What Is TARR for Commercial Carpet?
Related Product: Magnify Commercial Carpet Tiles 1/4 Inch x 24x24 Inches Carton of 18
What Is a TARR Rating for Carpet?
A TARR, or texture appearance retention rating, helps you understand how durable and long-lasting the carpet you’re buying is. The Carpet and Rug Institute developed the TARR rating system to create a consistent way to rate a commercial carpet’s durability. By determining the minimum TARR rating that a carpet will need for a successful installation in your project, you can more confidently identify which products may be a good fit.
The TARR rating refers to a carpet’s ability to stay tufted after it’s installed and maintained, and the rating classifies carpets into different categories. The categories help predict how well a carpet will perform when exposed to varying amounts of foot traffic:
- Moderate (2.5 TARR) carpets are best for installation in areas that see limited use, such as in private offices and some lower-traffic administrative areas.
- Heavy (3.0 TARR) carpets are suitable for use in areas that see larger numbers of people, such as open offices, corridors, and conference rooms.
- Severe (3.5 TARR) carpets are durable enough to withstand the rigorous foot traffic that they will be exposed to in public areas, dining facilities, and lobbies.
- Extreme/special use (4.0 TARR) carpet is extremely durable and can be installed in transportation service areas, such as in airports or bus stations.
The higher a carpet’s TARR rating, the more foot traffic the carpet can withstand without losing the quality of its appearance or condition. Products with the highest TARR ratings are some of the most durable commercial carpet options.
While TARR ratings evaluate the entire carpet’s performance and not just how the face fiber holds up, they don’t examine other potential issues, like maintenance needs or potential staining.
How to Use a TARR Rating for Carpet
The Carpet and Rug Institute also created a guide to help you understand TARR ratings and how to use them best. To start, you’ll need to review the TARR ratings provided above. Then, compare those ratings with the area where you plan to install the carpet.Keep in mind that the impact of foot traffic will vary. For example, customers who are tracking in snow and water on wet shoes will have more of an impact on your entryway flooring than customers further into the building whose shoes are already dry. Footwear makes a difference, too, with heavy work boots being harder on carpeting than sneakers.
Once you’ve determined which minimum TARR rating your commercial carpet should have, start looking for products with that rating or higher. You’ll need to consider other factors, too, such as the carpet’s color options and special features like stain resistance. If you’re installing carpet in a high-traffic area, choosing an option with darker colors can help conceal soil, while lighter carpets tend to show dark spots and stains easily. A carpet that has medium colors is often the best at concealing soil and stains.
Pay careful attention to the carpet backing, too. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute’s guide, the cushion provided by carpet backing can help absorb foot traffic impacts, which helps the fibers look better and last for longer periods of time.
How to Maximize Your Commercial Carpet’s Lifespan
Getting the most out of your commercial carpet starts with choosing an appropriate carpet for your space. The TARR rating can help you determine if the carpet is suited for the traffic it will see.
For example, at Greatmats, we carry TARR-rated products like the Magnify Commercial Carpet Tiles. These tiles feature a 3.5 TARR rating, indicating they are suitable for use in areas exposed to rigorous foot traffic. You can install these tiles in demanding environments, such as childcare centers, waiting rooms, religious institutions, playrooms, retail stores, theaters, bowling alleys, and classrooms.
Once you’ve chosen your carpet, make sure that it’s installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Following the installation instructions will help maximize your results while also ensuring that your carpeting qualifies for the manufacturer's warranty.
Finally, establish a cleaning and maintenance program that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Regular cleaning and maintenance with approved products and equipment can help preserve your carpet’s appearance and maximize its lifespan.
Order Commercial Carpet Today
At Greatmats, we carry numerous commercial carpet products suitable for different installations and environments. We have an excellent selection of carpet squares and planks for you to choose from, and they’re available in an array of colors to match your decor and your vision for your space.Contact our customer service team today with any questions or to place your order.