Choosing the right office flooring can be an overwhelming decision, especially with so many myths and misconceptions out there. You might be wondering, is carpet really bad for the environment? Is opting for cheap flooring always the best way to save money? Are carpets truly unhygienic or outdated?

These questions, and many more, can make it difficult to know which direction to take when selecting the perfect flooring for your workplace. With so many options and opinions, it’s easy to get confused.

In this post, we’ll separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common office flooring myths. By doing so, you’ll gain the clarity you need to make a well-informed decision about what’s best for your office in 2025!

Myth 1: Carpet is Unhygienic

A common myth about office flooring is that carpets are unhygienic, often blamed for trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria. This has fuelled the belief that carpets worsen indoor air quality because they’re harder to maintain than hard flooring. Because of this, businesses are reluctant to include carpets in their modern offices, dismissing them as impractical and unsuitable.

However, in today’s fast-paced office environments, where spills, crumbs, and dirt are a frequent occurrence, modern carpets offer a practical solution. Crafted from advanced fibres, today’s carpets are designed to make cleaning both easy and efficient.

At Heckmondwike, we use high-performance polyester and polypropylene fibres, which are not only exceptionally durable but also resistant to stains and dirt. These fibres repel moisture and dirt, preventing spills from soaking into the carpet. This makes maintenance a breeze, ensuring your office remains fresh and hygienic, even in the most bustling of environments.

The process of vacuuming up dirt from a carpet is simple and effective, showing just how easy it is to keep carpets clean in even the busiest office environments. Thanks to modern technology, carpets no longer require intensive maintenance, and their ability to repel moisture and dirt means that any spills won’t soak into the fibres. This makes carpets a hygienic choice, offering a stress-free solution for maintaining a tidy workspace.

Myth 2: Cheap Flooring will Save Money in the Long Run

At first glance, opting for cheaper flooring options may seem like a smart decision for saving money. Lower upfront costs often appeal to businesses trying to minimise expenses. However, the idea that cheap carpets will save money in the long run is a common misconception. While cheap carpets might seem like a budget-friendly choice upfront, they can actually cost you more in the long run.

Cheap flooring can be a magnet for stains, tears, and damage from constant foot traffic. This means you’ll likely find yourself needing repairs or replacements sooner than you’d expect. So, while you save a little at the start, those added maintenance costs can quickly add up, turning what seemed like a deal into a drain on your budget.

And it’s not just the cost of replacing the flooring. These frequent disruptions can throw a wrench into office operations, slowing down productivity and causing unnecessary hassle.

Therefore, investing in high-quality carpets can lead to significant savings over time. This is because they’re less likely to require frequent replacements or repairs. Fundamentally, choosing high-quality flooring is a smarter choice for businesses to save money.

Myth 3: Flooring is Only an Aesthetic Decision

any people believe that the primary purpose of flooring is to enhance the office’s appearance. While aesthetics certainly matters, this view overlooks another crucial aspect. This is the impact of flooring on employee comfort, productivity, and well-being.

Comfortable flooring goes beyond just looking good; it directly contributes to employee health and performance. For example, the cushioning of carpets helps alleviate strain on employees’ feet, joints, and backs. This helps reduce fatigue throughout the workday. As more businesses embrace open-plan spaces and standing desks, the need for investing in supportive flooring increases.

Supportive flooring does more than just relieve physical discomfort, it can actually boost productivity. This is due to employees taking fewer breaks and less downtime, keeping the workflow smooth and steady.

Furthermore, by reducing fatigue, employees can stay mentally sharp and focused. This leads to better performance and a more positive workplace atmosphere. To dive deeper into how workplace design can enhance well-being, check out our blog on the benefits of carpet in the office.

Myth 4: Carpet is Outdated

A common misconception is that carpet is an outdated choice, relegated only to conservative, traditional office settings. Many people assume it doesn’t belong in modern, innovative workspaces. However, this simply isn’t true.

