Whether you are moving into a new home or you are redecorating your old one, choosing the right carpet can be tricky. You have to take into consideration a variety of factors, such as type of fibre, colour, traffic in the house, easiness of cleaning, whether there are pets or small children in the house.
There are extremely many choices and that can be a bit overwhelming. But hopefully, after reading this article, you will find it easier to pick the perfect carpet for your home.
1. Durability
Buying a new carpet can be pricey so you want to make sure you get the best value for your money. It practically goes without saying that because of the volume of traffic using this room, the carpet needs to be durable. Loop pile carpets are the most durable because there are no open ends, making it less likely to pull or shed. Nylon, Olefin (polypropylene), and wool resist wear and tear much better than other fibers, like acrylic and polyester.
Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Also, it’s perfect for heavy traffic in hallways and stairs and ideal for stain removal.
Wool is preferred for its natural beauty. Wool carpet has natural soil resistance qualities, but is not inherently stain resistant. It looks good for a long time and is well constructed, but any type of spills and stains should be removed as soon as they occur.
Polyester is exceptionally soft and has natural stain resistant qualities. Polyester is not as resilient as nylon but thanks to advancements in yarn processing, polyester carpets now perform much better than older polyester carpets.
Loop carpet has yarns that are looped and uncut on the carpet surface. The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has strength and soil hiding capabilities. This style is ideal for heavy traffic areas. Loop carpet can take lots of abuse and is great for use in kids’ rooms and family rooms. The shadings in this carpet will resist traffic patterns while making colors appear deeper and richer. That means, you won’t have to vacuum every time your carpet gets walked on.
2. Colour
The colour of your carpet is very much a personal choice and depends to a great extent on your décor. Also other important factors are how you intend to use the room, the amount of natural light that enters the room, even the colour of your pets so as not to show up too much pet hair.
When you have small children, getting a cream carpet may prove to be a bad idea as all the spills and stains will be obvious. Using a stain protector on carpet may be a good idea especially if the carpet is light in colour. Bold colour choices can be fun but they can be outdated soon. Neutral-coloured carpets, including beige and gray, don’t go out of style. Warm colours, such as beige or red, create a cosy ambiance and hide stains.
Always ask for carpet samples of each color you’re considering. Try to get the biggest samples available, and take them home to examine them in natural light before you buy. Keep in mind that sun exposure can fade colored carpeting, so choose fade-resistant products if your carpet will be in direct sunlight
3. Ease of cleaning
Having flooring that is easy to clean will make life in your house much less anxious. Consider a carpet that features a lifetime stain warranty. For best possible peace of mind, look for a carpet that has a “no exclusion” policy—meaning that substances commonly excluded from most stain warranties (such as pet accidents or bleach) are fully covered. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly and once per year a carpet cleaning company should deep clean them.
Always ask a salesperson about cleaning and maintenance requirements before you commit to buying. Find out how often you’ll need to clean and what special equipment or products the manufacturer recommends. Skip carpets with extensive maintenance requirements unless you have the extra time to perform these tasks.
The type of material and carpet style you choose can also have a major impact on maintenance. Pick textured rugs to conceal footprints and vacuum cleaner tracks.
4. Padding
Just as a building needs a solid foundation, carpeting relies on a layer of padding for support, strength and a bit of extra cushioning. You can’t see the padding, but you’ll definitely spot the extra wear and tear on your new carpet if you pick an inadequate padding material. onsult your carpet manufacturer for padding recommendations and advice. Typically, high-traffic areas require firm, dense padding, while guest bedrooms and other light-traffic rooms may need less protection.
5. Pick your supplier carefully
There are many carpet fitting companies on the market. Before picking the one that’s right for you, make sure they will rise up to your expectations. Checking their reviews or asking people for opinions about their work is a good starting point. Don’t be afraid to ask for as many details and help as you need, as the suppliers have a lot of expertise in working with various types of carpet. If a supplier asks for an outrageous price it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get the best carpet. So make sure to ask for different quotes, but make sure you compare them based on same type of carpet and quality level.
No one said choosing the best carpet is going to be easy, but if you pay attention to all the criteria above when shopping around, it will definitely be worth it.
