At House of Floors, we want to make sure our customers have the best shopping experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect carpet for your family:
1. Determine Your Budget
Set a budget: Carpets come in a wide range of prices depending on materials, quality, and brand. An established budget will help our sales team point you in the right direction when you arrive at our showroom.
2. Consider the Material
- Carpet materials greatly impact both comfort and durability. Here are some popular options:
- Nylon: Durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. Ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s one of the most popular choices for families.
- Polyester: Soft and often comes in bright, vibrant colors. Resists stains well and can be more affordable.
- Wool: Natural, luxurious, and long-lasting. Wool is stain-resistant and maintains its appearance over time, but can be more expensive.
- Triexta: A relatively new fiber that's durable, soft, and stain-resistant, often considered a good choice for homes with pets or children.
3. Decide on Carpet Style
The texture or pile of the carpet affects both the look and feel:
- Plush: Soft and luxurious, but can shows footprints and vacuum marks more easily. Good for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
- Berber: Looped fibers, often with patterns. Ideal for high-traffic areas and usually more durable.
- Textured or Patterned: Multi-level cut and loop pile for a more casual, varied look. Great for hiding dirt and stains, making it suitable for busy households.
4. Evaluate Durability and Traffic Needs
- High Traffic: For busy areas like hallways or family rooms, opt for a more durable material with a good stain and soil warranty and a lower-pile style.
- Low Traffic: Bedrooms or areas that don’t see as much use can handle softer, plusher styles.
- Stain Resistance: If you have pets or kids, look for carpets treated with stain-resistant coatings or choose materials naturally resistant to stains like nylon or triexta.
5. Choose the Right Color
- Light colors: Can make a room feel larger and brighter, but they may show dirt and stains more easily.
- Dark colors: Great for hiding dirt, but they can make a space feel smaller or more enclosed.
- Neutral tones: Beige, taupe, gray, and other neutral shades are versatile and timeless, making them a safe choice for most decor styles.
- Patterned or textured carpets: These can help mask dirt and add visual interest.
6. Consider Carpet Padding
- The padding beneath the carpet plays a significant role in the carpet’s feel, insulation, and longevity.
- Thicker padding provides more cushioning and can extend the life of your carpet, but it can also be more expensive.
- Dense padding is important for high-traffic areas, as it will support the carpet fibers better and reduce wear.
- Water Barrier padding provides the best protection for your carpet.
- Tip: Don’t skimp on padding—cheap padding can lead to quicker carpet deterioration. At House of Floors, we only use the best padding so there isn't anything to decide!
7. Check the Carpet’s Durability Rating
- Many carpets come with durability ratings that indicate how well they’ll withstand wear, stains, and fading. Pay attention to:
- Tuft twist (fiber density): A higher twist means more durability.
- Fiber denier (thickness): Thicker fibers usually last longer.
- Stain resistance: Many carpets come with built-in stain resistance, which is helpful for areas with heavy use.
8. Installation Considerations
Professional installation: Hiring professionals ensures your carpet is installed properly, which can affect its appearance and longevity. At House of Floors, we have a dedicated installation team who's integrity and workmanship we stand by.
DIY: If you choose to install the carpet yourself, make sure you have the proper tools and experience, as it can be difficult without professional training.
9. Test Samples in Your Space
Carpet can look different in your home due to lighting and surrounding colors. We definitely encourage you to take few samples and see how they look in your home.
10. Look for Warranties
Warranty: Check for warranties that cover issues like wear, stain resistance, and fading.
11. Consider the Room's Function
- For bedrooms, luxury, softness, and comfort are key.
- For living rooms or offices, focus on durability and appearance.
- For hallways or stairs, durability and resistance to wear and tear are crucial.
- For kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, moisture resistance and easy cleaning might be your top priorities.
By considering these factors—budget, material, style, durability, and room function—you’ll be able to select a carpet that fits your needs and complements your space.
What are you waiting for? Let our sales staff at House of Floors help YOU choose the perfect carpet for your home!
House of Floors, LLC, 1560 Juan Tabo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, (505) 559-9190.
