Are fur carpets the biggest trend of 2023?

Fur carpets have become popular in 2023 for those seeking to add a touch of luxurious comfort to their living spaces. While real fur rugs and deep pile wool carpets are made from authentic sheep fur, many faux fur carpet options are now available on the market.

There are some dealers who offer carpets made from other animals such as bears or foxes, but these products tend to be sold in the high-end premium sector of the carpet industry, rather than at local retailers. Vegans and others concerned about animal welfare issues, for ethical reasons, obviously prefer faux fur carpets that feel like fur over real ones.

Many consumers purchase fur floor coverings as rugs to create warm and comfortable areas that are pleasant to walk or sit on in rooms with hard floors. However, larger size deep pile fur like carpets are also available for those who want to cover more room space. Fur carpets can be used in many room types, including bedrooms and living areas but, due to the delicate nature of some fur carpets, they are not always recommended for high-foot-traffic zones. Additionally, they should not be placed in high-moisture areas such as kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms.

Fur rugs typically come equipped with an anti-slip backing. While sheepskin rugs remain undyed, faux fur rugs typically come in various colours and patterns for customers' enjoyment.

To see a selection of faux fur rugs and carpets, visit your local carpet retailer in the Chester and North Wales region.

Can you put laminate flooring over tiles?

More people each year are embracing laminate floors for their homes and businesses.

This floor surface is highly durable, easy to keep clean and provides a fresh, modern look for both living and working spaces. These qualities mean that people are choosing to replace existing floor surfaces with new laminate ones.

In some cases, the old floors are tiled ones. Tiles can be attractive, but they are also vulnerable to damage such as cracks. Of course, individual cracked tiles can be replaced, but switching to laminate is a chance to reinvigorate the space as well as deal with floor issues.

When it comes to the installation, the question remains of whether laminate can be laid directly over tiles, or whether they need to be lifted first. Keep reading to find the answer.

Can you put laminate flooring over tiles?

The simple answer to that question is yes, in most cases, you can lay the new laminate flooring on top of your old tiles.

While people are generally advised to lift existing floor surfaces before installing new ones, there are valid reasons why you may not wish to do so when it comes to tiles. The main one is that the work of getting each tile up from the subfloor can be time consuming, as well as dirty and difficult.

If you are hiring a professional to install your new laminate floor, they can do this work for you. However, if you have opted to put the new floor down yourself, being able to lay the laminate sheet directly over the top of the tiles will save you a great deal of time and hassle. It should be noted though that there are some factors that will determine whether it is possible to do that or not.

The state of the tiles

The condition of the tiles is probably the single biggest issue that can prevent you from putting laminate directly over the top of them.

If any of the tiles are coming loose from the subfloor, or are badly cracked or otherwise damaged, it would be much more advisable to lift them before putting the laminate down. An alternative would be to fix these loose tiles securely into place, or repair any damaged ones using adhesive before laying down the laminate.

The reason for this is because laminate is a ‘floating’ surface. This means it is laid on top of an underlay, instead of being glued down to the subfloor. Due to this, loose or damaged tiles can cause unwelcome noise when walking on the floor, or even tears and other damage to the laminate. Make sure the tiles are in reasonable condition before installing your new floor surface.

The height of the floor

Another potential problem that can arise from putting the laminate over the existing tiles is an increase in the overall height of the floor. That can lead to problems when you try to open or close doors in the room in question, among other things.

Therefore, if your intention is to put the laminate over the tiles rather than taking them up first, you should always choose a thin laminate rather than a thicker one. That will keep the floor height increase to the absolute minimum. Measuring to ensure that it will not cause the door to scrape across the laminate surface would also be a sensible precaution.

A way around any problem of that kind would be to shorten the frames and leaves of the door so that you are still able to open and close it without obstruction, even with the increased floor height.

The evenness of the subfloor

An issue that often causes tiles or joints to develop cracks is when the subfloor is not properly even. Therefore, if you have a lot of damaged tiles, it is worth investigating to see if the subfloor is completely level.

You can buy levelling compounds in shops that will help you to address any problems with subsidence, and it will be absolutely essential to do so before you put the laminate on top of the tiles.

Another option for dealing with any issues related to evenness is to choose an appropriate insulation.

Because laminate is not stuck down to the floor, it does have to be attached to an underlay before being fitted for noise reduction and stability, so insulation is a practical requirement anyway. If you choose an underlay that is suitably thick, this will help to cover up any areas where the subfloor is not completely level. Consult with a professional about this if you are not sure what sort of underlay to choose.

In conclusion, laminate flooring can usually be fitted directly on top of tiles, but the condition of the tiles and the subfloor will determine whether or not is is possible.

How long should carpets last in a rental property?

When it comes to the floors of a rental property, landlords often choose to fit carpeting. This is because it combines comparatively low expense with ease of installation. Carpets also have other benefits that contribute to their popularity among the owners of rental homes though.

Given that most such properties are flats situated in close proximity to each other, the noise muffling qualities of carpets makes them a sensible floor selection. They also help to retain heat within rooms, which reduces energy costs for tenants.

Carpets, however, are vulnerable to damage as well as everyday wear and tear, meaning eventually they will need to be replaced. So, how long should a decent carpet last within a rental property?

