Selecting the right carpet can be a difficult task, as factors such as safety, acoustics and environment must be taken into consideration. In this blog, our commercial carpet company shares how to choose the right carpet for communal spaces.

What type of carpet is best for commercial use?

The best kind of carpet for commercial space has to be robust enough to withstand the wear and tear of thousands of feet on a daily basis. Our fibre-bonded ranges are the most reliable due to having anti-ravel and fray technologies, as well as being cost-effective. We have five different products that make up our fibre-bonded collection, with our bestselling Supacord being popular ever since its launch in 1973. 

Fibre-bonded carpet is used in most education settings, but can also be a good choice for communal areas in offices or in spaces like hallways and stairs. This is because these areas often get a large amount of traffic daily, and so need to be durable to last for many years to come.

Learn more about fibre-bonded carpets in our blog.

Red chairs around two tables with shelves of books in the background

What are the Characteristics of Carpet?

There are many positive features of commercial carpets which can help to improve learning, productivity and even help to boost creativity. In communal areas, these can be highly beneficial, for example, acoustic properties help to keep down the noise in busy hallways. Keep reading to discover what these features are. 

Incredible Acoustics

When a communal area gets busier, it also gets louder. A quieter space spreads calmness, making it a better experience for users. It is important to keep noise to a minimum in spaces such as apartment buildings, where residents live. Although other options such as insulated walls can help to control sound, selecting the right flooring is very important.

Carpet is one of the best and cheapest ways to reduce sound reverberation in a room. The thicker the carpet, the more sound benefits there are. With a BS EN ISO 10140-3 standard, our Hobnail range reduces noise impact by a maximum of 25 decibels!

Pink and grey chairs around round tables in a shared area

Latest Technology 

With so much technology available to us, it would be wise to consider some of the latest trends, when choosing the best carpet for communal spaces. Using strategic planning and supporting software can help you to fully utilise a space, from apartments to libraries.

For all of our carpet ranges, we offer BIM models on the NBS source, available via our download centre. This cutting edge software helps you to plan, design and manage your vision, in order to optimise projects.

Grey and white lockers in a corridor with grey carpet

Eco-friendly

It is more crucial than ever to assess the environmental impact of the materials used in renovations. Think about where you are buying your materials from, the values of the manufacturer and whether you are making the best choice that you can.

Our  Supacord range of carpet tiles have an A+ BREEAM rating. This means that they meet high standards for indoor air quality, responsible sourcing of materials, construction waste management and more. All of our products are also UK manufactured, each retaining a 10-year warranty for a long-lasting life cycle.

Safety First 

Of course, when it comes to any communal area, keeping users safe is of utmost priority. It is necessary to have fire safety management plans and vital measures, such as extinguishers and fitted fire alarms. It is also crucial to choose the right building materials.

When selecting the right carpet for a space, those with high fire class ratings are most desirable. Our Hobnail and Supacord carpet tiles have a Class B fire class rating, making them a great option. They are also anti-static, meaning that they are safe for use in rooms with computers.

Grey staircase with white railing

What is the Best Colour Carpet not to Show Dirt?

Communal areas such as halls, break areas and stairs are often the first places to become dirty and stained due to the number of people using them daily. Therefore, choosing a colour that is less likely to show dirt is key to maintaining a good environment. The best colours to choose are deep brown and grey tones as they will hide most stains and make the appearance of dirt less noticeable. However, if you’re working to more of a colour scheme throughout your building, you can choose other darker colours such as deep green or navy which can have a similar effect. 

Purple sofas in front of a table

Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers, with over 40 years of experience catering for design professionals. Don’t just take our word for it though, we’re the go-to provider for Middlesex Flooring.

“We have worked with Heckmondwike FB for a number of years now and over that period have developed a great relationship with both the internal and external sales team.

They’re a joy to deal with and their fantastic products and service makes Heckmondwike FB our go-to carpet for education projects. They’re a company we can always rely on to deliver.” – Middlesex Flooring

To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk. 

While the kids might be enjoying time off school, the rest of us are hard at work – renovating the school! Throughout the summer, many school procurement teams may be using this time to begin some much-needed classroom enhancements.

