A walk through the basics of choosing the perfect floor covering.
Carpet tends to be underfoot and out of mind. But when it's time to choose a new one, all thoughts turn to the floor. Here are the pros and cons of common carpet styles and fibers as well as a translation of some showroom lingo.
The carpets here can be installed wall to wall or ordered in a specific size with bound edges to be used as an area rug -- a good solution for large or oddly shaped rooms. (Specialty area rugs, such as Orientals, have their own considerations and are not included here.)
One of the first choices to make is between tufted and woven construction. Most carpets are tufted, consisting of rows of machine-punched yarns held together by adhesive and a backing. They generally last between five and seven years. Woven carpets, made on a loom, are known for their long life span -- 20 to 30 years. You'll pay significantly more for the higher quality. Most of the styles and fibers listed here are used for both woven and tufted carpet. So start looking -- and you're on your way to kicking off your shoes.
Get in the Loop
Identifying styles of pile -- the yarn that makes up a carpet -- becomes easy when you see samples up close. Pile is sheared for "cut pile" or left intact for "loop pile". A combination is called "cut-and-loop pile."
Dive into the Pile
Seeing and touching carpet samples will drive home their differences -- and your preferences. Pile heights include short velvet piles and longer plushes; deeper pile has a more luxurious feel, but short pile tends to be easier to care for. A carpet label is required by law to list fiber content and country of origin; some will include additional helpful details.
The Next Steps
As you shop, take the opportunity to ask questions, read labels, and find out how to install and maintain the carpet you buy.
Price and Particulars
Bear in mind that carpet is often priced per square yard, not square foot. (To calculate the price per square foot yourself, divide the price per yard by nine.) Be aware, too, that when you look at a carpet sample, the color might differ slightly from what would be delivered to your home. Consider asking for a roll-cut sample -- a piece of carpet cut from the lot you would actually purchase. This is particularly helpful when it comes to fibers with a tendency to fade, such as sisal or jute.
Padding
The pressure a carpet withstands results in crushed pile and ground-in dirt. Some of that can be alleviated by padding, which also absorbs sound. Not all paddings are suitable for all carpets, so ask before you buy. For instance, "hard" carpet, including those made from most plant fibers, can be damaged by ultra-cushiony padding (the space it creates invites shoe heels to puncture the carpet).
Installation
"Installing" an area rug is easy -- just be sure to lay down the proper padding first. But wall-to-wall can be quite tricky. To make sure carpet stays put and the seams are inconspicuous, leave the job to professionals. For large rooms, ask your retailer if the carpet you're buying will "seam well." No seam is invisible, but some carpets disguise them better than others.
Maintenance
Before cleaning, check the manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning methods for carpet vary by fiber, but a weekly once-over using a vacuum with good suction and a rotating head keeps many carpets looking their best. (For delicate carpets, such as hand-woven or hand-tufted, use a vacuum without a rotating head.) A professional can steam-clean synthetic and wool carpet, if needed.
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