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Here, global modular flooring specialist Interface provides advice on how to save time and costs on zoning projects.
The demand for flexible working environments that encourage collaboration and the generation of innovative ideas, is ever increasing. This need has largely been driven by the growing bank of research demonstrating the positive impact that these spaces can have on our productivity and wellbeing.
These flexible or smart offices provide distinct yet connected areas for people to work and interact. Breakout creative spaces, sofa areas and private areas or booths for more concentrated work, are zones which are often found in these multi-functional spaces. One way to perfectly demarcate the different zones is through the use of flooring, but this presents a number of key challenges for contractors.
to install hard and soft flooring that blend perfectly together. This sometimes means having to work with a number of manufacturers to supply the various products, which can prove difficult to coordinate and could significantly increase lead times on projects. In some cases, this may also involve purchasing additional products, such as bridges, transition strips or connectors, leading to a more complex installation and increasing the overall cost of the project.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? With zoning often involving the combination of hard surfaces with soft textures and endless patterns, it’s critical that the different products connect seamlessly together to create a natural flow through multi-use spaces. Companies are developing products to meet this need. For example, Interface’s Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has been developed to pair with the company’s range of modular carpet tiles – with no need for transition strips. Contractors are able to significantly reduce lead times through working with flooring manufacturers that offer the complete solution for the project.
As well as working seamlessly with carpet tile, there is an array of practical benefits to LVT. It is far more lightweight in comparison with natural materials, such as wood or stone, making it easier to handle and install. While LVT is light in weight, it still remains robust enough for high-traffic office areas. Furthermore, manufacturers such as Interface, create tiles in a range of sizes including squares and skinny planks, which means flooring contractors no longer need to pre-cut products.
Another challenge for contractors is the use of glue during the installation of flooring products. Not only can it make it a messier process but it’s also time consuming, requiring high-precision as going wrong could cause damage to the subfloor – a sticky problem! Some flooring companies have developed solutions that completely remove the need for glue altogether. For example, Interface developed TacTiles for both carpet tile and LVT, which are a glue-free reliable way to install modular flooring. The backing of Interface tiles essentially hug the floor and TacTiles work by connecting them horizontally, creating a ‘floating floor’ that doesn’t shrink or expand.
With more and more offices transforming into multi-functional environments, it has never been more important for manufacturers to think differently about the way they work and the products they offer. That’s why Interface ensures flexibility in its price points and regularly launches new products to further enhance the collections that it offers, ultimately helping contractors to save money and decrease project lead times.
THE CHALLENGES Time and cost savings are key considerations for contractors approaching any project. When it comes to these multi- purpose environments, contractors are increasingly required
30 | CONTRACT CARPET
www.interface.com/EU/en-GB/campaign/LVT/Luxury- Vinyl-Tile-en_GB
interface.com and
blog.interface.com.
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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