In fact, modern carpet options are incredibly diverse and versatile. They offer an array of styles, colours, textures, and patterns that can complement any type of office. Whether it’s a high-rise corporate headquarters or a vibrant studio, the modern carpet is far from stale. It can play a pivotal role in enhancing the atmosphere of any workspace.

In open-plan offices, carpet can be used as a tool for zoning, helping employees easily navigate different areas based on their needs. Workstations may require a more neutral, focused environment, while breakout zones can be given a fun feel using bold patterns and colours.

Broadrib and Array offer a practical solution for defining various areas in an office. By using both collections together, you can leverage their contrasting textures, colours, and designs. This will create clear boundaries between spaces within a larger open-plan layout.

The Innovation Group undertook a refurbishment of three floors at its Bembridge House site in Fareham. They wanted to create a modern office space that catered to both staff and visiting clients. To clearly define different zones, Broadrib accent tiles were used to create a distinct border between workstations and walkways. This visually segmented the office layout, helping to create a sense of organisation.

As a result, the company could easily create a clear distinction between focused work areas and break areas. The textured look of Broadrib and the bold design of Array helped the office feel organised and inviting. This encouraged productivity and collaboration in equal measure.

Therefore, the idea that carpet is outdated is simply a myth. Modern carpet options are dynamic, customisable, and suitable for a wide variety of office settings. Whether you’re aiming for a sophisticated corporate feel or an inspiring, creative environment, carpet can be an essential element in achieving the perfect office design.

Myth 5: Carpet is Bad for the Environment 

The final prevalent myth about carpets is that they’re inherently bad for the environment. Many people assume that carpets contain harmful materials that contribute to environmental degradation. However, this is far from the truth. Many manufacturers design modern carpets with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and production methods that minimise their environmental impact.

People often misunderstand polypropylene, associating it with harm because it is derived from fossil fuels. Yet, polypropylene is considered one of the most energy-efficient man-made fibres in terms of production cost. Compared to other synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester, the energy required to convert raw materials into polypropylene is much lower. Therefore, polypropylene a great option for reducing costs and carbon emissions in the production processes.

Furthermore, polypropylene is highly recyclable. After its lifecycle, polypropylene can be repurposed,  lowering the demand for new raw materials. This helps to reduce environmental waste and maximise resources. It also contributes to alleviating landfill overflow, a growing issue in many parts of the world. Additionally, recycling polypropylene helps prevent harmful emissions from waste decomposition, such as VOCs, which contribute to air and water pollution.

Another environmental benefit of polypropylene is its longevity. It is resistant to wear and tear, meaning carpets made from this fibre typically last longer than alternatives like vinyl or hardwood. Its resilience to stains and damage from heavy foot traffic means they don’t need to be replaced as frequently. Additionally, polypropylene carpets maintain their shape and colour better over time, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. This contributes to reducing overall waste and consumption.

As a result, we use a high percentage of polypropylene in our products at Heckmondwike, and where possible, we incorporate recycled materials like recycled polyester.

Visual Summary

Ready to make the Right Choice for Your Office?

Selecting the right office flooring means debunking common myths. Modern carpets are hygienic, cost-effective in the long run, and environmentally friendly. They improve employee comfort, productivity and well-being, and align with sustainability gaols.

Ready to make the right choice for your office? Invest in high-quality, durable and eco-conscious carpet that enhances both your office’s function and design. Order a free sample today!

Carpet maintenance isn’t just another chore on your to-do list- it’s a powerful strategy to save your school money! While it may seem like a small effort, regular carpet care can lead to significant savings over time.  By maintaining your flooring, you not only extend its lifespan but also avoid unexpected costs that can strain your school’s budget.

In this blog, we’ll explore how schools can adopt a proactive upkeep strategy to protect their flooring investment, reduce long-term expenses, and creates a healthier, more welcoming environment for students and staff.

