Even experienced designers occasionally run into carpet specification issues that could have been avoided earlier in the process. Here are the most common mistakes, and how to sidestep them before they affect a project’s budget or timeline.
1. Specifying Fire Safety Ratings Too Late
Finalising a design before confirming the exact fire safety and flammability standard required can force a late redesign if the preferred product does not meet the project’s compliance requirements. Confirm this requirement before falling in love with a specific pattern or fibre.
2. Underestimating Lead Time for Bespoke Design
Custom pattern development, sampling, and production take significantly longer than selecting from a stock range ā specifying bespoke carpet without building this lead time into the project schedule is one of the most common causes of installation delays.
3. Mismatching Fibre to Traffic Level
Specifying a premium but lower-durability fibre in a heavy-traffic corridor, purely for appearance, often leads to premature wear and an unhappy client within a few years ā traffic level should always inform fibre choice, not just visual preference.
4. Overlooking Backing and Acoustic Requirements
Specification conversations often focus entirely on face fibre and pattern, leaving backing type and acoustic performance as an afterthought ā these details should be part of the initial specification, not resolved after a client has approved a look.
5. Not Confirming Minimum Order Quantities Early
Bespoke and semi-custom carpet often carries a minimum order quantity that can affect budget for smaller projects ā confirm this with the manufacturer before presenting a custom option to a client with a tight budget.
6. Approving Colour Without Testing Under Real Lighting
Colour that looks correct under studio lighting or on a screen can shift noticeably under a space’s actual lighting conditions ā always review physical samples under the installed lighting before final sign-off.
Quick Reference: Avoid These Mistakes
- Confirm fire safety requirements before finalising design
- Build bespoke lead times into the project schedule from day one
- Match fibre durability to actual traffic level, not just appearance
- Address backing and acoustic requirements during initial specification
- Confirm minimum order quantities before presenting custom options
Refining a specification for an upcoming project? Explore SolevoCarpet’s product range, or contact our team ā we are happy to help designers avoid these issues early.