Once upon a time, carpet was a type of flooring reserved for the uber rich. Today, it seems most homes in America have wall to wall carpeting, and the low cost and high availability seems to indicate that carpet is here to stay. However, not all carpet is created equal, so before you open up your wallet, it is crucial that you take a crash course in how to find the right carpet for your home, your budget and your lifestyle.
1. Stain Resistance. Carpet of any kind does offer several advantages, particularly for families where young children are present. Carpet is incredibly soft and padded, making it safe for kids to play on and it can even act as a noise dampener – something the neighbors always appreciate. However, carpet also has a higher level of maintenance than other types of carpet so if you do have children, you need to look into your stain resistance options. This will be a smart choice and one you will thank yourself for later.
2. Fiber denseness. Your carpet could be a tightly woven rug or a loose pile of luxurious fibers. Consider the amount of traffic that will be flowing through that room. Loose pile leaves behind footprints and although it is incredibly soft, it is also more expensive. Tight pile is best for kids or rooms where there is a lot of traffic or vacuuming.
3. Consider the padding beneath the carpet. There are several variations available in the thickness. The thicker the padding, the higher the cost. The firmness and protection for your carpet need to be considered above cost, however.
4. Find a good quality carpet installation company. Not only can you rest assured that your carpet will be installed well, but you can often find better prices and even sales that offer remnants for a bargain price. Carpet requires special skill to install, and every aspect of the installation process needs to be done precisely. When you hire professionals from a carpet store, you get better carpet and better installation – period.
5. If you or your family is prone to allergies, choose a carpet made from natural fibers such as hemp, jute, wool or cotton. These types of carpet may be a bit harder to find, but they reduce the chance of suffering from allergens and toxins by a great deal. Professional carpet companies may carry these types of carpets or can special order them and install them as well, so look into your options.