This is an even greater concern as we manage the hygiene considerations of the pandemic. With this in mind, every piece of school furniture has a role to play – from encouraging distancing to preventing the spread.

So, where do carpets play a part? In this blog, our commercial carpet company lists the 5 best carpets for school renovations.

For the entrance

 

It’s the first area students, teachers and visitors see, so you’ll want your carpets to make an impression. When choosing entrance matting, it’s important to stick to the ‘six-step rule’. This generally assumes that people will not consciously wipe their feet when entering a non-domestic setting.

As such, you need to choose a Bespoke Entrance Mat that traps dirt, and can do so within six steps – which also affects the size of the matting you choose.

For the classroom

 

Arguably the most important area of the school, the classroom needs to be a place that inspires. This includes offering a multi-sensory experience. Heighten emotions with dramatic reds or bring a sense of calm with jade greens – as more than two-thirds of us are ‘visual learners’, we need to be careful about colour choices.

But likewise, we cannot overlook acoustics. Carpets can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, so we always recommend a carpet tile with acoustic backing. The Supacord range offers bright colours and better acoustics, helping to reaffirm that multi-sensory experience.

For high traffic areas

 

Did you know that schoolchildren walk up to 15,000 steps per day? This calls for a heavy-duty carpet tile, particularly in areas like corridors. Not only should your carpets be durable; they should also be easy to clean. A lot of steps makes for a lot of mud!

Our Diamond range features a cobbled design for quick and easy vacuuming. It’s also available in a range of colours, from simple greys to dashing reds.

For the school hall

 

The school hall has so many purposes – from hosting assemblies and dinner times to those treasured school discos. So, you’ll want a flooring that’s just as flexible.

Turn your school hall into a sports zone, dance floor and performing arts centre all in one with our Expo Tiles. These can also be laid on top of hard floors for a carpeted effect.

For breakout areas

 

As we get past the worst of the pandemic, we should expect to see more ‘breakout areas’ in classrooms. These are generally relaxing spaces where students come to chat and explore creative ideas.

You can designate specific areas with coloured tiles from our Array collection. With colour fastness and impact noise reduction, they promote clearer thinking with a touch of style.

Looking for something else?

 

No matter what your school needs, we’ll find you a carpet tile that fits the bill. If you’re looking for something different or out of the ordinary, please feel free to get in touch.

Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk. 

Choosing the right carpet is a crucial consideration when designing any space, especially when planning interior design for apartment complexes. Many values must be considered, including design, durability and even acoustics.

In this blog, our commercial carpet company outlines which carpet styles are ideal for apartment buildings, to create the perfect blend between well-being and practicality.

Iconic Design

 

In the world of carpets, styles and product types are constantly changing to keep up with design trends. They are becoming more and more creative, combining cutting edge technology with an awareness of industry needs.

Carpet tiles provide endless patterns, colours and designs, making them ideal to renovate and spruce up dated apartment floors. Modern colours and designs can give the right impression to space users, firmly conveying professionalism and style.

Cosy and Warm

 

Apartment buildings are residential spaces, so it is essential that they’re comfortable and welcoming, because they are people’s homes. Carpet and other soft furnishings can work to create a cosy atmosphere, whilst keeping in warmth.

Furthermore, apartments can be expensive to heat, with 10-20% of the heat loss of a home coming from uninsulated floors. The right carpet can help with insulation, allowing heat to be trapped and retained. Thick and dense carpets are the best option, such as our classic Hobnail range.

Amazing Acoustics

 

As a multitude of people live in apartment complexes, noise control is essential. Although innovations such as thick walls and sound proofing can help with this, carpet can also play a part.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpets are 10 times more efficient in reducing sound than other flooring types, helping to destroy reverberations and echoes in a space. This increases homeliness, privacy and comfort for residents. Our Iron Duke range reduces noise impact by 18 decibels per sheet, as per BS En ISO 140-8 standard, so is the perfect choice.

Functional Flexibility

 

Apartments are often refurbished and modernised, so require flexible, cost effective flooring options. This is particularly crucial in the current climate, when residential spaces must be able to quickly adapt to the latest covid-friendly government guidelines.

