Carpet | Before You Buy

Choosing the best carpet is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget to best meet the needs of your lifestyle. For example, looped Berbers and high twist friezes perform wonderfully in high traffic areas in your home, but an elegant Saxony in the same area may show footprints.

Seams

• available in 12', 15' and sometimes 13' widths
• carpet will be seamed unless room is narrower than above widths
• seams visible with looped or low-profile patterned carpets
• degree of visibility depends on texture, color, lighting and furniture

Backing and Loops

• backing may show when carpet bends over stairs depending on texture, color and density.
• looped carpet can snag at a seam or transition

Carpet Nap

• pile reversal, or shading, is a normal
• consider window treatments and furniture placement to minimize

Durability

• higher quality carpet = greater pile density
• tighter twist construction results in better durability
• easier to replace or update décor with carpet rather than hard surface products
• adds value to any home
• feels warm underfoot
• reduces household noise

Color

• once installed it will often look lighter than the sample
• color affects the apparent size of the room
• lighter colored carpet visually expands the size of the room
• darker carpeting brings the walls closer together, creating intimate feelings
• neutral colors are best for frequently changing the decorating schemes
• neutrals are good for rooms with a lot of existing furniture
• neutral colored, good carpet is good for resale

Warranty

• check warranty for stains
• stain protection is an important consideration
• carpet products have with different stain protection levels
• warranties help guard against stains
• with quality comes increased stain protection and warranty coverage
• it is important to understand what is covered by the warranty

Carpet cushion

• determines how a carpet feels underfoot
• not just about feel
• quality helps preserve the look
• can extend the life and comfort
• provides protection against wear and tear
• sold using quality specifications, not color specifications
• color of the sample in the store may not be the same as installed

Reading the label

• become familiar with product specs warranties on the labels
• protect your investment today and tomorrow

Know the entire cost of ownership

• this is one component of the entire project cost
• ensure there are no budget surprises with final cost
• ask for the total cost of the project to be calculated

Potential additional expenses:

1. Furniture removal/replacement
2. Demolition/disposal of old floor covering
3. Sub-floor preparation
4. Product delivery
5. Carpet installation
6. Materials required to complete the installation

In addition to the total project cost, be sure to also consult the manufacturer's warranty and care guide for directions on how frequently the carpet should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.