Choosing a carpet can be quite a confusing experience. So many styles, colours, grades and shades – it’s often difficult to know where to start.
The following information may help with working out a carpet solution as it gives an overview of the different types and construction of carpets, the materials used and the usability in different locations. It also provides an opportunity for you to check your own needs against the various types of carpets.
At the outset, the first question to ask is where will the carpet be laid? Will it be in a family home, office or in a rental property? On average, carpets should last around ten years, but that is variable depending on usage, the quality of the carpet and care and maintenance.
A commercial carpet will not only need to be able to take heavy traffic, but should be stain resistant and easy to clean, as well as meeting safety and fire rating requirements. Loop pile carpet which has an uncut, continuous loop of fibre is durable and harder wearing, with carpet tiles another good option as they can be lifted and cleaned easily, easily installed and cut to fit angular spaces with limited wastage.
For a rental property, a commercial grade synthetic carpet is a practical, easy to clean, durable option that won’t break the bank. When it comes to home carpeting, there are a myriad options – and the choice will depend on various factors including durability, location (ie stairs, entrance ways, kids playrooms etc), interior decor styles, pets and of course, budget.
A number of different materials are used in carpet construction including wool and blends of wood and nylon, synthetics such as nylon and polypropylene and natural fibres such as sisal, grass, jute and hemp. They can be cut pile or loop pile carpets, or a combination of the two giving a textured effect. No one material is ‘better’ than another, but there are certain types that are more suited for certain applications.
You may want to think about the following when selecting a carpet :
Ø What kind of foot traffic will be using the carpet?
Ø Where is it going to be installed?. Hallways and passages take more traffic and if it’s near an external door, it could be subjected to extra dirt and grime.
Ø Carpets will be graded according to how durable they are and how suited they are to various environments – the carpet supplier will assist with understanding the different classifications.
Ø If the carpet is going into an office, check its compliance with safety regulations.
Ø Consider the interior decoration. Would a textured carpet look best, a plain monochrome one or a patterned carpet?
Ø If the carpeting is to go on stairs, remember that they take an extra heavy burden.
Ø Will there be children, pets, elderly people walking on the carpet ?. If yes, then issues such as non-slip surfaces, cushioning in the event of a fall, pet hair (light hairs can be seen clearly on dark carpets) and frequency of spills and stains need to be considered.
Ø The size of the area (large or small) and it an unusual shape ? (ie what about wastage?).
Ø Are you looking for a carpet that feels thick and soft underfoot or something more durable and hardwearing?
Ø Lighting can also make a difference. The colours can change under different lights so it’s always worth asking for a take-home sample before making any decision. Also remember that carpet is a dyed textile and can be affected by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heaters, cleaning agents etc.
Ø With a plush carpet where the tufts have been cut to give a smooth and luxurious finish, the carpet can have a look of different ‘shades and hues’ where different levels of pressure have been applied, – and this is part of the carpet’s unique individual appeal
Ø Maintanance and care – must it be resistant to stains, allergy free, colour fast etc?
Making a carpet choice is a big decision – and a wrong one could be costly. A trusted Perth carpets supplier, Integrity Carpets, says it’s important to go to the experts when buying new floor coverings to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Buyers need to make sure that they’re not only getting the best carpet for their needs, but also getting the best carpet supplier and installer for their needs too. Making sure that the quality of carpet and the quality of the supplier match up will ensure that the whole process really is a magic carpet ride!
Posted under carpet flooring
This post was written by admin on October 14, 2010
