Tips on Buying Carpet

Need tips on buying carpet? Carpeting your home is not cheap, and it's not easy to accomplish considering how many different kinds of carpet are available. There's heavy-duty, Berber, shag, and low-pile to name a few, but there are some key tips to help you choose the perfect carpet type for your home or office.

Are you buying the right carpet?

Buying carpet doesn't need to be as intimidating as it might seem. As long as you educate yourself about your options and note key warnings and suggestions from home furnishings experts, you can't go wrong.

• Carpet nap runs in one direction, which means that footsteps and other tracks will show up in the carpet more frequently depending on the direction of the traffic. This occurs more often with plush carpet, as opposed to low-pile or stiff carpeting.

• Compare prices of carpeting to other flooring options available for the same space--you might be surprised at what you discover. While carpet appears pricey at first, it's actually quite affordable in comparison to something like tile or wood flooring.

• Be practical, even if it hurts. Write down how much wear the carpet will face:
  • Will it be in a high-traffic area?
  • How much will children and pets be a factor on the carpet?
  • What type of environment do you reside? Heavy winter snow and tropical summer rain, for example, will affect carpet in different ways.

• Carpet coloring will visually change how your room looks. Light-colored carpeting might get dirtier more quickly, but it visually enhances your space by creating the illusion of more square footage. In more intimate settings like dens or bedrooms, you might want to choose darker flooring, which can make the room look substantially cozier.

• Play it cool and get neutral carpet if you love redecorating. While that juicy orange shag is playful and super retro, will you be loving it two years down the road? By choosing something that's not the main focus of the room, you allow yourself the possibility of fun furniture, new paintings, or a brand-new set of drapes without any problems. This is a budget-friendly tip that really pays.

• Consider mixed-pile carpeting that can add depth and interest to the room without looking too over-the-top. Choose a tan "embossed" style, for example, and then pair it with jacquard pillows or rich satin throw blankets.

• Take home samples and test them with your existing decor, or bring them with you to the store when you prepare to redecorate.

Since carpeting isn't cheap, it's best to crunch the numbers first. While you can compare price per square foot, don't forget that this isn't the only cost to consider. Other costs include the following:

1. Moving Costs: You'll have to move your furniture from room to room before your carpet is installed, and some people charge for that. Be sure to ask when you're getting your quote, because the answer can significantly affect your choice of carpets, or even vendors.

2. Floor Prep: Your floor may need to be treated before the new carpet can be placed.

3. Carpet Delivery: Ask if delivery costs are included in the price, or if there is an additional charge. Be sure to find out the range of free delivery as well.

4. Padding: Are you looking for thicker padding for your carpet? You may have to pay extra for that, so be sure to ask!

5. Extras: Find out what else is possibly needed in your space to install your carpet of choice. Sometimes, there is a need to install baseboards or special stair fixtures depending on the carpet installation location.

Armed with your tips on buying carpet, you're ready to "roll" in any shop and make informed decisions. As for the color, you might want to select some swatches for a successful match--and perhaps another person as well. Most importantly, have fun on your carpet search!

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