Whether you are building your own home, or you are about to purchase a property with more living space, carpet is likely to be your floor covering of choice. Nothing beats the softness that fitted carpet provides and with so many different types, it is important you do your research before purchasing carpet, and with that in mind, here are some aspects you need to consider when looking at carpets.
- Heavy Traffic Areas – Hallways and the living room are heavy traffic areas, therefore you want a durable carpet that will stand the test of time. Pure wool, silk & synthetics are all available and by talking to the sales staff, they can advise you on the best choice for heavy traffic areas.
- Experience the Carpet – A visit to one of the carpet stores in your area would be the best way to explore the potential that carpet offers, as you get to actually experience the carpet in a real room setting. You can never really feel a carpet until you walk on it, so you are advised to visit a showroom where they have their products displayed in rooms.
- Consider the Weight of the Carpet – Carpet face weight is determined by the weight of one square metre of pile (in ounces) and this does not include the backing, only the fibres. As a general rule, the higher the face weight, the more durable the carpet, and while the face weight is an indication of quality, there are other factors to consider, such as fibre twist, fibre type and carpet style.
- Measure the Area Prior to Visiting a Carpet Showroom – When looking at carpets, each will have a price per square metre and it is only by measuring your flooring that you can calculate the cost. It isn’t easy to calculate the amount of carpet you will need, so you are advised to hand your measurements to the salesperson. One must take into account the roll width, the direction of the pile and a few other considerations, and even when the salesperson has calculated on your behalf, this is merely for pricing and should you make a purchase, they would send an expert to your home who would take very precise measurements for fitting.
- Don’t Forget Carpet Underlay – The carpet will need a suitable material for underlay and that would depend on the substrate, which should be something the experts recommend. Underlay is essential as it maintains the carpet and prevents moisture from rising up, while also adding softness.
- Professional Installation – No matter how tempting it might seem to DIY your fitted carpet, there is a reason why we have professional carpet fitters, and they have both the experience and the tools to fit a carpet correctly. A poorly fitted carpet just doesn’t feel right underfoot and movement is likely to occur, and for what it costs, it is wise to have the carpet fitted by the supplier.
If you follow the above advice when shopping for carpet, the chances are you’ll be happy with the outcome.
