Carpet Guide
From pile to padding to pricing, here's all you need to know to make those plush floors perfect
It should come as no surprise that carpeting is the top floor-covering choice in the United States. It is soft underfoot, forgiving of less-than-perfect subfloors, comes in thousands of colors, weaves and textures, dampens sounds and can be budget-friendly. The single most important thing in choosing it is to understand your lifestyle and select carpet that will stand up in places where it will get the most wear. The trick is to avoid abrupt transitions between areas. It's more pleasing to stay with a basic tone and coordinate choices for continuity in texture and pattern.
Materials
More than 90 percent of the carpeting on the market is made of synthetic fibers. Since fibers have different qualities, be sure to match the material to the wear you'll give your carpeting.
Nylon
Found in almost 75 percent of carpets, nylon is valued for its ability to spring back. Even with wear, it returns to how it's supposed to look. It also holds color well, resists stains and is easy to clean.
Polypropylene
Because it is not very resilient, this fiber most often is used in looped pile carpet, such as berbers. It is naturally stain-and fade-resistant, though it has a tendency to attract oily soils. The second leading fiber choice, it comes in a limited color range.
Polyester
Though not as resilient as nylon, polyester carpet is known for its softness, color clarity and its stain-and-fade-resistance. It is an economical choice that is used most often in thick-cut pile and textured styles.
Natural Fibers
Of the non-synthetic choices-wool, sisal, jute, sea grass, silk and cotton-wool is probably the best overall performer, offering rich color and durability. It also cleans well. However, it is the most expensive fiber.
Padding
Also called the "cushion," proper padding makes carpeting more comfortable underfoot, provides insulation and noise reduction, and prolongs carpet life. Don't go cheap just because it's hidden. Think of it as insurance that will protect your investment. All types of padding come in various densities and thicknesses, from 1/4 inch to 7⁄16 inch. Reserve thick padding for low-traffic areas, since padding that gives easily will let carpet "overflex" or bend easily, shortening its life and putting stress on the seams. Generally, high-traffic areas require thinner, denser padding. Check the manufacturer's padding recommendation for a specific carpet. If padding is included in the carpet price, consider upgrading to get exactly what you need.
Fiber
May be jute, cotton, wool, horsehair, felt or synthetic; works well beneath berber carpets, good in heavy-traffic areas.
Slab Rubber
Good for high-traffic areas, it resists crushing and indentation from furniture.
Foam
May be rebond or high-density polyurethane. Both provide good insulation and can be cushy in a bedroom.
Frothed Foam
Made of super-dense urethane, it is a very low-VOC (volatile organic compound) option that can be used under all carpet types, is long-lasting and reduces furniture indentations.
Pricing
Carpet cost generally is less than any other floor covering, but comparisons can be tricky because wood and ceramic flooring are usually quoted per square foot, not per square yard. Divide the square-yard cost by 9 to determine the square-foot price. Always confirm whether the price covers padding and installation.
Good
Up to $20 per square yard. You'll find polyester and polypropylene in cut-and-loop pile styles. Solid colors will dominate, with flecked looks and simple patterns at the upper end of the range.
Better
$20 to $30 per square yard. In addition to better polyesters, nylon, with its proven wearability, and berber styles appear in this range. Look for more color and pattern choices here as well.
Best
$40 per square yard and up. More complex nylon weaves and patterns, as well as natural fibers such as wool and silk.
Installation
Installation is best left to the pros. To ensure a precise quote, shop with a floor plan and the dimensions of your room in hand. Your salesperson should also visit your home and take exact measurements, checking subfloors, trims and site specifics. Along with the cost of the carpeting and padding, your quote should include a per-yard installation charge and fees for removing trim. Before installers arrive, you'll need to clear the rooms or arrange ahead of time to pay the installers to do it. Be sure you understand the terms of the warranty; with normal wear and care, most carpeting is guaranteed for up to 20 years.
Maintenance
• Use doormats outside your home's entrances and runners inside to help reduce soil and moisture in high-traffic areas. Clean or replace them regularly.
• Vacuum often. Tiny particles of dirt abrade and wear down the carpet pile. Vacuum at least twice a week using an upright vacuum with a beater bar.
• Keep dark colors from fading by closing draperies or blinds when sunlight beats down on the floor. Consider low-E glass or adding film to windows to reduce the harm caused by the sun's rays.
• For food and beverage stains, immediately pick up what remains of the spill and then blot (don't rub) the area. Rubbing or scrubbing will push the stain into the carpet. Use a cloth dipped into warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
• Keep all strong chemicals and bleaches away from your carpet.
• Professional cleaning using hot-water extraction can be done every 12 to 18 months to refresh the look of your carpet.
Mark Woodward, Floor Coverings International serving Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Passaic and the surrounding counties. 973-975-5446
"We bring the store to your door."
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