This site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox browser.

Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2005-07-01 10:35:00

The ‘Carpet Forum ‘ - series

: We just began looking at carpeting for our home which is undergoing extensive remodeling.  We haven't looked at carpeting for several years.  Things have certainly changed.  Now, re-doing the entire house, it's going to be a pretty hefty expense.  We have only recently begun reading your articles regarding carpeting and floor covering.  They are most informative and educational.  While you may have addressed these questions in other issues, can you please take the time to bring us up to speed in these areas? 

ANSWER: Thank you for your kind words.  Some of these have been addressed before and can be found by going to http://www.theqandatimes.com/, but I am always happy to answer questions. QUESTION: Why are carpets now priced by the square foot?ANSWER: It has become the industry standard to price carpets by the square foot, since most people relate to square feet better than square yards.  Most people have a good concept of how many square feet their house is but couldn't tell you how many square yards it is.  Also, all other types of flooring such as wood, tile, laminate and vinyl have always been sold by the square foot so selling carpet by the square feet makes it easier to shop. QUESTION: What does "twist" mean?ANSWER: The best way to describe twist is for you to think of the spring in a ball point pen - the tighter you compress the spring, the more bounce there will be when it springs back. Twist is like the spring, generally, the tighter the twist; the more likely it is to "bounce back". Higher twist levels allow your carpet to maintain its original appearance longer.  QUESTION: What should I look for in selecting a carpet?ANSWER: The decorative effect of your new carpet will be an important factor in your choice. In the showroom, you will be seeking certain colors and patterns that you think will best suit your particular room and your decor. However, there are also many factors of quality to be considered. By looking at and handling samples in the showroom, and discussing them with the salesperson, you will be better able to choose the product that will most closely meet all your requirements and your pocketbook.  QUESTION: How will I know which carpet will be the best choice for my lifestyle and budget?ANSWER: The best approach would be for you to familiarize yourself with some basics about carpet construction before you go shopping. The following guidelines might help:Textured Plush is a cut pile with a textured surface that helps hide footprints and vacuum marks. Imagine your carpet still looking great between vacuuming!Frieze is a cut pile with a textured surface but is tightly twisted enough that the fibers curl a little.  Because of the high twist it is very durable carpet and represents the latest in styling.  Saxony is a cut pile which shows subtle highlights and accents, and has a luxuriously smooth, soft surface. Most often used to add a distinctive elegance to living and dining rooms.Cut&Loop adds a carved definition by combining a cut pile with a loop pile. This helps to hide soil and stains. It also hides sweeper marks between vacuuming. The multiple colored design is offered in soft tones to bold colors.Berber Loop-Pile has a natural, wool-like look which creates a warm, personal atmosphere with contemporary to country to cottage furnishings. It's tight loop texture helps to hide footprints and vacuum marks.Cut Berber has the great plush feel of thick, cut pile carpet with subtle color flecks to help hide soil that might appear between cleanings. Adds personality to any room! QUESTION: Do you have any tips to help us choose a color? ANSWER: As the two largest areas in a room, the carpet and walls control the color theme. In selecting colors, don't feel limited by the room as it is today. Aim for the right color scheme, starting off with the carpet. Paint or wallpaper is relatively inexpensive. Draperies can be easily changed, and reupholstering or covers can change the entire feel of a room.Color and texture affect the character of our rooms. Rooms that lack sunlight can be warmed and lightened with sunny yellow, apricot, or soft warm beige. Cool colors, such as blues and greens, soften or cool a room with lots of windows or a sunny exposure.Light colors generally show fewer footprints, dark colors show less soil and stains. A dull yarn will show fewer footprints, while a shiny yarn will show more highlights and accents. To minimize maintenance, light colors are best restricted to areas of the house such as formal living rooms, dining rooms, and guest bedrooms. Multiple colors and patterns in carpets are extremely effective in minimizing the effects of everyday dirt and soil.QUESTION: Why is there such a big difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive carpets? ANSWER: The price difference arises because of differences in quality, including such factors as: the fiber material of which the pile is made; the density of the pile; the length of the pile above the backing; the finished weight of the pile; the number of colors woven in, the nature of the pattern, and the degree of colorfastness; treatments applied to the fiber, to the backing or to the finished carpet to improve attributes such as fire resistance, staining resistance, and freedom from static electricity. As when buying any other product, you only get what you pay for! QUESTION: What are the most popular carpet fibers?ANSWER: Nylon is the most frequently used carpet fiber; it is exceptionally durable, versatile, and is reasonably priced. You can find nylon in a myriad of colors, and in numerous styles and textures. Polyester has good colorfastness, and is resistant to water-soluble stains. Polypropylene, also known as olefin, resists fading and stains, and generated low levels of static electricity. Polypropylene is favorably priced and can be engineered for outdoor applications. Wool is the most expensive of the carpet fibers, it is a natural fiber with a scaly character that scatters light and reduces visible soil.The performance and quality of a carpet is directly related to the amount and quality of the fiber that goes into the pile. The better the fiber and the denser it is packed, the better the carpet will perform. Thin, less dense carpet will lose its surface appearance faster. It is best to buy the highest quality you can afford.  QUESTION: Is there ever a sound case for buying the very cheapest carpets? ANSWER: Clearly some people think so, but it's doubtful if one really gets good value for money. The initial investment is less. However, one will have to replace it much sooner. On the other hand, it must be admitted that some people consider they get good value by buying cheap carpets that have poor wearing quality and replacing them quite frequently.  It may make sense if you are immediately moving and want to replace your worn out carpet with a neutral clean floor to put in a base grade quality of carpet.  This will give your home that new home look however, should not be expected to last for very long.  Also, many rental owners will put in base grade carpet because they frequently change the carpet out with new renters and don't need it to last.