Carpet Buying Best Practices

April 6, 2023

Picking the right carpet involves finding the perfect blend of features, appearance, performance, and budget that match your lifestyle requirements. For instance, looped Berbers and high twist friezes are ideal for areas with high foot traffic, but a sophisticated Saxony style in the same spot could display footprints.

• Seams

Available in 12', 15', and at times, 13' widths Carpet seams are essential unless your room is narrower than the above widths Seams are visible with looped or low-profile patterned carpets The seam's visibility depends on texture, color, lighting, and furniture.

• Backing and Loops

Backing may show when the carpet bends over stairs based on texture, color, and density. Looped carpet may catch at a seam or transition.

• Carpet Nap

Pile reversal or shading is typical. Consider arranging furniture and window treatments to minimize shading.

• Durability

A more excellent quality carpet equals higher pile density Better durability results from tighter twist construction Carpet is more convenient to change or update for decor than hard surface products Adds value to your home Feels cozy underfoot Reduces household noise.

• Color

Once installed, the carpet will frequently look lighter than the sample Color affects the room's apparent size Lighter-colored carpet creates an illusion of a larger space Dark carpeting brings the walls closer, producing an intimate ambiance Neutral colors are best when frequently altering decorating schemes Neutral shades are ideal for rooms with lots of existing furniture Neutral-colored high-quality carpets are perfect for resale.

• Carpet Cushion

Determines the feel of the carpet underfoot Quality helps retain its appearance Extends the carpet's lifespan and comfort Offers protection against wear and tear Sold using quality specifications, not color specifications The color of the sample in the store may not match the installed one.

• Reading the Label

Familiarize yourself with the product's specifications and warranties on the label Secure your investment today and tomorrow Understand the total cost of ownership. This is one aspect of the entire project cost Finalize the cost of the entire project to avoid budget surprises Ask for the total project cost calculation.

Potential Additional Costs:

• Furniture removal/replacement 
• Demolition/disposal of old floor covering 
• Sub-floor preparation 
• Product delivery 
• Carpet installation 
• Materials required to complete the installation besides the total project cost
• Consult the manufacturer's warranty and care guide to determine how often the carpet should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.