Replacing carpets prematurely due to wear and tear can be a major expense for schools, especially in high-traffic areas like corridors, staircases, and cafeterias. Yet, well-kept and professionally cleaned carpets can last anywhere from 10-20 years. Therefore, by keeping carpets in good condition through regular maintenance, such as vacuuming, deep cleaning, and spot treatment, schools can extend the lifespan of their carpets and avoid the expense of frequent replacements.

Regularly maintained carpets are less likely to require expensive repairs or intensive cleaning treatments. Routine cleaning helps prevent dirt and allergens from embedding into the carpet fibres, which can lead to premature damage and more costly cleaning.

Addressing issues as soon as they arise can also prevent long-term damage and save on expensive repairs. For example, spot cleaning stains immediately can prevent the need for professional stain treatments. Alternatively, schools that neglect their carpets may face higher repair costs in the future, including re-stretching or patching damaged areas.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues among students and staff, resulting in increased healthcare costs and absenteeism, which in turn affects children’s education due to missed school days. However, sustaining clean carpets through regular vacuuming and cleaning helps reduces the build-up of allergens and bacteria that can pollute the environment, thereby improving overall air quality. This can lead to fewer sick days, a healthier learning environment, and lower medical and absenteeism-related costs.

In winter, when the climate is cooler, carpets act as natural insulation which help manage a consistent temperature in classrooms. This thermal insulation can also help schools save on heating bills, especially in larger schools with many classrooms.

In the summer, carpets can assist with soundproofing, reducing the need for air conditioning or noise-cancelling solutions in open classrooms. Supacord, Heckmondwike’s market-leading carpet for educational sites, is available with acoustic backing, which can further enhance its impact noise-reducing rating to 23dB. For more insights into how acoustic flooring can improve noise control in educational spaces, check out our blog on how acoustic flooring reduces noise.

Since high-traffic areas like corridors, entrances, and staircases are prone to wear and tear, targeted carpet maintenance is essential to reduce long-term damage. For instance, by using entry mats in transition areas, schools can prevent dirt and moisture from transferring into other parts of the school, such as classrooms, where carpets are more vulnerable to damage. Consequently, this minimises the need for costly repairs and replacements in these high-traffic zones.

Investing in commercial-grade carpets designed to withstand heavy foot traffic can also reduce future servicing efforts, allowing schools to focus on simple routine cleaning. At Heckmondwike, Battleship/Hippo entrance carpets are used extensively in education due to their low maintenance costs.

Dirty or damaged carpets can pose safety risks, such as tripping hazards, which could lead to accidents that are costly for the school. For example, a tripping hazard caused by a worn-out carpet could result in injury and incur costs for the school. Therefore, regular carpet inspections are necessary to prevent these issues.

Due to its anti-ravel and anti-fray properties, Supacord is an excellent choice for schools, where high foot traffic and daily use can take a toll on flooring. It helps mitigate risks and provides a safe, cost-effective solution for educational institutions.

Brampton Manor Academy outlined their goal to create a new building for Year 7 as a stand-alone resource, alongside expanding the school’s sixth form areas. Three new buildings were constructed within the existing school footprint, allowing for an additional 600 pupils.

As a result, the school required a complete carpet and entrance solution. They chose 1,900 metres of Heckmondwike’s bestselling Supacord carpet tiles, along with 140 metres of its specialist entrance matting, Battleship, to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish.

Don’t wait until your carpets start showing signs of wear- invest in quality, commercial grade flooring today! Explore pour wide range of carpets designed specifically for educational environments like schools, colleges, and universities, offering durability, low maintenance, and long-term savings.

Contact us now to get started on selecting the perfect carpet for your school and see the difference it can make for your budget and your students.

Heckmondwike FB is thrilled to announce that our flooring solutions were recognized at the prestigious CFJ Awards! We are proud to have been a part of the Westcotes Flooring Ltd team that supplied the flooring for the new-build school, and we are absolutely delighted to have won the award for Flooring in Schools.

Project Details

The Department of Education appointed Kier Construction, who in turn appointed Westcoates Flooring for the project.  to prepare the floor and provide the flooring finishes at The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School (Front & Rear Blocks).

