Want Floor Covering Options? We’ve Got You Covered

The primary element of all carpet is its fiber. Five basic fiber types are used in todays carpeting. Nylon, the most popular, is chosen for its resistance to wear, soils and stains, its radiant color, and its good performance in high-traffic areas. Nylon is the best fabric out there regarding performance and cleanability, says Tad Provence, owner of The Floor Gallery & Interiors in Atlanta.

Some manufacturers are working to improve the strength of nylon. StainMaster, Wear-Dated and Anso have branded nylons, which is a higher-quality nylon, says Andy Brumlow, director of merchandising for Carpets of Dalton. Duponts Tactesse is a sturdier nylon but with a softer feel, he says.

Another popular fiber, olefinor polypropylenealso stands up well against wear and stains, and it resists static electricity, moisture and mildew. Olefin commonly is used for Berber carpets. It is easily cleaned and maintains its brilliant color and resists water-soluble stains.

Plush-cut pile is a smooth, level texture that produces a formal look. Plush carpets show wear a little sooner, but only whats to be expected, says Elisabeth Stubbs, co-owner of Enhance Floor Trends in Marietta. Saxony-cut pile also is a smooth, level texture, but the tufts are twisted to create a less formal look. Friez??-cut pile features very twisted tufts, which create a curly texture. Friez?? is more casual in nature, Stubbs says.

Level-loop pile consists of even loops that result in an informal look. Many Berber carpets have this level-loop pile texture. Berbers are still good and strong, Provence says. Similar to level-loop pile, multi-level-loop pile features loops at different heights, which create patterns. Finally, cut-and-loop pile is a mixture of both cut and looped yarn.

First, consider the lifestyle you and your family have. Are you active and on the go all the time? Do you spend a lot of time at home? Do you entertain a lot? Do you have time to properly maintain your carpet? How long do you plan to keep the carpet?

Second, examine the room where the carpet will go. How do you use this room? Is it a high-traffic area? Does it receive a lot of direct sunlight? Will there be pets in the room? Does it have outside access?

These questions will address the function of your carpet. For example, if youre shopping for carpet for your family room, which has access to the backyard, a highly durable nylon or olefin carpet that will stand up under high traffic may suit you best. Get a product engineered to meet traffic use, Provence says. These carpets also will provide resistance to food stains and dirt tracked in from outside. However, if youre shopping for carpet to go in a formal living room, a polyester carpet may provide the lush, elegant look you want.

Color also comes into play when children and pets are involved. While darker colors may hide food or soil stains better, there are some lighter colorssome with color specks in themthat also hold up well under stains. If there are pets in the home, take the pets coloring into consideration. Keep in mind dark colors will show light pet hair and light colors will show dark pet hair.

Determine your price
Of course, budget always plays a role in making any purchase. However, given the extremely vast choice of products in the carpet marketplace today, finding a carpet to meet your budget could not be easier. The key is to find a carpet that meets your needs, then search for one in your price range.

Support needed
Although you cant see it once the carpet is installed, the right pad is vital to the carpets performance. A poor pad can make even the best carpet seem second-rate. When shopping for carpet padding, make sure it complements the carpet itself. If you choose a cut pile, a high-level loop, or cut and loop carpet, you will need a thick, firm cushion. Low-pile carpets, such as Berber, require a thin, dense cushion.

In general, there are three main types of carpet pads. A very popular pad, rebond, or reconditioned foam, is available in different thicknesses and densities. It usually is measured by density (pounds by cubic feet). There is a general misconception that a thicker pad is better, Brumlow says. However, -inch is the recommended thickness, he says. The general rule of thumb is, the higher density, the better the pad. For rebond pads, the most common densities are 6 pounds and 8 pounds. Usually, manufacturer warranties require a 6-pound pad, Stubbs says.

Rubber pads are more plush and higher-end than rebond pads. Carpets of Dalton, for example, sells Blue Velvet, a rubber pad made especially for the store. This is a 20-pound pad and usually costs $1 more per square yard than rebond, Brumlow says. Fiber pads, similar to horsehair, generally are used for commercial applications.

Find out how much experience the installer has and if he or she is certified by the Certified Floorcovering Installers. While this is not a mandatory certification, the organization is widely respected in the flooring industry. A lot of manufacturers work with the CFI program, Provence says.

Also, make sure the carpet is power-stretched in. This gets more wrinkles out, Stubbs says. During installation, watch for seam placement. Keep seams out of heavy traffic areas, parallel to light and under furniture, Stubbs says. Berber shows seams more than any other carpet.

Keep it up
Like many other home-improvement products, carpet is benefiting from modern technology. With protectants such as StainMaster and ScotchGuard now commonplace on many carpets, cleaning and removing soil and stains is relatively easy. Most spills today are food and beverage, and we get outstanding results, Provence says. However, homeowners should still take steps to keep their carpets healthy. As always, regular vacuuming keeps dirt out of the fibers, preventing long-term damage. If done correctly, you cant overvacuum or overclean carpet, Stubbs says.

Also, a professional cleaning about every 18 months is recommended to remove deep-down soil that consumer vacuums and carpet cleaners cant reach. Look for a company that performs steam cleaning or hot-water extractions. However, make sure your carpet is left damp, not wet, to prevent mold and mildew. Many carpet manufacturers recommend dry-cleaning your carpets to prevent them from rotting over time. The most important part is the person doing the work, Stubbs says. Make sure he or she has the right chemicals and good equipment.

Also, consider the function and placement of an area rug when determining what type and style to purchase. A highly durable rug with a flower design would work well in a hallway or on a staircase, while a wool rug would add a luxuriously soft touch to a formal dining room. Rugs are the finishing touch in completing your decorating look, Stubbs says. However, although it adds a decorative element to the room, dont be afraid to use your rug. Its made to walk on, Pirouz says. The more you use it, the better it looks.

Noor Nusseini, manager of Bijar Oriental Rugs in Atlanta, also says hes seeing a change in color for Oriental rugs. Color schemes are changing toward more light colors, he says. Manufacturers are producing rugs that are old designs in lighter colors.

Fiber flexibility
Like carpet, rugs contain fibers, which play a role in their appearance and performance. There are 10 common fibers, five being the same as carpet: nylon, olefin, polyester, wool and acrylic. Rugs also come in cotton, which offers a soft surface that is easily cleaned. Both hemp and jute are durable, but jute is not stain- or moisture-resistant. Its best to avoid using jute rugs in areas where frequent spills occur (like kitchens) and where moisture is present (like bathrooms), Inal says.

If you cant find a rug exactly like you want, you may want to have one custom made. Lamont Walston, owner of LaNique Designs at Southlake Mall, says he can create whatever the client wants. You can combine different types of materials, he says. It can be installed like regular carpet or can be an area rug. It can be done as a wall hanging.