Our Guide To Carpet

One of the biggest phrases we hear, and say, when we’re showing homes is, “It just needs new carpet.” Yes, it’s true.  It just needs new carpet.  Replacing carpet is mostly non-issue when it comes to buying a home.  It’s fairly easy to rip out the old carpet and install the new–but what most fail to realize is the complexity of carpet.  So often we get new home owners asking us our thoughts on carpet, so we’re giving our guide here:

Ask yourself a few questions: 

Is it carpet for a high- or low-traffic area? Is it a well-used space where the kids and the dog hang out, or for a room used on occasion? This will help you determine the durability of material you need or if you need a texture or pattern to hide mishaps.  High- or low-pile? Typically, carpets with high pile are more plush and comfortable, while carpets with low pile wear better.

How much are you willing to spend? Purchase the best carpeting you can afford.  You’ll only be hurting yourself in the long run when you have to replace it sooner than you expected.

Consider your material options: 

Natural fibers: Choosing this material is a great way protect indoor air quality.  Synthetic fibers, or man-made fibers, tend to let out a small amount of off-gas.  Natural fibers typically wear well, though can be more expensive than synthetics.  Be careful, inexpensive, or poorly made natural fiber carpets can fade if placed in rooms with sunlight streaming through doors or windows.

Silk-wool blend: There’s a reason wool has been used for centuries–it’s durable.  Silk is soft and luxurious for under the feet, though it’s also expensive.  Blend the two, and you get the durability of the wool mixed with beautiful color and vibrancy of silk.

Sisal: The natural irregularity of sisal carpet can add warmth, texture and interest to a living space.  With heavy spills, it can be difficult to clean, making it the less ideal choice in a space with active children.

Sea grass: Is popular for it’s textured variances and basketweave patterns.  It’s usually less expensive than sisal but still not the easiest to clean.

Synthetic fibers: Most carpeting is made of synthetics and comes in every color under the sun coupled with an equally vast array of patterns.  Synthetic carpet can also be produced to look like natural fiber-carpets, giving you the best of both worlds with it’s durability and aesthetic appeal.

Nylon: This is probably the material we recommend most for areas with high traffic and active children.  This synthetic material is one of the most resilient and easily cleaned materials, though is typically the most expensive of the synthetics.

Polyester: Soft, partially resilient to stains, and comes in every color imaginable.  It’s less resilient than some of the others, meaning it can become matted over time.

Padding: Consider the padding in terms of density.  Most carpet manufacturers use a 40-ounce lining material.  Depending on your needs, you may need to consider other density options or soundproofing, especially if the carpet is going on a floor other than the first or ground floor.

Look for carpet manufacturers that have their own installers, rather than subcontractors.  This means the manufacturer will be accountable for the quality of the work that is being done.

Costs: The cost of carpet varies depending on the quality of material and local costs of labor for removing and/or installing carpet.

Basic wool can run you $6 to $12 per square foot for material.  Typically, the higher the pile, the higher the price.  Add a couple dollars per square foot for carpeting with more complex patterns.

Add $1-$2 per square foot for padding, and an additional $1-$2 per square foot for installation.

Expect lead times to be about four to six weeks from the date of deposit to the date of installation.  If it’s in stock, lead times could be as short as a week.