Carpet Buying Guide

If you're in the market for new carpet but you're not sure where to start, a carpet buying guide is a must. Find out more about the types of carpet, the rooms they're best for, and more.

Not all colors and types of carpet are created equal. Some may say to just "choose what you like" or "choose what fits your personality" but unless you want to deal with the potential buyer's remorse, it's best to dig a bit deeper than that. Consider:

• How much traffic will be in the area?
• What types of activities will happen in the room you wish to carpet?
• How big is the room and how will that mesh with the cost per square foot of the type carpet you have in mind?
• Do you frequently like to paint/redecorate?
• How long do you want it to last?
• What type of padding will you need under the carpet? Will it be feasible to opt for more padding and less expensive carpet, or do you need the durability of the actual carpet to get the longevity you require?

Once you find the best price on the carpet you like, have the vendor send someone out to measure the area you'll be covering. You may want to measure the room ahead of time so that you can get "real" costs in mind as you compare carpets.

Unless you're comparing apples to apples in your carpets (which is sometimes hard to do), it may come down to a choice between slightly lower quality for a much lower price overall, a color that isn't exactly what you had in mind that costs much less than the "perfect" one, and so on. It's safest, though, to have a professional come out and measure the room before you sign any paperwork.

• Home Depot
• Lowe's
• Local carpet specialty stores
• Showrooms

Consider a store's selection, whether or not they charge for the in-home estimate, and what their labor costs are when the time comes to do the installation.

Remember that you don't have to get the carpet, the installation, and the padding all from one place. You can shop around. What looks like a great deal initially when you start pricing carpets may end up being a not so good deal when you factor in labor costs.

Also, when you buy your carpet, make sure to carefully inspect the warranty. Some require you to have your carpets professionally cleaned after a certain number of months. You could unknowingly void your warranty by neglecting a small detail in the agreement. The warranty is an important part of your carpet buying experience, so read all of the fine print before making a commitment.

Nylon is a good choice if you're carpeting a heavy traffic area. It stands up to wear and tear like no other fiber, it's hard to damage, and comes in many colors.

Soft Nylon resembles wool, but for a much smaller price (though it costs more than regular nylon). This isn't the most durable carpet on the market, but if you're dying for wool and can't afford it, it's worth a look.

Wool carpet is incredibly expensive. You have to have an expert come in and clean it when it's time, so saving money with DIY kits is out of the question. On top of all that, it's hard to keep clean.

Polyester is not recommended for high traffic areas simply because it becomes matted easily and looks worn though it is easy to clean. The price is often fairly low and the fibers are soft, but you may be disappointed after a few months of wear in a hallway or living room, for example. "PET" polyester is made from recycled plastic.

Olefin is another nearly indestructible carpet fiber, similar to nylon. It doesn't easily stain as long as it's treated beforehand, but if you do manage to get it dirty, it will be hard to clean. It also flattens out easily. Carpets with loops are typically made from olefin, such as Berber.

Cotton is best when used for small area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpeting because it absorbs moisture, flattens quickly, and stains easily.

Berber is a carpet made up of tightly aligned loops, giving it a tight, uniform appearance. It's great for areas that will be used by individuals in wheelchairs because it's dense and flat, but not so great for those with kids or pets because it tends to snag. The smaller the loops, the better it will look after daily wear.

Cut Pile Berber combines the multi-colored look that's common in Berber with the look of plush carpet (there are no loops).

Frieze is great for areas with lots of traffic (hallways, living rooms, etc) and the tufts appears twisted. This is a very durable, long-lasting type.

Saxony resembles plush as well, but it has a more rugged appearance. You can see each tuft well.

Sculptured combines looped and non-looped tufts in more than one shade. It was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

Plush is one of the most common types of carpet in places of residence. The tufts are all the same length so it has a flat appearance, and it wears well.

Textured Plush is similar to plush, but all of the tufts are not the same length and it is often made from different shades of yarn, giving it an interesting look overall.

Refer to carpet buying guides before making your purchase so that you can get the most for your money.

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