Carpet industry adapts to demand for sustainable products

Surveys have found that 42% of US and UK consumers say that sustainability is important when they purchase goods. The carpet industry is adopting more environmental-friendly practices to meet this preference for sustainable products.

The circular economy is a system where waste is designed out of products so that materials can be recycled. Many carpets and carpet tiles end up in landfills, but Carpet Recycling UK is working to reduce this waste and make the industry more sustainable by recycling and reusing where possible – for example, old carpets can be used to make premium quality carpet backing.

Interface, the large commercial flooring manufacture is making carpets that use yarn from recycled fishing nets. Many fishing nets end up discarded and pollute the ocean. Using yarn to make carpets protects the oceans and reduces carbon emissions.

Larta Shortall of MindClick, an environmental product intelligence company, is a supporter of sustainable interior design because it meets a:

“…growing global demand for healthier materials, products, environments, experiences, communities and an overall healthier planet.”

Wool is a natural fibre that is used to make sustainable carpets. Wool carpets cost more than most synthetic carpets, but a Sustainable Furnishings Council report in 2018 found that 76% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally safe furnishings. Many manufacturers are producing wool and other sustainable carpets because they know that a number of consumers will not buy non-sustainable ones.

Wool carpets are popular in Chester because they are soft and luxurious. Consumers also find it important that wool is a natural and sustainable fibre.

How does artificial grass compare to real grass?

Artificial grass is an alternative to the real thing for lawns, playgrounds, sports pitches and more. Understandably, many people considering buying and installing artificial grass want to know how it compares to real grass before they commit.

Is artificial grass realistic?

In recent years, manufacturers of artificial grass have made it look more realistic. For sports fields and school playgrounds, it may not be important for artificial grass to look real but as a lawn replacement, homeowners want the grass to look good.

Artificial grass looks and behaves like real grass, with realistic piles and texture that mimics real grass. Close up, you can tell the difference between artificial and real grass, but from a short distance away you may not realise that the grass is artificial.

Artificial grass on putting greens needs to mimic real grass as closely as possible, otherwise it will affect how the golf ball behaves.

You may have to pay more for realistic-looking artificial grass, but for applications where looks are important, it’s worth it.

Do you need to look after artificial grass?

Compared to real grass, artificial grass requires little maintenance. It needs no cutting and in very hot dry spells you don’t have to water the grass. Correctly installed, artificial grass allows rainwater to drain away. Unlike real grass, no chemicals and fertilisers are required to maintain artificial grass.

Many people forecast that Britain will have more very hot dry summers due to climate change. This can result in hosepipe bans that prevent real grass from being watered. Artificial grass has the advantage that it needs no watering.

Dirt can be brushed off artificial grass with a stiff brush and leaves removed with a rake. Any mess left by dogs should be picked up with a dog poop bag.

Stains can be washed off with cleaning products formulated for artificial grass. Chemical cleaners or detergents should not be used.

Compressed snow and ice are best left to melt rather than removed, while heat sources need to be kept away from artificial grass to prevent burning and scorch marks. Sick to patios or concrete slabs for your barbecues.

Is artificial grass safe to play on?

Artificial grass is safe to play, on which is why many infant and primary schools use it. There was some concern in the past about artificial grass being toxic, but modern artificial grass has addressed this.

Artificial grass is non-allergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers. There is no pollen to affect hay fever sufferers.

For high-impact sports such as rugby and football, artificial grass can be laid on top of rubber shock pads to minimise player injuries on artificial turf sports grounds.

If there is heavy rain, artificial grass will not be muddy, so it is safe for children to play on in all weathers.

Is artificial grass safe for pets?

Artificial grass is very pet-friendly, as it is non-toxic. Dogs are not tempted to dig on artificial grass. Pet urine will drain away and solid waste from pets should not stain the grass, but should be removed promptly.

Pets will not cause the grass to smell bad. Another advantage is that pets will not come in the house with muddy paws from the lawn.

Can you put artificial grass on top of real grass?

Normally, the old grass is removed before installing artificial grass. This means that the ground can be well prepared and a membrane installed ready for the artificial grass.

Installing artificial grass is an expert job for professional installers, although you can do it yourself if you have the necessary skills. Some users may be tempted to save time and installation costs by laying artificial grass on top of real grass, but this is not recommended as it can cause issues.

One reason for a membrane is that it prevents weeds from growing through artificial grass, Without a weed barrier, you may regularly have to remove weeds from the lawn.

There could be drainage issues with surface water remaining if the artificial grass is not installed correctly. The lawn beneath the artificial grass will start to die but may not do so evenly. This will result in an uneven lawn.

An artificial grass lawn installed over real grass is unlikely to last as long as a properly installed one. Installing artificial grass yourself over an existing lawn may initially save time and money, but if it reduces the life of the lawn, this is a false economy.

Artificial grass can be laid on most surfaces including soil, concrete and paving. It can even be used on roof terraces and balconies, or laid indoors to create an indoor garden.

How long does artificial grass last?

