Choosing the right carpet for your home can be a little more challenging than you think. In the same way that you may shop for a car, many homeowners have specific requirements for the type, color and grade of carpet they are looking for. It can be tempting to settle for a carpet style based on your budget, but you’ll want to consider (as with any flooring option) what your needs are and what overall look you’re trying to achieve. By doing some homework and getting clear on your carpeting options, you can make the carpet shopping process seamless and stress-free.
Here are some things you’ll want to carefully consider before selecting a carpeting style for your home.
Choose an appropriate carpet fiber.
This can seem like Greek to the average homeowner, but not every carpet is made equal. The type of carpet fiber plays a large role in its look, durability, and longevity. Nylon fibers are the most durable and are perfect for high traffic areas (or especially in homes with kids and pets). Polyester fibers (also known as PET) are stain resistant and quite soft to the touch. This fiber type is best for bedrooms or other low traffic areas that may not be prone to spills or attracting dirt. Olefin fibers are the cheapest of all three and it resists fading very well, while also concealing dirt easily. However, olefin fibers are generally not as durable as nylon fibers, but do work well in high traffic areas better than PET.
Good to Know
Don't just settle on a carpet based on your budget, you should also consider the needs of your family and what overall look you’re trying to achieve.
Think about carpet quality.
This can be determined in a number of ways which can include how the fibers are woven and their density. For high quality carpet, you’ll want to know the number of ounces of fibers per square yard. The higher the count, the more durable the carpet will be and the more plush it will feel under your toes, without losing its shape. You’ll also want to know the tuft twist which indicates how many twists each carpet fiber has and can signal its durability as well.
Ask about a texture retention warranty.
Over time, carpet will show natural wear and tear. This can lead to carpet appearing flat or losing its texture completely. Before you select a carpet type, you’ll want to inquire about their texture retention warranty. Most high quality carpeting manufacturers promise at least a 10-year texture warranty. Premium grade carpet may come with up to a 25 year texture guarantee. Either way, you’ll want to choose a carpet style and texture that comes with a warranty over one that does not.
Conclusion
To make sure your carpeting project is successful as possible, really do take the time to consider where you’re putting the new carpet (high traffic vs low traffic areas), what your goals are for the project, and the required durability you need. You may find that you need several different types of carpeting styles, depending on the scope of your project but the key is to do the research upfront, so you are well informed to make the right decision for you and your family.
Need help along the way? A licensed flooring contractor can help you select the carpet option that’s perfect for your needs. Reach out to At Home Pros, and we’ll get you connected today.