SHOPPING FOR CARPET
Do you know what to look for in a carpet? Beyond, of course, “Does it match my couch?” and “Can I get grape juice stains out of it?” There are actually several important things to consider — so here’s a checklist to make buying the right carpet a little easier. If you have a good idea of what you need before you shop, you’ll save a lot of time and effort.
How will the carpet be used?
Formal or informal area?
Plush or velvet carpets look formal, however, they show footprints and traffic. Textured carpets (either looped or cut pile) look more informal and are better able to withstand wear.
How much traffic will it receive?
This is where “pile” is important. Upright tufts of a carpet form the wearing surface of a carpet or rug (called “pile”) — they can either be cut, looped or a combination of the two. Deep pile tends to wear better than short pile. Multi-level pile tends to wear better than one-level cut pile. A loop or twisted pile will retain its appearance better than cut pile of the same quality in heavy traffic areas.
Is it near an entrance where dirt could be tracked in?
This could affect your stain-resistance and colour choices (see below).
Will it be exposed to direct sunlight?
Look for ultraviolet-light-resistant or nonfading carpets.
What performance issues do you want the carpet to solve?
Stain resistance
Look for carpets that are chemically treated to resist water and soiling.
Antistatic properties
Acrylic or olefin (polypropylene) fibres offer lower static levels.
Track or footprint resistance
Level-loop piles like berbers are tightly twisted and hide vacuum marks and footprints. Cut-pile carpets such as saxony and frieze (fre-zay) also have a textured, informal appearance that minimizes footprints.
What colour carpet do you want?
Darker colours
Tends to make a room feel smaller and cozier. Shows lint and dust but hides dirt.
Lighter colours
Makes a room seem larger. Disguises lint and dust but shows dirt
Medium colours/tweeds/textures
Helps disguise stains or soiling in high-traffic areas.
*Tip: Take swatches to the showroom with you (of the paint on the walls, furniture upholstery, window treatments, etc.). Bring carpet samples home and look at them during the day and the evening, in natural light and artificial light, before you make a decision.
How much carpet do you need?
What is the size of the room?
To get a rough idea of the amount of carpet you’ll need, multiply the length (in feet) of the room by its width (in feet) to determine the square footage. For square yardage, divide that figure by 9. Add 10 percent to account for irregularities (halls, closets, seams, pattern matching). Keep in mind that a professional will probably be able to get a more accurate measurement because of his or her experience with complex rooms, seams, sizes, etc.
What’s your budget?
How long do you plan to keep the carpet before you replace it?
Consider buying the highest-quality carpet you can afford for high-traffic areas, in order to get the longest life. Save medium-grade/lower-cost carpet for areas with less traffic, such as bedrooms or guest rooms.
Is that estimate complete?
Make sure it includes carpet, padding, installation and any other concerns (for example, carpet disposal or furniture moving).