Artificial grass should last up to 20 years depending on its level of use. This will generally be less than the lifetime of real grass. Over time, real grass can fade and flatten, whereas artificial grass should keep its colour and texture for many years. Most artificial grass manufacturers provide a guarantee that lasts several years.

Though artificial grass may have less lifespan than real grass, people choose it because it retains its looks and needs little maintenance. Sports teams that install artificial grass pitches do not need to cancel matches because of bad weather that turns real grass into mud fields.

Which artificial grass is best?

There are many types and makes of artificial grass. The best one for a particular use is dependent on many factors, including the type of installation and how you want the area to look. For lawns, looks are important, while for sports grounds practicality is the priority. You can purchase luxury striped grass that makes a lawn look as if it has been freshly mowed.

An artificial grass stockist will have samples of various types of grass, and will advise you on the best artificial grass for your particular use and budget.

Artificial grass is not real grass, but it looks good and has many practical advantages, especially for busy households and commercial users who don't want to spend the time or expense needed to maintain grass.

Demand rises for kitchen and bathroom wood flooring

Thanks to technology that makes engineered wood water-resistant, there has been a rise in demand for using wood floors in kitchens and bathrooms.

Solid wood, and engineered wood can warp due to high moisture, which is why traditionally they are not installed in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Laminate flooring is more popular in these rooms.

Jenny Jackson, reporting on the website Bigtimedaily.com, says that a global survey has found that there is an increased demand for custom wood suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Engineered wood with a water-resistant coating is preferred over hardwood. This gives bathrooms and kitchens a natural look. Wood floors need more care and maintenance than laminate flooring, but this has not put people off installing wood floors.

Wood flooring is rarely the cheapest option, but many Cheshire households and businesses do not mind paying a little extra for the natural look of real wood. The cost of wood flooring is rising but wood floors last longer than many other types of floor materials, making the lifetime cost of wood floors work out cost-effective. Wood floors can also add up to 10% to the value of Cheshire property.

Many Cheshire homeowners are renovating their properties rather than moving. Bathroom and kitchen re-modelling is a favourite improvement area, For Cheshire residents that were put off buying wood for their bathrooms and kitchens, engineered wood treated with a water-resistant coating is a viable choice to replace their existing floors when remodelling.

11 common questions about carpet tiles

When considering installing carpet tiles, there are many questions to answer before deciding if tiles are the best solution. Here are seven of the most common:

1. Do you need underlay for carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles come with an underlay attached. This means that in normal circumstances, no additional underlay is required.

In noisy rooms or high-footfall commercial areas, acoustic underlay can be a good idea. It will reduce noise levels and prevent people hearing noise from upstairs rooms.

If carpet tiles are laid over underfloor heating systems, you may need an insulating underlay. Your carpet fitter will advise on which carpet tiles are best for underfloor heating.

If the floor has an existing underlay, this should be removed.

2. Do you need adhesives for carpet tiles?

Some carpet tiles have a seal and stick system. A layer is peeled off the back of the tile to uncover adhesive so that the tile can be pressed to the floor to stick it securely.

If the carpet tile does not have an adhesive backing, carpet tile glue will need to be spread on the back of each tile. Carpet tile adhesives are a PVA-type glue. They look white when first applied, but as they set, they turn transparent. It is best to wait until the adhesive starts to look transparent before fixing. A good carpet tile glue is tacky so that the carpet tiles stay in place, but can be lifted up to replace them.

It is important that the subfloor is level and clean in order to fit the tiles correctly.

Carpet tiles can be installed without adhesive, but if loose laying, double-sided tape can be used to stop the tiles moving when fitting.

3. Can you lay carpet tiles over existing carpet?

It is recommended to remove the old carpet before laying carpet tiles. If the old carpet is stuck to the floor and is difficult to remove, carpet tiles can be laid over it, but there could be several problems. For a start, if the height of the carpet and the tiles is too high, doors may not be able to open. This means that carpet tiles can only be laid over low pile carpets.

If the existing carpet is worn or has holes, the carpet tiled floor could look uneven. If areas of the carpet are worn down due to heavy footfall, after a while, the floor may start to sink in well-trodden areas.

These issues mean that it is generally better to remove the old carpet. If it is glued to the floor, an expert carpet fitter will be able to remove it.

4. Are carpet tiles waterproof?

Standard carpet tiles are not waterproof, but they do have water resistance, which means that they can be safely laid in areas that have outside entrances where people come in with dripping clothes and umbrellas on rainy days. As long as spills are wiped up promptly, there should be no water damage to the tiles.

Stain-resistant carpet tiles protect against stains from wine, coffee and other substances.

Standard carpet tiles are not recommended for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and will not survive being immersed for prolonged periods in water if the room is flooded. Basements often have concrete floors and moisture can seep through the floor and damage carpets or carpet tiles.

There are waterproof carpet tiles suitable for basements. These have a waterproof backing that prevents moisture from reaching the carpet part of the tile.

You can also buy waterproof bathroom carpet tiles available. These are soft and comfortable, can be cleaned easily and are quick to install.