Carpet tiles can be moved around easily, without replacing the whole floor, which makes them the perfect choice for apartment buildings. This means that if a portion of the carpet is damaged, only the affected tiles need to be replaced, reducing costs and inconvenience.

Durability

 

Shared areas of apartments, such as hallways and corridors, foresee the coming and going of residents every day. The flooring must therefore be able to withstand increasingly heavy footfall, whilst remaining clean and hygienic.

Fibre bonded carpet tiles can withstand heavy footfall, as well as intensive cleaning measures; two things which are part of daily life in an apartment building. Both the Hobnail and Iron Duke carpet tile ranges are designed with demanding environments in mind, helping lower maintenance costs.

Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers, with over 40 years experience catering for design professionals. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk. 

Heckmondwike FB has launched its celebrated design-led commercial carpet tile range, Odyssey.

Pairing a bold design with durable features, Odyssey is completely unique to the fibre bonded carpet sector.

One of a kind, eye-catching interiors have never before been so easy to create. Contrasting colours are ideal for walkways, social distancing, or contemporary breakout spaces. The 50cm x 50cm tiles are interchangeable and can be easily moved, allowing for continuing customisation for years to come.

Encouraging further creativity, Heckmondwike also suggests mixing and matching with their leading Supacord range for particularly striking designs. Choosing contrasting, strong colours will really pop against the cool tones of Odyssey for an original look.

The diverse nature of the carpet tiles presents endless design benefits. Chevrons, checks, and geometric patterns add character to any commercial area. Placing two alternating colours to create directional walkways and contrasting blocks can help to distinguish between specific areas, creating zones within open-plan spaces. Easy to lift and move, the tiles can be swapped to adapt to your changing needs.

The updated range includes six specially curated colours in a range of modern blues and greys, blending effortlessly into any space. These shades are said to promote wisdom and calmness, the ideal environment for working or commercial areas.

With Covid-19 bringing increased cleaning measures, this product has been built to withstand regular and intense sanitisation. A study in the Virology Journal recently found that carpets are less hospitable environments for viruses due to their porous qualities, making Odyssey the ideal purchase.

Odyssey has been developed with superior durability, withstanding heavy footfall and not ravelling or fraying. This heavy contract rated carpet is supported by a 10-year warranty, promising long-lasting, quality results.

Luckily, high quality does not mean a high price tag, and Heckmondwike value affordability. Instead of using cheap alternatives, the company encourages customers to try a free sample before they invest. Odyssey holds a Bfl-s1 fire, has anti-static properties and delivers a 20dB reduction in impact noise to encourage a more positive environment.

A truly out-of-this-world range, the relaunched Odyssey range is available now.

To learn more about Heckmondwike’s Odyssey range and its relaunch, contact the company’s expert team. Call 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

Since children have returned to the school environment, many academic professionals have reflected their concerns over the impact that lockdown had on learning. In fact, a survey by Young Minds revealed that almost three-quarters of teachers feel students’ mental health has been affected.

Communication is key to a smooth and positive transition back to the classroom. This blog explores how important sound is in the classroom, to ensure this happens.

Classroom Communication

 

While children benefit enormously from flexibility and comfort, they also need strong acoustics. This partly came down to classroom design – for example, 30% of students learn less if they are sat in the back row.

Sound absorption eliminates distractions and gives children the chance to immerse themselves in their environment. According to a Euronoise study, bad classroom acoustics can lead to ill health, vocal disorders or hearing damage in teachers, and concentration and behavioural issues in students.

Acoustics and Additional Needs

 

Myriad studies suggest that children with additional needs may benefit from better acoustics. For example, children with autism may be prone to anxiety when there are too many audible distractions. Softer surfaces help to absorb this sound, while designated ‘quiet areas’ with different carpet designs may help with individual learning.

In particular, sirens, whistles, bells, alarms and machinery can cause “sensory overload” for these children. This can affect their behaviour and inhibit their learning. Many traditional classrooms have considerations for disabilities such as wheelchair ramps, but overlook the importance of acoustics.

