in spaces that have it. That means they are more likely to trust your company with their money – and that employees will derive a sense of loyalty to your organisation.

Shhh.... I’m Working! – Carpeting absorbs noises. It is not just the creak of chairs rolling over uncovered flooring either. Carpets cut down on the noise factor throughout the office. It removes the edge to the shrill ring that comes with the telephone and lessens the impact of noisy colleagues. In essence, it swallows all the excess noise so that what you do hear is the dull hum of comforting office noises. And that alone should be enough to convince you of the benefits of a carpeted office space.

Keep It Clean – Moving along from the generalities of carpets and into the world of carpet tiles, the latter help to keep your space looking fresh and new at all times. If someone drops an open bottle of birthday wine on the ground, you can fix it (though what you will do with the employee is another story). Carpet tiles are easy to remove and replace, which means that you can keep your office looking and smelling) fresh. And that always leads to increased productivity.

Easy Maintenance Means... – Well, it means less budget is required to clean your space and keep it that way. But, it also means that your employees are subjected to fewer interruptions. Surely you want them focused on their work (the parts covered in the job description), and not the contractors coming through to measure the space for new flooring or the cleaning company who needs to assess whether that wine stain can be cleaned or not. And, your cleaning company can just get on with their regular work, as well, which means that everyone wins.

Play with Texture or Pattern – Carpet tiles do not need to look the way your father’s office tiles looked. There are plenty of fantastic options available on the market today. Playing with these means you can create different textures and patterns, even if you maintain the same colour throughout your workspace. And that is a lot more exciting than a full carpeting, and it should stimulate just a few of those creative ideas that you want your employees to have.

Colour Makes All the Difference – The trouble is that each division of your office needs a different colour to work effectively. Marketing needs something bright, whereas the sales team needs something more calming (so they do not frighten the caller on the other end of the phone). Carpet tiles allow you to put the right hues where you need them in the office. And it doesn’t matter how large or small that space is, carpeting tiles are designed to fit into either (and unusually shaped rooms too). You can achieve the same with broadloom carpeting, but it will not come at the same price.

Carpeting Tiles Work as Invisible Walls – If you have a sizeable, open plan office with everyone working in the same room, there will be almost no division between teams or areas. You can create artificial walls with carpet tiles - whether you opt for bold colour changes, or simply change the way tiles are laid in certain areas. It is a clever visual trick that you cannot ignore if you need to foster team work.

Change Is Waiting for You – If you need to reshuffle your office, or re-purpose your space, carpet tiles make it easy to do. Rather than refurbishing your space, you can simply relay your carpet tiles in the new area. That makes plenty of difference when you have got to get people working quickly after significant organisational changes.

Still not sold on the efficacy of carpet tiles? Call a carpet technical consultant and they’ll be able to give you plenty more reasons why it is right for your office. And here’s a hint: price is one of them.

To find out how carpet tiles can improve your working environment please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

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The Importance of Carpet Tiles in Schools

Education is at the heart of what every school does. But what a school needs is decidedly different. Unfortunately, schools (however large or small) have high operating expenses. Once you factor in the costs for salaries, supplies, water and electricity, there is often remarkably little budget remaining for building maintenance. Add into this the demand for increased technology in schools, and upkeep budgets are pushed even lower.

This is precisely why schools must make considered choices when it comes to new equipment and furnishings. Although these are clearly requirements for the education of their pupils, budgets quite simply do not allow for excessive spending in any area. Although it may seem like a small thing to consider, carpet tiles are indispensable for schools. They are cost effective throughout their lifespan, from installation to maintenance. And carpet tiles are one type of flooring that seemingly last forever. But, carpet tiles have other benefits for schools, as well.

Carpet Tiles: Best for School Budgets

Carpet tiles are created in such a way that eliminates extra costs automatically. Opposed to broadloom carpeting (which is commonly called wall to wall carpeting), carpet tiles are manufactured to a specific size and shape. This eliminates the need for excesses in transportation and cutting. Boxes of tiles are ordered, rather than specific cuts according to the dimensions of the room. In addition, the shorter, more durable piles of carpet tiles mean that they cost less to manufacture. These are all savings which are passed onto the consumer.

