Choose Your
Style by Kathy Scott
Carpet has become one of the nation’s most popular
floor coverings because it provides additional
insulation, reduces sound and gives off an appearance
of comfort and warmth. Today, carpet is made from
a variety of products and is easier to care for
with most lines offering soil, stain, odor and
static resistant options.
Carpet is a big decision for most homeowners,
especially given the fact that it will likely
remain in the home for a decade or more. Home
improvement pro Bob Vila [www.bobvila.com] suggests
homeowners spend a little time planning before
venturing out to purchase any carpet.
“Once you decide to purchase carpeting for your
home, let common sense be your guide,” says Vila.
“Select a carpet that is made for the traffic
and activity level of your home, set it on padding
that works, keep it clean and soil-free, and you
will have a product that will enhance your home
for years to come.”
Homeowners can narrow down the decision making
by taking into account the different types of
carpet available. In an industry that once offered
only a limited number of colors and quality grades,
carpet manufacturers now provide a vast array
of patterns, designs, weights, colors and textures
to suit any homeowner’s preference. Prices can
vary from $5 to $50 per square yard.
Cut pile carpet has a plush appearance which happens
when the fiber loops making up the carpet are
cut on the top. Saxony, velvet/plush, texture,
and frieze all fall into the cut pile category.
The first two – saxony and velvet/plush – while
beautiful are not considered great options for
high traffic areas because they are prone to showing
footprints and vacuum marks. Textured carpeting
hides traffic patterns by using multi-colored
fibers that act as a camouflage. Frieze has short,
highly twisted fibers, almost a short cut version
of yesterday’s shag. Its short fibers curl in
many directions when crushed, disguising any crushed
areas or marks.
Cut and loop pile carpeting uses both cut and
looped fibers and is characterized by a sculptured
or textured effect created by several different
yarn levels. This type of carpet hides dirt and
traffic marks and is available in several styles.
Level loop pile carpet weaves even loops of fiber
into the carpet backing at both ends and can be
created with high or short loops. Berber is the
most recognized form of this type of carpeting
which is made up of short densely packed loops
making it difficult for dirt and particles to
filter into the yarns. Higher loops can create
a nearly opposite appearance to Berber, looking
more lush and comfortable.
Multi-level loop pile is made up of two to three
different loop heights, giving off a more textured
appearance that also works well in high traffic
areas.
Once the type of carpet is determined, buyers
then choose the weight, quality and color. “Carpet
quality is judged by density and pile,” says Vila.
“The densest carpets are packed with fiber per
square inch. So, the denser the pile, the better
the carpet.”
Padding and installation are other things to consider
when purchasing a carpet. Ask the salesperson
what kind of pad the manufacturer suggests for
your choice of carpet. Most retailers price carpet
with installation included. Homeowners should
expect to pay about an additional $1 per square
yard if old carpet needs to be ripped up and disposed
of properly.
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