A Sound Decision

 

Flooring of a high standard can help to prevent “reverberation time”, which is a measure of the time it takes for volume to drop to 60dB after the noise has been made. Traditional classrooms with high ceilings and hard surfaces tend to bounce sound around, which can be distracting for students and can affect their ability to hear their teacher. Quite simply, if students cannot hear, they cannot learn.

By installing an absorbent carpet like our Supacord range, schools can naturally eliminate loud noise. Tested to BS EN ISO 140-8, Supacord delivers a 19dB reduction in impact noise across both sheet and tile ranges. Further to this, the range is available with acoustic backing, which delivers a 22dB reduction.

Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpets are 10 times more efficient in reducing sound than other flooring types. Experts also believe carpet can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room.

There are many reasons why noise reduction in spaces has positive outcomes. For example, it can help users of a space feel relaxed and cosy, as well as focused and motivated.

In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores the acoustic benefits of carpet, and why it is a sound decision to install it in spaces.

Better communication

 

One of the ways that carpet controls noise levels is through controlling reverberations. This means that noise is less likely to echo in and around carpeted spaces, making them feel welcoming and relaxing.

Laminate, wood and tile flooring cannot control reverberations, as sound bounces off instead of being absorbed. This can completely destroy the atmosphere of a space, making it feel empty, uninviting and noisy.

Therefore, it’s important that any flooring or facilities management specialist takes this into consideration. Especially in busy environments, such as classrooms, colleges, large office developments and residential spaces. Most of our carpet tiles tested under BS EN ISO 140-8 and produce favourable results, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in spaces such as this.

Relaxing and tranquil

 

Researchers suggest that silence is even more relaxing than listening to music, and can release tension held in the body. It is incredibly important that users of a space feel comfortable in their environment, and carpet can help to achieve this.

As carpet can drastically reduce noise levels, a space can become a hub of tranquility. In the office and classroom, a more relaxed atmosphere can raise the overall morale of space users and reduce stress.

As well as the acoustic benefits it has, carpet has incredible insulation properties, allowing heat to be trapped to make a space cosier. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.

Stay Focused

 

Less noise and sound reverberation means that people tend to be more focused, which in turn, boosts productivity. This makes carpet the perfect choice for the education sector. A noisy environment can be a huge distraction to anyone trying to learn, listen or work. If sound levels are kept low, people will be happier and the results will speak for themselves.

The right colours choices can also help students to concentrate and stay focused. According to colour psychology experts, the colour green in the classroom can evoke these effects. The carpet tiles in our Supacord range provide a wide ranging colour bank, making them perfect for inspirational educational facilities. Supacord is also available with an acoustic backing, reducing the need to install expensive specialist underlay.

Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk .

 

According to a study by the University of Salford, classroom design can impact learning by 25%, both positively and negatively! With children making their return to school, after a prolonged period of homeschooling, there has never been a more important time to review learning spaces.

The Easter holidays provide an ideal window for interior renovations. In this blog, our commercial carpet manufacturer explores some of the simple ways you can improve learning spaces for students, staff and visitors.

Comfortable learning 

 

For the comfort of students and teachers, it’s important that classrooms are warm and inviting.

The University of Salford research cited temperature as a key factor in learning progress. Carpet is an exceptionally good thermal insulator and can be up to ten times warmer than other floor coverings. In addition, carpet is 10 times more efficient in noise reduction compared to other flooring options; which can benefit student learning.

The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.

Hygienic hub

 

The cleanliness of a learning space is also important. Beyond the more obvious links between hygiene and health and attendance levels, behavioural and performance factors come into play. A clean environment can reduce distractions and create a more engaging space.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, hygiene has been paramount. Carpet may seem like a less obvious flooring choice as it can’t be mopped like hard flooring. However, porous surfaces such as carpet are in fact less hospitable to viruses, trapping them in the holes of the surfaces and reducing the opportunities for transmission.

Used in classrooms for over 40 years, our Supacord carpet tile range is ideal for learning facilities. In addition to being a more hygienic option, it’s durable and heavy-duty which means it will continue to stand the test of time.

