How To Buy Carpet

Purchasing a new carpet for the home or office can be a significant experience. We at Carpet Mart want to ensure your decision is as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Below, we will discuss all the necessary steps to take on how to buy carpet with us.

Purchasing New Carpet

Before settling on a new carpet, set a few reasonable expectations. You can easily change the entire feel of your house with wall-to-wall carpeting. There are many different options for carpets. Adding carpet to a home can not only change the feel of the room but also significantly impact the area's sound, look, and functionality.

You'll have a host of factors to consider when it comes to how to buy carpet. It will be imperative to do as much research as possible. One of the more pertinent questions you might want to ask yourself is "what type of carpet am I looking for?"

Choosing Your Carpet

When choosing what you need, consider the material, color, pattern or style, padding, pile type, and if warranties cover it. Carpets can come in natural materials like wool, silk, jute, and cotton and synthetic materials like polypropylene, nylon, and polyester.

When it comes to colors and patterns, you have the pick of the lot. Carpets can feature various designs, which include geometric shapes to something more abstract. The decision lies firmly in how you want to decorate the room and the purpose of the carpet.

On top of these concerns, what other practical reasons do you require the carpet? Do you need to handle heavy foot traffic or keep pets from scratching up your floor? What room or rooms will your new carpet be located?

Carpet Terms

Here are a few terms you'll want to understand when looking to buy your new carpet:

Fiber - The makeup of the carpet

Pile - Height of the fiber

Density - How close one carpet fiber is to the next; a higher density means a more durable carpet

Face Weight - Weight of the carpet per square yard

Tuft Twist - Number of times each fiber tuft is "twisted" by one inch

Texture - The look and feel of the carpet

Carpet Pile Types

There are many types of carpets, each classified by its material and how those materials are arranged. The following are the most common types of carpet piles:

Loop or Berber

Uncut fibers kept in small loops that are highly durable, stain-resistant, and great for areas with high foot traffic. The looped design is great for trapping dirt and other debris, but can easily snag or catch. Foot and vacuum impressions are not likely to show on carpets of this popular pile type.

Cut

Unlike Berber, the fibers of this pile are cut, leaving no visible loops. Instead, you receive a soft, fuzzy-like appearance on an easy-to-clean carpet.

Saxony

Pile made of straight, densely packed fibers that are uniformly cut to create a thick, soft feel. This carpet is highly durable and does not wear down through normal, consistent usage. Saxony carpet is more luxurious than your standard cut pile. Foot and vacuum marks are easily revealed thanks to its high fiber count. So it is recommended for areas with low to medium foot traffic.

Plush

Plush is similar to Saxony, only with much shorter fibers. Unfortunately, the shorter fibers enable the carpet to wear down more quickly. Best for use in low-traffic areas like bedrooms.

Frieze

A long and high tuft twist count are the primary features of a Frieze pile. The tufts are able to bend in a shag-like carpet way. This allows for the carpet to easily hide foot and vacuum marks. Its durability enables use in high-foot-traffic rooms. It's also an excellent soundproof and insulating carpet with the ability to trap air.

Textured Cut

Texture piles feature tufts cut to different lengths, removing uniformity and creating a mottled appearance. A textured cut pile carpet is durable, hides foot and vacuum lines, and is perfect for high-traffic areas.

Cut and Loop

Cut and loop pile carpeting is similar to Berber, only with cuts. Patterns will vary from uniform to random. The varying tufts and patterns make foot and vacuum lines more noticeable. Therefore, this style is not recommended for high-traffic rooms.

Padding and Cushion

Though not likely visible once the carpet is installed, carpet padding and cushion is just as important as the carpet itself. It is vital to the carpet's performance and can help improve the comfort it provides. Not only that, but proper padding can determine how insulated the room is, including how sound-absorbent the carpet will be.

Solid carpet cushions can even stop stains from reappearing and increase the carpet's life expectancy. Research padding and cushion options thoroughly to ensure they meet the needs of your room or space.

Carpet Care and Upkeep

Proper care is essential to making carpets last. No matter if you place carpet in low to high-foot-traffic areas, frequent vacuuming is necessary, as is the prompt clean-up of any spills.

Some carpets will require more upkeep than others if you hope for them to maintain their look and feel for many years. When selecting the carpet for your family home, choose a durable, stain-resistant carpet ideal for heavy foot traffic, children, and possibly pets. For homeowners with less foot traffic, something light and luxurious may fit the bill.

Before making a final carpet decision, ensure that you have the time and proper tools required for the expected upkeep. Planning ahead will help you choose the right carpet for your needs while helping maintain your warranty.

Warranty

When looking into how to buy carpet, you should thoroughly examine the warranty contract and what is expected of you to maintain it. A warranty can provide peace of mind and reassurance and indicate how well-made the carpet is.

Warranties may be limited, which can indicate that the carpet you are purchasing isn't high-quality. Carpet warranties that span a lengthy period can suggest a more durable design that is built to last.