Ten Things to Know About Buying Carpet

This past year, we've seen a resurgence in carpet as more of us return to the cozy comfort of having soft materials underfoot. Carpet technology and enhanced fibers have come a long way since their inception. Now homeowners can rest easy installing this comfortable flooring without having to worry about stains or spills.

Already, carpets were available in innumerable colors, materials, and textures, but now you can find a carpet to match the needs of your lifestyle down to pet-proof fibers and sustainably sourced materials. 

Design by LOUIS DUNCAN-HE

While carpets are often a traditional choice in bedrooms and living rooms, some might not know that many modern carpets can be installed in unconventional areas like basements and playrooms due to their advanced crush retention, stain protection, and fiber durability. We often come across the question, "What do I need to know about buying carpet?" As carpet experts, we know the research behind each carpet design and how manufacturers construct today's carpets. Here are ten simple factors to consider before you decide to purchase those cozy new floors.

1. Carpet is a Long-Standing Tradition

As one of the oldest global trades, carpet weaving is a form of art and skilled craftsmanship. Hand-knotted carpet is entirely woven by hand on a special loom and takes more expertise and time, which is why they tend to be more expensive. Over the years, the invention of power looms increased carpet production, making this commodity accessible to the everyday consumer. While handmade rugs and carpets are less common to come by nowadays, they still exist in the form of Oriental and hand-knotted Persian rugs and can make great customized pieces for your home as they are one-of-a-kind. 

2. Carpets Promote Healthy Living

Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Many are surprised to learn that carpets are one of the best flooring options to promote a healthy living environment. Carpets can trap allergen-causing particles preventing them from ever entering your home. Research has shown that well-maintained carpets can reduce airborne allergens and contribute to healthier indoor air quality. 

3. Professional Carpet Cleaning is Best

One of the biggest concerns when looking to install new floors is the cost of upkeep. Some carpets can indeed be high maintenance like high pile wool, but generally speaking, the average carpet only needs to be frequently vacuumed and deep cleaned yearly. All carpets should be professionally cleaned every nine to twelve months to remove pesky dirt or dust from their fibers and keep them in mint condition.

4. Opt for Lower VOC-Emitting Adhesives in Installation 

Nothing is more frustrating than remodeling a room with new carpet, only to be greeted by an unpleasant chemical smell that leads you to air out the room for a couple of days. To avoid this issue, it's best to opt for lower VOC-emitting carpet adhesives. Consult with your installation experts to find the cleanest and safest carpet installation methods for your home.

5. Exploring Eco-Friendly Carpet Materials

Relax Its Lees 

The most environmentally-friendly carpets are made using all-natural fibers such as organic cotton, sisal, jute, seagrass, coir, bamboo, and wool. These materials are more sustainable because the process to grow them is gentler on the environment, using fewer pesticides and fertilizer to grow. 

The key to finding sustainable carpet options is checking that the carpet manufacturer is sourcing their materials responsibly. Fibers such as bamboo and wool are quickly replenished because they self-regenerate (bamboo from its roots and wool from sheep), requiring less labor or running the risk of being overproduced.

With Carpet One's Green Select Program, you can shop for eco-friendly carpets by finding those products with green tags. Our Green Select products are either recyclable, contain recycled material, and/or are made from a naturally sustainable and quickly renewable resource. 

6. Find Durable Fibers to Match Your Lifestyle

Design by DIANA ROSE Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

The type of carpet you choose to install in your home should depend on your lifestyle needs and household conditions. Active families with kids and pets will have different carpet criteria than a single-person household. While both might be looking to elevate their space with plush carpet underfoot, a busy family will probably need a carpet that's less prone to stains and can withstand high foot traffic.

While organic wool carpet is naturally beautiful and a luxurious surface to rest on, it's less resistant to spills and dirt, so it might not be best for the kid's playroom. Nylon and triexta, blends, on the other hand, are more fade-resistant and resilient against kid and pet accidents. Plus, these carpets are just as soft! Many stores have in-person carpet samples, so you can physically touch and examine the difference in carpet fibers up close to find the best match for your home. 

7. Think About Carpet Density

Carpet density might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but in reality, it can make a world of difference underfoot. In short, carpet density calculates how close together fibers are tufted into the carpet backing. Typically, the higher the density, the more durable the carpet will be because this added thickness will feel plusher underfoot and hold up better to household wear. 

Of course, be careful not to get hung up on this single carpet aspect alone. In judging the product's overall performance, it's important to consider face weight, tuft bind, twist, and pile height alongside the density of the carpet. 

8. How to Calculate Square Footage

Estimating carpet measurements can be more complex than it sounds with so many factors to consider, such as the width of the roll of carpet and direction of the carpet pile, its best to leave this calculation to the professionals. Luckily, we have professional installers at Carpet One Floor & Home that will cover all the installation prep, including square footage measurements. 

9. Consider The Right Carpet Color for Your Design

Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO Photography by DREW HADLEY

Everyone has their own personal taste and design preference, and this is especially true when it comes to choosing carpet floors. Fortunately, there's no shortage of colorways, patterns, fiber lengths, and style options to choose from when shopping for carpet products. 

When you've decided on what carpet style fits your performance needs, the next step is finding the right color for your space. Generally speaking, your carpet should be only a few tones lighter or darker than your walls. If you want to create a sophisticated, moody space, opt for dark colors in rich hues like browns, blacks, and blues. For rooms where you want to take advantage of the natural light or are searching for a contemporary, airy vibe, choose light organic colors like whites, grays, beiges, and soft sage greens.

10. Invest in Carpet Cushion

While carpet cushioning isn't exactly a fun investment considering that it's not aesthetically pleasing or even something you will see once installed in your home, it's essential to a long-lasting carpet. Carpet cushioning saves your carpet in the long run as it protects against daily wear and tear.