Adaptability is key

 

In the University of Salford study, one of the key factors that impacted learning was adaptability, or how easily teachers could rearrange the classroom layout to support that day’s learning goal. A traditional rigid layout, with desks arranged in rows facing the teacher, was shown to have a negative effect on learning outcomes.

The pandemic has additionally created an increased focus on functionality, rather than cosmetic appearance. Configurable furniture and flexible fixtures have seen a surge in popularity this past year, as spaces have had to continually adapt to meet changing rules and guidelines.

Carpet tiles can be used to create different zones within a classroom and all our products can be easily lifted up and moved, making it simple and much cheaper to support the ever-changing needs of learning spaces.

Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years’ experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.   

It’s that time of year again when teachers are ready for a well-deserved break and are counting down the days until the Easter holidays hit.

While many teachers might pop into school during the holidays to get ahead, studies have shown that students actually benefit from a teacher who has taken the time to relax and is more refreshed. And, it might not be the only thing students benefit from when refreshed.

The Easter holidays are a great time for the decor in schools, colleges and universities to be revived – especially the carpet. Taking the time to update the carpet in classrooms and communal areas can have a positive impact on both students and staff when they return for the new term as it can exercise their creativity.    

It’s also a great opportunity to give the place a brand new look and feel – to breathe some life back into a room.

However, there is more to think about when choosing your new carpet than how it looks. In the education sector, almost all carpets need to be heavy contract rated to withstand the heavy footfall and general wear and tear.

Fibre bonded carpets are an excellent option as they tend to be anti-ravel, anti-fray and anti-static – making them ideal for schools and colleges using computers. They also help to absorb sound so can reduce noise and create a more relaxed atmosphere – another positive in learning environments.

Alongside this, many fibre-bonded carpets provide a cost-effective flooring solution not only at the point of purchase but throughout its life cycle. With its heavy-duty nature, the carpet will not have to be replaced as often, with many products providing a 10-year guarantee when used with advised cleaning a maintenance procedure – providing a large potential saving to the end-user. 

Heckmondwike’s Supacord range still stands as a firm favourite for fibre bonded carpets within the education sector. It is a tried and trusted commercial carpet solution and is a smart choice for schools, colleges and universities in particular due to its durability and robust manufacture.

At Heckmondwike, we have over 50 years’ experience in providing a wide range of fibre bonded carpets and have a variety of colours and patterns available. So, if you’re looking to rejuvenate your school, college or university this Easter half term, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact your local area manager here, call us directly on 01924 410 544 or email us: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

With so many options available, choosing the right flooring can be a very difficult decision. Here at Heckmondwike FB, we have over 50 years’ experience in providing a wide range of bonded carpets and carpet tiles to the education sector as well as commercial offices and apartment complexes.

Over the last few years, hard surface floors, such as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) have become more of a trend, and as much as we agree that there are benefits to hardwood floors, we’ve put together a list of reasons to fall in love with carpet all over again.

Quiet

Not only does carpet eliminate the sound of footsteps walking across the floor, it stops other sounds carrying as far which will make for a much quieter and more relaxed space. This is because hard floors can’t absorb sound like carpets can, so noise bounces around the walls a lot more.

Safety

It goes without saying that softer flooring is safer for a number of reasons. If something is spilt on the carpet, it’s unlikely you’ll slip and injure yourself like you would on a hard floor. Plus, carpet provides a much softer landing if you were to fall for any reason.

You’re also much less likely to break things if you drop them onto a carpet, so again, you’ll save money by not having to replace broken items!

Comfort

Standing on a hard floor for a long period of time can actually take its toll on your body, sometimes resulting in foot, leg and lower back pain. So, when deciding on commercial flooring in particular (where you may need to stand for work), carpets or carpet tiles are a much better option.

Warmth

Unlike hardwood flooring, carpet provides excellent insulation, which means your space will stay warmer for longer. As a result, the costs associated with heating your space will reduce and you’ll see huge savings at the end of the year.

Cost

Contrary to popular belief, carpets tend to be more cost-effective than hard surface floors. Unlike hardwood floors, carpets don’t require any special preparation and can be used on almost any subfloors.

For more information on our range of carpets for a variety of sectors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01924 410 544 or send us an email – sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.