For schools, the immediate savings is essential. School purchases must always be justified to someone, whether that is the government or a governing board, in the case of private schools. Concerned parties are keen to ensure that the bulk of school funds go into more tangible resources, such as teacher salaries, textbooks, and technology.

Carpet tiles are also remarkably easy to install. Because boxes can be carried into the right areas, almost no disruption is necessary. On-site cutting, along with the ability to go over nearly every under flooring, makes it easy for the school’s own maintenance team to install the tiles. Professionals are available for the job if a school cannot do it themselves, but if they can, they are able to further reduce their costs. However, the savings do not end with the purchase and installation of carpet tiles.

Maintenance costs must also be factored into the annual budgets of a school. The durability of carpet tiles means that costs are reduced throughout their lifespan, including both routine maintenance and flooring replacements.

Carpet Tiles Require Little Maintenance

The manufacture of carpeting tiles and their construction make it easy for schools to maintain this type of flooring. Carpet tiles are made with the strongest materials available, which means that they naturally resist staining and tearing. But, they are also made with durably short piles which are easy to clean. This ensures that carpets not only hide the dirt that children track in from outdoors, but also allow for easy vacuuming and cleaning when necessary.

Because they are so easy to clean, maintenance costs are kept to a minimum, saving money. Janitorial staff are able to focus their efforts on the areas of the school which require more care.

However, schools do see their fair share of wear and tear, whether intentional, or just from the hard use of children. Carpeting tiles are a cost effective way to deal with either. Should a carpet tile become stained or damaged, removing it and replacing it is easy. It does not require a contracted technician or additional cleaning supplies; it can simply be replaced. This allows the school to save money while maintaining the overall pristine appearance that it requires.

Ordering an extra supply of carpet tiles from the outset saves schools in the long run, though it is usually possible for matching carpet squares to be produced when required. And, it will still be more cost effective than removing an entire flooring to replace it.

But, while care and maintenance are what a school needs, carpeting tiles are also adept at assisting a school with what it does.

The Additional Benefits of Carpet Tiles for Schools

Every part of a school is meant to aid in the main aim of educating its students. Carpet tiles can also assist with these processes.

Carpet tiles allow schools to play with colour, transforming entire wings, or just one small area in a classroom. This is especially beneficial in primary schools, where colour is considered not just an outcome, but also a learning tool. Dividing up the areas in younger classrooms is often a benefit for both students, and their educators. Creating patterns on the floor is often regarded as a teaching tool. And, with the wide colour choices available, carpet tiles can effectively demonstrate which parts of the school are reserved for different age groups – or their teachers.

As populations within a city change, so too do the dynamics of the schools. Often, that means that classrooms need to be repurposed to suit these changing needs. Carpeting tiles enable classrooms to be shifted or moved easily. They are almost as easy to remove as they are to install. And, they can easily be re-laid in a new position, or a new area of the building entirely. This requires no special transport, or additional supplies, except perhaps a few extra tiles. Carpeting tiles last for an exceptionally long time, even after they have been moved which means that the school does not need to consider additional flooring simply because of a shift in their dynamics.

And, it may be seen as a small benefit, but carpet tiles, just like its broadloom carpet cousin, are slip resistant. This may not be a salient feature in individual homes, but with hundreds or thousands of children in a confined space, tripping becomes a safety hazard. And this is just an added benefit when you consider all the other places where carpet tiles act to save a school money, and promote its primary purpose – to educate children.

For more information about carpet tiles please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

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It isn’t always easy to let your employees know that you appreciate their work.It doesn’t mean you don’t want to thank them for all the work they do –

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Looking for New Office Space? What You Need to Know

So, your company is growing, and you need new digs? That’s fantastic news, for everyone involved. Unfortunately, the need for bigger office space comes with its own set of challenges. And that is just how to balance what you truly want with a space that you can actually afford.

Of course, when you do find a seemingly perfect new office space, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve covered all the bases before signing on the dotted line. Just starting out on the search for bigger premises? Here’s what you need to know.