The Basics

If you fit a carpet that is of a good quality, you can expect it to last for 10 years as a minimum, and 15 years at the maximum. Of course, that is referring to standard wear and tear that comes from a carpet being used every day by tenants. Even the best carpets will eventually start to see their material thin out by the end of that time period, simply as a result of being walked on by people wearing boots or shoes.

This is the sort of flooring issue that the landlord of a property can be legally responsible for. Replacing the carpeting in a flat that has been advertised as furnished once it starts to become significantly worn out is part of the role of being a landlord, and something that should be factored into any financial calculations.

When is it the tenant’s responsibility?

Non-furnished property

If the flat is not a furnished one, the tenant is more likely to be the person responsible for laying a carpet if they want one, and for replacing it if it becomes worn or damaged in some way.

Non-standard damage

While even the best quality carpets will wear out eventually, sometimes that can happen more quickly for reasons that are not regular wear and tear.

For example, if the tenant(s) of a property decide that they want to have parties, this can lead to issues such as drinks being spilt on the carpet or material like broken glass causing it to rip or fray. In that kind of situation, it will be the tenant who is held liable for the damage, and he or she may be required to pay for the carpet to be repaired or replaced.

The importance of carpet quality and maintenance

As long as the tenant of the rental property is a responsible person, the single biggest issue that is likely to determine how long the carpets last is their quality.

A carpet that is made of high grade material should last for well over a decade, even when it is being walked on in boots or shoes, but the situation changes if the carpet is of an inferior standard. Poor quality material is likely to show serious signs of wear within five years, or possibly even three in some cases.

Some landlords opt to fit lower quality carpets simply because they are a cheaper way of furnishing the floors of a property in the short term. Ultimately, this is false economy, because they will need to be replaced more frequently than if they had just installed good quality ones to begin with.

The best way to determine the quality of a carpet, other than its price, is by looking at the density of the fibres. The thicker the carpet when you run your fingers through it, the better quality it is likely to be. The thickness of the padding is another indicator, as good quality carpets do not need as much padding.

In terms of maintenance, a carpet should be kept clean and vacuumed to ensure a longer life. It is the responsibility of the tenant to do basic cleaning, and he or she may be charged money by the landlord when the tenancy ends if the carpets are particularly dirty. If that is not the case, it is the job of the landlord to have them cleaned before letting the flat again.

Alternatives to carpets

If you would prefer a floor material that has a lifespan longer than 15 years, vinyl or laminate flooring may be a better choice. Luxury vinyl tiled (LVT) floors can last anywhere up to 25 years, which also makes them popular among landlords.

For a high-end property, solid hardwood floors could be considered. Although these can be vulnerable to scratches, they are easy to repair via sanding. Hardwood floors can potentially last for up to 75 years.

If landlords pick a good quality material, and both they and the tenants know their responsibilities, carpets are a fine choice for rental properties.

Hardwood flooring or carpets - which is best?

There is an ongoing debate amongst interior designers and consumers regarding the superiority of hardwood floors versus carpets. There are pros and cons for each floor type, and we will explore some of these in this blog.

The first factor to consider is the aesthetic appeal of each option. Designer Bethany Adams asserts that many homeowners prefer carpets as they can appear modern and stylish, while designer Christoph Wellekoetter favours parquet wood flooring for its texture and visual interest. Ultimately, individual preferences will dictate which look is chosen.

While hardwood floors increase a property's financial value more than carpets do, their installation cost is significantly higher. Hardwood flooring also boasts greater durability compared to carpets. Wellekoetter recommends laminate or vinyl as less expensive practical alternatives for high footfall areas.

Carpets are ideal for bedrooms, offices and family rooms due to their ability to provide cosiness, soft surfaces for children's playtime and noise and heat insulation properties. Hardwood flooring is easier to clean, however woollen carpets are stain-resistant and only require regular quick vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning. Furthermore, these surfaces retain bacteria, making them a convenient option in homes with pets or allergy sufferers.

Ultimately, whether you should choose hardwood flooring or carpets in North Wales homes depends on personal taste. For those seeking a timeless natural appearance, choose wood flooring, or if there are budgetary constraints. opt for either faux wood laminates or vinyl. If comfort takes precedence, then choose cozy plush carpeting, ideally made from 100% wool.

Carpet tiles adapt to changing work patterns

Carpet tiles have become a versatile solution for adapting to changing work patterns. As more workers shift towards hybrid working patterns, office designs are evolving to reflect this trend.

The Worldwide Clinical Trials office in Nottingham is an example of this evolution, with various areas designed for different activities such as collaborative conversations, social interactions, meeting spaces and traditional desk working spaces. Each area is marked by distinct carpet tile patterns that suit the environment, ranging from subtle grey tones to vivid colours. The overall aesthetic balances home decor with functional office space design. Jordan Andrew, the interior designer of the office, explains:

"The flooring sets the tone for each zone. In meeting rooms, a different strip of colour runs through the centre of each one, which subtly directs attention to ongoing conversations and distinguishes these rooms from one another."

This design was flexible enough to allow changes during construction. Carpet tiles were ideal due to their ability to be easily replaced, without the commitment of large amounts of resources or time when using bulkier rolls of carpeting.

In the kitchen or tea making areas, more waterproof luxury vinyl tiles in a textured woodgrain pattern were used. Noise reducing tiles were selected to make these hard floor surface areas quieter.

Carpet tiles for Chester offices are available in a variety of colours and patterns, suitable for all interior design styles. This makes them an excellent choice for organisations renovating existing offices or relocating.