Replacing the carpets in your home can be an expensive. So, you want to be sure that: 1) You will get good value for your money and 2) that you get the type of carpet that best suits your needs. Most people tend to only look at the color or pattern of a carpet when making a carpeting choice. However, often the more important thing to consider is what the carpet is made from. If a carpet will fade in sunlight or shrink if steam cleaned has a lot to do with the type of material the carpet is manufactured from. Below is a quick buyers guide as to the most common types of material carpets are manufacture from. Each has it’s strengths and weakness. By knowing these small differences can make a big difference in how well the carpet you choose performs (and meets your needs) once installed.
Nylon Carpets
Nylon is a strong and durable material, which is why it is used in more than half of all carpets. As an added bonus, the fibers in a well-made nylon carpet are usually extremely resistant to shedding. Although slightly more expensive than polyester or polypropylene carpets, nylon carpets can last for many years before they need to be replaced.
Nylon on its own isn’t particularly stain-resistant. But, it can be treated with chemicals to reduce the chance of your beautiful new carpet being spoiled by a spilled drink or a muddy footprint. For the best stain-resistant properties, consider a polypropylene carpet.
Polypropylene Carpets
If you have had problems in the past with carpets fading in the sun, then polypropylene carpets could be just what you need. Polypropylene carpets keep their color even in strong sunlight and are also extremely good at resisting stains.
Before you rush out and order polypropylene carpet, be aware that the fibers in these carpets are not as strong as nylon fibers. They do not always recover their shape once they have been pressed down by heavy chairs or tables. If you tend to move furniture around, then you may not like how polypropylene carpets perform. If you have a room with lots of sunlight and moderate foot traffic they this may be the perfect carpet for you. Polypropylene carpets typically wear down faster than nylon carpets in high foot traffic areas. If you have lots of kids or parties, then polypropylene may not be the best choice.
If polypropylene remains the carpet of choice despite it’s limitations, then go with a high quality product. You will get more years out of your investment. Just so you know, polypropylene carpets tend to run cheaper than other types of carpeting.
Blended Carpets
Blended carpets offer the best of both worlds by combining the stain-resistant properties of polypropylene with the durability of nylon. The exact properties of the carpet will depend on how much of each type of fiber it contains. Always check with the sales person or vendor as to what kind of performance you can expect from a particular carpet blend before purchasing. Tell the vendor about how many kids you have, if you have pets, if you host many gathering and then ask about how many years service you can expect from the carpet. This also helps the sales person provide insights into which of the blended carpets would be best for your needs.
Polyester Carpets
Polyester carpets are often richly colored and luxuriously soft but not very durable as other types of carpets. Polyester carpets are therefore a good choice for bedrooms and/or home offices. They are not so good for entrance halls, dining rooms or other high foot traffic areas. A big plus for polyester carpets is that good quality polyester is easier to clean and handles basic carpet cleaning products very well.
It is hard to beat polyester carpets for colors and a luxurious feel. For households where peace and quiet in the norm, and you enjoy stretching out on the floor, polyester is a type of carpet to consider.
Wool Carpets
Wool carpets are the softest, the warmest and often the most durable type of carpeting available. They are also the most expensive. At one time wool carpets were the only type of carpets available. Wall to wall carpeting in rooms really began when the synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester became widely available.
Wool carpeting is shear luxury. If you are going with an organic look with woods and stone, it is hard to beat – and why not as wool carpeting is 100% natural. You just have to be ready to take care of this type of carpeting. Wool carpeting is susceptible to stains and fading, particularly in direct sunlight. And, you have to take care in cleaning them as some (if not most) wool carpeting will shrink if overly steam cleaned – and – harsh chemical cleaners can damage some wool carpets.
If you cannot afford wall-to-wall wool carpeting then consider having a room changed to wood flooring and add a wool area rug. This is a look and feel in many country homes. Think about it.
Of course, if you can afford wool carpeting, do your homework and make sure you are getting the best quality. There is no point in going with wall-to-wall wool carpeting only to have in fade, stain too easily, or wear out early … especially after going to the expense of installing it.
Some Quick Tips When Buying Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Naturally, with every type of carpet composition there are going to be varying degrees of quality. Make sure you check out the quality you are buying. Is the manufacturer known? Are there any guarantees? What and how is the carpet rated?
If at all possible DO NOT skimp on the padding under the carpeting. There is very cheap padding that can be used in wall-to-wall carpeting. Try and get the next grade up or higher. Why? Because padding can extend the life of carpeting. Without good (or at least reasonable) padding even good carpeting can wear out quickly. Especially in high traffic areas. Your carpeting can also better withstand cleaning with good padding.
Some merchants will sell you carpeting cheap and then make up the costs with installation. Make sure when shopping for carpeting you think in terms of a package deal: Carpeting, padding and installation. Look at the total costs before buying. In case you do not know you can get several bids from carpet installers/merchants once you decide on the type of carpeting and pad.
A poor installation can greatly reduce your wall-to-wall carpets look, feel and how well it will last. Carpeting that is not fully stretched into place can form wrinkles or waves; poorly installed seams can leave you with sections of carpet pulling apart; poorly located seams will look bad in a very short time. Make sure you only have experienced carpet installers do the carpet installation. Otherwise, that great deal on carpeting becomes money wasted.
Consider using different carpeting in different rooms: One type of carpeting in the bedrooms, another for the living room, another for the family room. This can cost you a bit more but by having the best type of carpeting in the right places can make a huge difference in how the carpeting wears over the years and can give your home a unique look.
Hopefully this quick carpeting buyers guide will save you time and money, and help you get the best carpeting installed that will serve you well for years.
