Buying a new carpet is a challenging task for the best of us. Most of
us only think in terms of pile height and pretty colors, however, there
are lots of other things to consider, like the source of the carpet, how
it was manufactured and what protection the carpet comes with.
1) Is your carpet protected?
It seems like some kind of cosmic law that a new carpet must attract
stains. As soon as it's installed, plop goes the cherry-rhubarb pie.
Added stain, soil and static protection will mean fewer carpet cleaning
adventures down the road too.
2) What kind of carpet do you need?
It's not all about the colors and style. Do you have kids or pets? You
may need a basic pile made for high traffic carpet areas. Do you have family
members with allergies or asthma? Most carpets these days are made from
harmless synthetic blends, but you may want to choose a carpet with
shorter and more tightly woven strands. Also watch for carpet labeled
low volatile organic compound, meaning formaldehyde and benzene.
3) Did you remember the underpadding?
Don't go cheap with the underpadding! Your carpet will thank you in
years to come by lasting longer. Just because you can't see the carpet
pad doesn't mean it's not crucial. The carpet with a good underpad will
hold up longer. Your feet will thank you too.
4) What's the carpet warranty like?
If it starts looking rough in three weeks, will you be covered? Will
the place you bought it from be there next week? Good deals are only
good deals if the cheap carpet actually lasts a while.
5) And last, can you live with it?
It's good to keep in mind that you'll be looking at that stuff beneath
your feet every day for several years. Will that same funky pattern
begin to annoy you in six months? Will you start wanting to rip it out
with your bare hands? It's often better to choose a basic and
neutral-colored carpet. It'll be much easier to live with and so will
you.
Read our article regarding Quality Flooring Laminates