The design featured Supacord in the sleek Steel colour for the classrooms. This durable and stylish flooring option provides a comfortable and long-lasting surface for students and staff. Additionally, we supplied Battleship entrance matting for the school entrances, ensuring safety and cleanliness for everyone entering the building.

The Award

We are incredibly honoured to have received this highly sought-after award. It is a testament to the quality of our products and the dedication of our team. The award will be proudly displayed at our factory in Yorkshire, UK, where visitors can see firsthand the commitment to excellence that has earned us this recognition.

Collaboration and Success

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kier and Westcotes Flooring Ltd for selecting Heckmondwike FB flooring solutions for this project. Their partnership and expertise were instrumental in the success of this endeavour. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a beautiful and functional learning environment. We would also like to congratulate other flooring product suppliers involved in this project : Protec International Ltd, Quantum Flooring Acccessories,. Sasgo, Tarkett, TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring, F.Ball and Co. Ltd, Pliteq UK ltd.

Conclusion

Winning the CFJ Award for Flooring in Schools is a significant achievement for Heckmondwike FB. It reaffirms our position as a leading manufacturer of high-quality fibre bonded products. We are committed to continuing to innovate and deliver exceptional flooring solutions that meet the needs of our customers.

Maximalism

Maximalism is getting more popular in many design fields, including flooring. Bold colours and patterns are the ones to watch for in the top carpet design trends of 2024. Eye-catching designs will be used more in office spaces and residential properties, adding life to any room. Look out specifically for vibrant shades and jewel tones Like our Array carpet in Fuschia.

Pastel Tones

As well as this though, we’re seeing a rise in pastel tones like baby pinks and delicate yellow hues. Soft colours work best in relaxation areas where they can help create an understated look to the room and inject a bit of freshness and fun. One warning though – they are trickier colours for commercial settings that experience a lot of foot traffic as they’re more liable to staining.

Natural Designs

With 90% of our time being spent inside (according to the Environmental Protection Agency) the last few years have seen a surge in biophilic interior design. More than just bringing the natural world inside with house plants and utilising natural fibres like bamboo, you can inspire the soothing effects of outdoor spaces with subtle patterns that remind you of the oceans, bark, or other natural elements. You’ll want to choose carpets with designs that imitate these textures, like carpets that mimic natural elements in soothing, natural tones. If you own a commercial property like a healthcare facility or a school this is definitely a trend to consider jumping on.

Eco-conscious Choices

The general public continues to become more eco-conscious. Especially when designing educational facilities, the thoughts of sustainability will for sure be on the minds of designers and buyers more than ever. Conscious creation is a huge trend for 2024 with more people choosing environmentally friendly materials. This means we’re likely to see a huge rise in people buying carpets made from recycled materials like polyester in the next year.

Practicality

Practicality may not seem like it would be a huge trend for Interior trends. But for commercial carpet trends of 2024, it’s a huge one. We’re seeing more multifunctional spaces across all industries as people continue to eat, work, and socialise all in one space. Think about the mess. That’s why many commercial properties are now being designed with this in mind. Carpets now have to be resistant to a whole host of stains, damages, scuffs, and abrasion. This means you’ll see far more use of Luxury Vinyl Tiles in flooring as well as more durable carpets like our Hobnail carpet which you can view here.

Inexpensive Options

The unfortunate threat of the recession is sure to impact carpet trends for 2024. It’s forecasted that people will spend less on flooring options or look for cheaper alternatives. So there may be a movement away from hardwood flooring towards cheaper products like vinyl and carpets. Designers of commercial projects are looking more than ever, for something low maintenance that’s also durable so they can spend less on cleaning, repair, and replacement. Cheap and cheerful is the way forward.

The best way to keep up with upcoming commercial carpet trends is to follow industry leaders and keep an eye on retailers. You can find more of our content and our products through our webpage and get in touch today to chat about our fabulous range of products.