So last week we started going through the most common options for foundations for you booth space. We first talked about standard carpet and padding, then vinyl flooring (also known as rollable flooring). Today we are going to tackle the last three on the list. Here is the full list of flooring ideas again, for your reference:
- Standard carpet and padding
- Vinyl flooring, which is also referred to as rollable flooring
- Carpet logos and printed flooring
- Combinations and cutouts
- Carpet tiles
#3: Carpet logos and printed carpet ─ Carpet logos are basically taking different color carpets and cutting and pasting (or in this case, hot seaming) them together to create company logos and designs. This is done by tracing the logo on the back of the carpet and then cutting out pieces and replacing them with the same size piece, just a different color. A newer method is to have the image digitally printed on a white tufted-pile carpet especially made for inkjet printing. These carpets can get very detailed. The pile height is not very high though.
#4: Combinations and cutouts ─ Basically this means that you combine different types of flooring to create a transitional look, walkways to focus attention, or to guide attendees to certain areas. A lot of times you see vehicles with rollable vinyl underneath and carpet around the rest of the exhibit. Rollable vinyl, wood flooring and other surfaces have been used around carpet to highlight speaker area, reception counters, and especially food or hospitality zones. The idea is to get creative with the flooring as it is an inexpensive way to add unbelievable impact to your exhibit.
#5: Foam carpet tile or interlocking carpet ─ This is usually reserved for smaller 10 x 10 or 10 x 20 booth spaces. What is the purpose? Well carpet tiles are literally puzzle pieces that can be stacked and crated, or cased for protection and convenient shipping. It will take usually two flat cases per 10 x 10 booth space.
Carpet tiles are great for the do it yourselfer. The only drawback is if you need electrical under the tiles, as this will show a bow in the tile since the tiles are very rigid compared to regular carpet. But if you can keep your electrical and other wiring around the sides or in the back, it is a very durable and compact way to cover the booth area. Carpet tile can also be customized with angled edging, custom logos, and patterns, which can greatly enhance your display.
Ask your exhibit company about these and other options to create solid foundations in flooring that are right for you. I’m sure your exhibit company would love to add unique carpet and flooring elements to enhance your exhibiting experience.