Location Is Everything They Say It Is

Location is the most crucial part of any relocation decision. You genuinely need to consider everyone in this decision. And that truly does mean everyone. If clients visit your offices, you shouldn’t make a move until you have considered whether they will still be your clients if you move to another part of town. It is entirely possible that you will lose some clients if it becomes too difficult for them to do business with you.

Then, you need to think about your employees. If you’re moving to another corner of town, the commute may put them off altogether, forcing them to look elsewhere for work. If you’re a growing business, then you probably already know that there are intensely real costs associated with hiring new employees and getting them trained.

And, once you’ve considered the general location, it is time to think about the specifics of a possible location. What are the public transportation options available? Is there parking, and how convenient is it? Will your employees need to pay for parking (or is there some way for you to pick up the tab)?

Once you have answered all these questions, you still have to factor in the competition. Will they be too close to you (perhaps even in the same building)? Or perhaps they will be much closer to your clients’ offices than you will be? Consider this before shuffling out to less expensive pastures.

Of course, the amenities around your potential location are equally salient. Is there more than one sandwich shop in the area? Is there a pharmacy? A pub? A corner shop for the basics? Try to remember all the little reasons your employees could need to pop out for a bit, and see if you can’t minimize the time they spend away from their desk.

Truly, location cannot be overlooked, even when it comes down to the cost of a move. Sometimes the risks and the trade-offs are simply too high to consider moving premises at all.

What Can You Do With the Interiors?

If the answer to that question is nothing, then it’s not the right space for you. Your company is unique. You have specific needs, and you need to feel free to address those in the manner that is best for your company.

If you are able to make alterations, you’ll need to understand what you want to do before you agree to a lease you can no longer afford. It may be a matter of replacing an old, smelly carpet which is reminiscent of the last tenant’s holiday parties. And if it is a simple matter of carpeting, consider yourself lucky. There are professionals who can handle this quickly and easily; ditto for a coat of paint.

However, some spaces will require the building of partitions, or breaking down certain walls. And, you must remember what you’re travelling with. Do you have an oversized reception desk? Will it fit through your new doors? Are you on the top floor with an incredible view, but an ancient lift that even you are hesitant to use?

Remember, getting to your office is only half the battle. Your clients and employees also need to feel comfortable once they get there.

Watching the Clock

Moving offices takes a lot longer than most people imagine. If you’re in a rush to move because your lease is coming up in the next three months, then perhaps you want to stick around for another year (or whatever you can negotiate). The absolute worst thing you can do to your business is to move to an average building within an undesirable area because you were backed into it.

Assume that moving a small to medium sized company takes 6 months. Bigger companies can take even longer to move. Remember, it’s not just a matter of asking everyone to load up a desk and find a place to sit in the new premises. You’ll need to consider the new carpet you should certainly put in first, and the painting. And, that’s just the beginning. There are power points to move, not to mention your telephone and internet accounts. New stationary is required, and these are all needed after you’ve signed the lease, but before you move.

Last, But Not Lease

You may have found the perfect spot, and the price may even be right, but you also have to consider the fine print on the contract you are about to sign. Who pays for what, and when? Who is responsible for maintaining the toilets within your space? What happens if your employees want to work late? Will they be granted access?

These may seem like trivial issues, but remember you are likely to be signing a lease for a number of years. Not only is moving costly for you, but the same applies for the owners of the building. So, if you don’t get the terms right in advance, you could jolly well be looking at five years of leasing hell.

That’s unlikely to have an impact on your business, but it might just. And, on that note, what happens if your burgeoning company suddenly goes belly up next year. What are your options for subleasing, or breaking your lease altogether? You may be filled with optimism and believe that will never happen – so look at it conversely. What happens if you outgrow this space in three years instead of five? The solution you need then will be a lot more than a lick of paint and some new carpets – you’ll need a bigger space and the flexibility to get it.

And, don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed about moving. It’s perfectly natural. Just take a deep breath and dive on in.

For more information about making your new office feel like home the please visit the Birch Carpets website - http://www.birchcarpets.co.uk/

#office space #finding a new office #office interior #office carpets

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