5. Are carpet tiles hard-wearing and long lasting?

The answer to this question depends on the quality of the carpet tiles. Cheap carpet tiles are thin and will not last long, especially in commercial high-footfall areas. Heavy duty carpet tiles are much more durable and suitable for high-traffic rooms in offices, restaurants, classrooms and other busy places.

For heavy use, it is recommended that stain-resistant tiles are installed.

Many rooms have areas that wear more quickly and noticeably than others due to how people walk through or across the room. The good thing about carpet tiles is that worn tiles can be replaced by new ones, without the need to relay the entire carpet. For that reason, it’s a good idea to buy spare tiles when installing carpet tiles.

6. Are carpet tiles expensive to install?

The total cost of carpet tiles is the cost of the tiles plus installation charges. A wall-to-wall carpet takes longer to install than carpet tiles, so carpet fitters will usually charge less for tiles.

Additionally, there will often be more wastage on roll carpet compared to carpet tiles. Rooms with corners and odd angles will require more carpet to be cut away.

You can try and save money by laying the carpet tiles yourself, but it is a skilled job best left to an expert carpet fitter

7. Are carpet tiles eco-friendly?

If you are concerned about using environmentally friendly products and reducing carbon emissions, look for carpet tiles made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool or jute. Alternatively, choose tiles made from recycled materials.

Anything that leads to less waste can only be beneficial for the environment, and with carpet tiles, worn areas can be replaced without requiring a completely new floor covering.

At the end of the carpet tiles’ life, they can be disposed of at carpet recycling centres able to recycle carpets in environmentally friendly ways.

Carpet tiles, like carpets, have thermal insulating properties that can save heating energy costs. Tiles laid over underfloor heating powered by solar panels is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution for heating buildings.

Some adhesives used to fix carpet tiles are not environmentally friendly and can pollute the air, but alternate eco-friendly adhesives are available.

8. What are carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles are square sections of carpet that are convenient to install and replace and come in a variety of colours and patterns They are a durable flooring solution suitable for both commercial and residential spaces.

9. Can I install carpet tiles myself?

Yes, you can install carpet tiles yourself as they are designed to be easily installed by most people without professional assistance. However, installing carpet tiles can be a long job for large areas, especially if the old floor covering is stuck down and difficult to remove. If the subfloor is uneven, this may need to be levelled before laying carpet tiles. For edges of the room that are not straight, the tiles will need careful cutting to fit around uneven edges

If you are not confident in your do-it-yourself (DIY) skills, then it's worth using a professional carpet installer. Using a fitter employed by the carpet retailer in Chester where you bought the carpet tiles should not be very expensive.

10. How long do carpet tiles last?

Carpet tiles are durable, and decent quality ones can last between ten and twenty years. However, several factors affect the lifespan of the tiles. Thin cheap carpet tiles will not last as long as thicker, better-quality tiles. Carpet tiles wear quicker if they are not maintained well with regular vacuuming and the occasional deep clean.

Carpet tiles can look worn in high-foot-traffic areas. A major advantage of carpet tiles is that you can easily replace the tiles in areas where people regularly walk without having to replace the whole floor covering.

11. Are carpet tiles waterproof?

Carpet tiles are generally not waterproof, as they are made from fabric fibres that can absorb moisture. Some types of carpet tiles have some water resistance but are still not suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms. If water is spilt on carpet tiles, it can be mopped up promptly. Wine and other liquids can stain carpet tiles unless you install tiles treated with a stain resistant barrier.

For rooms with doorways to the outside, place mats that absorb moisture from footwear and dripping clothes.

Moisture can come from underneath the tiles, which can be prevented by using tiles with a built-in water barrier or a water-resistant underlay.

Carpet tiles are a popular choice of floor covering, as good quality ones are cost-effective and are manufactured to last a long time. They are suitable for home or commercial use and available in a wide variety of colours and patterns.

Nearly a third of homeowners dislike their floors

A survey by LightStream asked homeowners what they did not like about their homes, and 30% said they did not like their floors. Nearly three quarters (73%) in the survey said that they planned home improvements, with many looking to replace their floor coverings.

There are many floors covering trends in 2020 including concrete, carpet tiles, and vinyl but traditional wood floors remain a popular choice.

According to architect and interior design specialist Nancy Ruddy, one of the main trends for 2020 is engineered wood flooring. She says:

“They're strong and come in many veneer finishes, and use wood very economically and sustainably.”

The most on-trend woods are oak, ash and mahogany. Ruddy says that these are less photosensitive then other wood types, and are hardwearing so that they will last longer.

Engineered wood is often chosen because it is less expensive than solid wood, but some prefer the natural beauty of hardwood. It is forecast that, in 2020, the demand for wood floors will be driven by environmentally conscious homeowners who want wood sourced from sustainable forests or wood flooring planks made from the reclaimed timber. Wood can easily be recycled at the end of the floor’s life.

You don’t have to follow trends to appreciate the natural look of solid wood or engineered wood flooring in North Wales homes. Wood floors may cost more than alternative floor coverings but they can add value to any Welsh home, which makes wood flooring a good investment.