Carpet Primer
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1101 -- More Projects »
Field shopper Gigi Jensen explains what to look for when purchasing carpet.
- Carpeting is a large investment, so before purchasing you need to answer the following questions:
- How will the room be used?
- In what room will it be?
- Will the room have heavy or light traffic?
- Is there a direct access to the outside?
- In areas that have heavy traffic such as stairs, hallways and family rooms, you should spend a little more. It will pay off in the long run because the carpet will look newer over a longer period of time.
- The cost of carpet is based on many factors, including fiber, construction, quality and design.
- Two other costs to remember are the cushion and installation. The cushion is a padding that is placed between the floor and the carpeting. The cushion keeps the carpeting from matting and crushing and provides comfort.
- Installation is another cost. Carpeting is definitely not a do-it-yourself project. You need a professional to install it.
- Be sure to check the wear warranty. Although wear usually isn't a problem, the longer the warranty the higher quality the carpeting. Also look for mat and crush on the warranty.
The main kinds of fibers that are used are nylon (figure A), olefin, wool and blends of each. Nylon is the most popular. Approximately 90 percent of carpeting is made out of nylon. It's strong and durable and takes die very well. It's also wear-resistant and comes in a variety of colors.
Olefin (figure B) is strong, resists wear and stains and is easily cleaned. It also resists moisture and mildew so it is often used in indoor and outdoor installations.
Wool (figure C) is the top of the line. It is soft, thick and luxurious, but the improvements in synthetic fibers and their lower costs have made this a less-popular choice. It also doesn't come in as many colors--usually just in earth tones.
Blends of wool nylon and nylon and olefin combine the characteristics of each fiber, but are very limited in color choice (figure D).Look for the wear warranty on the back carpet samples. You want something that will retain textures. On the back of the samples, there are different numbers, those numbers tell you how long the carpet will retain texture. Because carpet is a large investment, it's important to maintain it. That means keeping it clean. Dirt is what causes the fibers to mat down and cause the carpeting to look bad. Vacuuming is also very important. It is recommended that you vacuum at least twice a week. Treat spills and stains as soon as possible. Most carpeting is treated in the factory for stain resistance, and you'll usually receive a stain-cleaning kit with your carpeting purchase.Have your carpeting professionally cleaned at least every 18 months--more often than that if the carpet is heavily used.
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