Buying a Carpet: A Simple Guide
Carpets come in a variety of styles, colors and patterns. One important
guideline to follow when purchasing a carpet is to go for value. Avoid skimping
because when it comes to carpets and their padding, favoring quality and
durability over low price will actually save you more in the long run. Not only
that, quality carpets will last much longer and won't wear as easily as the
cheap ones.
Today's carpets are either made from nylon, polyester or olefin fiber. Because
it is the strongest fiber type, nylon is the most commonly used carpet material.
However, nylon can easily take on that faded look and appear scrubby after a
while. Thus, to make your carpet last longer, buy a carpet padding and have it
treated with stain resistant material.
How can you tell if the carpet is of good enough quality? One way is by looking
at the density of the fibers, otherwise known as piles. The closer the strands
to each other, the better. Bend a portion of the carpet and poke a finger into
the yarns to feel for the mesh underneath. The less you feel or see the mesh,
the better the quality of the carpet. Another way of appraising the carpet is
through the number of twists each inch of fiber has. The more twists, the
better.
Pile density will be an important factor for the carpet’s resistance to wear,
while the way the pile is cut is significant for the carpet’s appearance. A
luxuriant carpet that is trimmed just right can look like an evenly hued field
of velvet, and can give a room an elegantly formal look.
Carpets of saxony style pile cut are deliberately irregular, giving the space
covered a rather casual, everyday look. Frieze style carpets have knotty,
twisted piles that don’t wear easily and look even less formal.
During your shopping, pay attention to the carpet pad, and set your sights again
on quality. Paddings are almost as important as the carpet itself. They help
reduce noise and serve to cushion the step of persons as they walk about in the
room.
To sum up, quality and durability of both fiber and pad are the key traits to
look for when shopping for a carpet. You won’t want to rush the selection
process, and you don’t want to be too tight-fisted with your money because value
is what you are after. |
