I am overwhelmed: How to select carpet.
EDUCATION
Carpet is honestly one of the least expensive flooring options available. With this being said, it doesn’t mean there are few options and its and simple as 1, 2 3…just pick one. While it is most affordable, it is still an investment that should be considered before making a selection. If you opt for wall to wall carpet…just like hardwoods you will see it daily. I have put together a combination of my thoughts homeowners should know about before using carpet in their home.
There are many different material choices for carpet. Natural and man made. I will be speaking on the more common and attainable(synthetic) options.
Nylon is often the first fiber that most consumers think of. Nylon has proven itself over and over again. You’ve heard you get what you pay for? While it is often considered the most desired synthetic fiber…its going to best the most expensive.
Polyester comes next. Less expensive and durable. Because polyester tends to accepts dye very well…you will be able to find bold rich and striking colors. Let’s not forget that polyester is naturally stain resistent.
Olefin (polypropylene) is actually one of the least expensive options. This fiber tends to hold up very well to foot traffic—when used in a level berber loop pattern.
Frieze you say?
There are 2 loops or styles of carpet that tend to be affordable and desirabale.
Berber carpet is offered at lower price points are still fairly durable. Berber often cost less because of the olefin fiber content and the production process. All styles of carpet start out as looped. For cut-piles, the tips of the loops are sheared off. Obviously, Berbers do not need to undergo this step of the process, so they are less costly to produce.
Why are Berbers considered to be so durable? It is because the strongest part of a fiber is the side, rather than the top. When a fiber is looped around, it is the side of the fiber that is exposed to foot traffic (because the “ends” are tucked into the backing). Therefore, you are always walking on the strongest part of the fiber.
Frieze is another hardy style of carpet that will generally offer good durability at a lower price. Friezes consist of longer fibers that feature a high twist level which increases the fiber strength. Additionally, because the fibers are longer, they tend to lean over to the side. This means that much of the foot traffic occurs on the side of the fibers, which, as we just learned, is a good thing.
How can I save a little money? How is your buying power? Will you purchase 1800 square feet this year of 700,000 square feet of carpet? What are you asking? Listen. Buying power is real. Whenever possible buy what is in stock. You will never get better pricing when you special order anything when it comes to renovations, furniture, or design. If you don’t see it on the floor…ask to walk the warehouse. I promise! You will save a lot of money.
Shop local
Don’t assume the large national chains have the best prices or more options…its not always true. I have learned many times that there are many mom and pop flooring companies and carpet stores that can beat the prices and customer service levels of any national big box store. More often, these stores have been in business for a long time and have amazing location relationships with the mills directly. Ready to roll out the “red” carpet? Look around a local carpet showroom.
Upgrade the padding
You want me to pay for what? Yes… I want you to pay more for the padding than the carpet itself. Trust me… you will thank me. Most often, quality padding can make a lower priced carpet perform much better. When you are selecting your padding, I highly suggest that you purchase the best padding you can comfortably afford. Be careful that your big box store isn’t over selling. You don’t have to purchase the most expensive. I highly recommend that you purchase a minimum density of 8 pounds and 3/8” thickness.
This is a very quick overview of carpet as an affordable flooring option an how to maximize your budget.
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