Industry Tips
Carpet Selecting & Buying
Before purchasing carpeting, consider your budget, how and where it will be used, and how long it is expected to last.
There are several principle types of fibers used in carpeting. Wool holds its shape but is expensive, tends to fray or pill, and can be subject to mildew. Among synthetics, nylon is the most popular fiber for carpeting because it is strong, resists mildew, and is easy to clean. On the other hand it may be a bit pricey. Polyester and Olefin have similar qualities but tend to pill and compact.
The pile or surface of the carpeting can be judged according to density and height by bending back a corner of the carpet to examine how close the fibers are to each other as well as their length. Better quality carpeting generally has a dense and high pile. Now examine the yarn or individual fiber. Examine how tightly each thread is braided, looped, or twisted.
Consider color and overall appearance for compatibility with your color scheme and also for its ability to hide soiling. Note that many carpets have a guaranteed soil resistance feature for ease of cleaning.
After your decision is made about the carpet itself, examine your padding options. A thicker pad provides longer wear. Pinch a section of pad. If it compacts more than half its thickness, it will probably not withstand much long-term wear. Place samples of padding under a sample of the carpet you've selected to test the feel when walking on it.
Because of the unique nature of each individual's home, offering prices for padded and installed carpeting can be very complicated and lead to misunderstandings. Price per room offers must be studied carefully. Getting price quotes over the phone, or even in the store, may be a difficult way to make the best decision for your home. Consider an in-home sales visit. At such a visit the salesperson can identify those room features, which complicate installation such as: stairs, fitting around railings, irregular layouts, unusually wide or narrow rooms, or installation in other tight places. Because of the room's dimensions, ask if any seams will be needed and where they may be located to minimize or hide their appearance.
Before signing the sales contract, make sure that it includes the brand name of the manufacturer including style, color, and size of the carpeting needed for your home. It should also include total measurement and price as well as the type and grade of padding.
Before shopping for a carpet, to find a reliable company, check with your BBB for a report.
