How recycled carpet tiles are helping social housing tenants

People who move into social housing often find that the homes do not have carpets except in the kitchen and bathroom, and they may not afford to buy carpets. To solve this issue in Wiltshire, a partnership between the Salvation Army, Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR) and the local council is recycling carpet tiles and giving them to tenants.

Most of the tiles come from offices that don't need them anymore. After large office refurbishment projects, there are often excess new carpet tiles left over. Generally, these carpet tiles are regarded as waste and thrown away, even though they may be in reasonable condition and suitable for residential property use.

One tenant, a single father, reported that when he moved into a bare-floor home, his son had a splinter in his foot from walking on bare floorboards. After the donated carpet tiles were installed, it made the home safe for his son. Carpet tiles are easy to lay, and many tenants do it themselves to save installation costs.

As well being a cost-effective option, the benefits of using carpet tiles include their easy installation and versatility in a range of different settings within a home or business. Even better, carpet tiles are regarded as a low-maintenance flooring option.

Carpet tiles in North Wales can be recycled. In fact, tiles are easier to recycle than carpets themselves as the materials are easier to recover materials. Around 870 tonnes of carpets are recycled every year in Wales.

Laminate Flooring Water Performance Guide published

A frequently asked question about laminate flooring is to question how waterproof it is and whether it suits high-moisture environments like bathrooms. The American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has published a white paper titled “Laminate Flooring Water Performance”, which offers guidance on laminate flooring for homeowners, business owners and installers.

All laminate flooring has a degree of water resistance, but some types are more waterproof than others. The NALFA uses their Surface Swell - Assembled Joint test to assess water resistance. This test simulates surface water exposure and common liquid spills. Water-resistant laminate flooring sold in the UK has been similarly tested.

Water-resistant and waterproof are different terms manufacturers use to describe laminate flooring designed to resist water. The level of protection varies between products. A floor is only effective against water if installed properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and if it has been regularly maintained. Most manufacturers guarantee their laminate flooring’s performance.

Several features of laminate flooring make it water resistant. This type of flooring is made from several layers with the top layer designed to protect the floor from scratches, spills, and moisture. A tight locking system prevents water from passing through the joints between planks. Some manufacturers treat the bevels and edges of the planks to increase water resistance. The laminate core board is sometimes treated to make it more resistant to moisture penetration.

Laminate flooring in the Chester and North Wales region may not be able to withstand serious flooding, but it is fine for everyday water exposure and spills.

Incorporating sustainability and beauty in interior design

A popular trend in interior design is a synergy of sustainability, visually pleasing aesthetics and health. This is accomplished by utilizing wall panels, ceiling panels, and recyclable carpet tiles that look good and also create healthier surroundings.

Wood wool wall and ceiling panels are constructed from a blend of wood and cement, which provides robustness, sound dampening capabilities, insulation properties and even fire-resistance. These panels are available in pleasing colours and patterns. Advanced carpet tiles have been devised to filter out fine dust particles from the air and have a pile that retains dirt between cleanings. The tiles come in striking shades that make bold patterns and have felt backing for improved acoustic performance. The combination of these innovative carpet tiles with the wood wool wall and ceiling panels creates interior spaces that not only look good, but also promote well-being.

Circular policy initiatives collect and recycle materials that have reached their end-of-life, as opposed to incinerating or disposing of them in landfills. Recycled components can be utilized to produce new interior materials.

Architects are currently implementing this synergy of sustainability, health, and aesthetics in commercial buildings. However, incorporating these principles in residential spaces is not difficult. Visit a retailer of carpet tiles in the Wrexham and North Wales region to see tiles made with recycled materials that have both acoustic and insulating properties. These tiles come in an assortment of colours that can be arranged into stunning patterns, adding visual appeal while maintaining eco-friendliness.

The surprising cost of Wetherspoons carpets

Wetherspoons has over 900 pubs in the UK which are renowned for their affordable drinks and food. Few customers take note of the luxurious carpets in their pubs, nor are they aware of their high cost.

Kit Caless from London made the intriguing discovery that each carpet in a Wetherspoons pub has a distinctive design. In 2016, he established an online catalogue of these patterns under the name "Wetherspoons Carpets." Admirers of Wetherspoons and their carpets are encouraged to contribute photographs displaying their local pub's carpets for publication on the website. Some enthusiasts have made it a goal of theirs to visit as many locations as possible to document the carpets.

Each carpet boasts a distinctive design that captures the rich heritage and distinct characteristics of both the pub building and its surrounding locale. These luxurious carpets are meticulously crafted on a traditional loom, and are estimated to cost between £20,000 to £30,000 each. As Wetherspoons operates over 900 pubs, this means that the pub chain possesses an impressive large collection of luxury carpets.

It requires regular upkeep to maintain the cleanliness of each carpet, as a considerable amount of beer is inadvertently spilled on them every week.

Luxurious carpets for both residential and commercial spaces can be obtained in the Chester and North Wales region at a cost well below the thousands of pounds that Wetherspoons pays for their carpets. While they may lack unique customised patterns, there is an extensive selection of carpet designs and colours available to complement any decor style.

Outdated flooring trends in 2024

Every year, interior designers publish their predictions for the top flooring trends. Homes and Garden magazine recently compiled a different type of trend list. They asked interior designers to name the trends that are outdated and should be left behind. However, the designers stressed that there are plenty of flooring design alternatives available.

First on the list is the colour grey, which is described by one designer as being "clinical and cold”. Instead, use flooring with warmer shades of medium brown, beige and dark chocolatey colours.

Farmhouse inspired wide plank wood floors is a trend that designer Robin Gannon says should be replaced with traditional warm shade wood flooring made with less wide planks.

Neutral plain coloured carpets are described as “nondescript” and lacking personality by flooring expert Andy Guard. Instead, he suggests that:

"Embracing playful patterns and contrasting colours can add drama and excitement to a scheme.”

If there is no budget for replacing plain carpets, a less expensive way to liven up a room is using bright patterned rugs.

Another style that designers say is outdated is patterned floor tiles in bathrooms and kitchens. An alternative is luxury vinyl flooring with subtle stone or wood type patterns

Of course, consumers don’t have to be influenced by what flooring trends are in our out this year. A local flooring retailer in the Chester and North Wales region has a wide selection of flooring types suitable for tastes and types of décor styles.