From choosing carpet samples and getting the colour right, to buying the right underlay and considering the best type of material, there can be a lot more than you think that goes into picking the right carpet. Keep reading to find out more about the pros and cons of carpet compared to other types of flooring, tips on choosing the right carpet, finding a carpet fitter, and getting the right underlay for your room.
Before you buy a carpet, there are some key things to keep in mind. First of all, think about how much you want to spend – carpet is typically paid for by the square metre and prices can vary a lot depending on the type you go for. It’s also worth thinking about where the carpet is going to go in your home – how much it’s going to be walked over will help you determine how durable the material needs to be. If you have kids or pets, then it’s a good idea to get a carpet that is easy to clean. Looped carpets that easily snag might not be great if you have pets.
Choosing the Right Carpet for You
When it comes to choosing the right option, there is a huge range of different carpets available to consider. From plush synthetics and hand-woven wool to durable sisal carpets, it’s easy to find the right type of material for your home. The best one for you will depend on several factors such as your budget and where you are planning to use the carpet in your home. It’s a good idea to check out carpet shops and have a good look at their carpets, both online and in-person to get a better idea of what might work in your home. Ordering carpet samples is also a good idea as this allows you to see and feel the material in-person, along with determining how well it matches with the rest of your décor and if it will be a good fit for the room.
Carpet Vs Wood or Laminate Flooring
When it comes to choosing flooring for your home, carpet is not the only option available. Laminate and wooden flooring are also popular options that you might want to consider. Which one will be best for you will depend on a few factors including your personal style preferences and how you plan to use the room. Wooden or laminate flooring is often an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, studies, and living rooms that need cleaning often. On the other hand, carpet helps with insulating and soundproofing floors, and will make a room feel warmer, which is why it is often a popular choice in the bedroom.
Carpet Piles
A carpet’s pile refers to the individual fibres. These can be cut, which means that it has been cut off at the top, or loop pile, where the fibres are looped back into the carpet’s backing material. The pile of the carpet plays a major part in determining how durable it is. The density, which refers to how closely knitted together the fibres are, and the pile height, are two key factors to know when it comes to determining how durable a carpet is going to be. Carpets that have short, dense, heavy fibres tend to be more durable compared to carpets with looser fibres. If you are checking out carpets or have ordered some samples, then a good way to figure out the density and resilience of the carpet is to press your thumb into the pile. If it springs back and recovers quickly, this is a good sign. A heavier carpet will also usually be more durable. This is usually printed on the back of the sample.
Tufted vs Woven
Woven and tufted carpets are the two most popular types of carpets that you can get in the UK. In general, you will pay more for a woven carpet as they rely on more labour to make. On the other hand, tufted carpets are easier and faster to produce, so you can often get them for a much cheaper price. For an authentic woven carpet, you can usually expect to pay around £60 per square metre and upwards. These carpets are often made in a time-consuming process using traditional methods that date back to the sixteenth century. Woven carpets are a great choice if you are looking to spend some money on making your home look amazing and want a durable carpet that will last a while. They are well known for being super high-quality and are often made with brilliant, rich colours.
On the other hand, tufted carpets are the more popular choice in the UK as they are easy to find and cheaper to buy. They are machine-made and come available in a wide range of materials and styles to choose from. The price of a tufted carpet can vary from just a few pounds per square metre for a basic synthetic carpet to more if you want a wool carpet made from a higher-quality material. Tufted carpets can look very different to one another as the pile may be either cut or looped.
Finding the Best Carpet Material
Synthetic carpet materials are a popular choice, such as nylon and polypropylene. They are usually stain resistant, cheaper to buy, and less prone to mildew and mould compared to other carpet materials. However, on the downside, they are less durable and are more likely to wear down quickly. If you don’t mind spending a little more, then natural fibres like sisal or wool are good options. However, bear in mind that they may be more likely to attract insects, and can be more prone to staining. That being said, they do tend to last longer as the fibres are more durable.
Buying a Carpet – Step By Step
If you have a rough idea of the kind of carpet you want, where it’s going to be laid, and how much you want to spend on it, then these are the steps involved in purchasing a carpet.
- Get Some Samples
Before buying a carpet, it’s important to see it first. Visit a retailer’s shop or order some samples to be delivered to your home before you decide whether to place an order. You will probably need to see a decent-sized sample of the carpet before you decide whether or not it’s going to look right in your room.
- Get Underlay
Underlay is an essential purchase with your carpet as it helps the carpet to wear evenly and sit correctly on the floor. Investing more in underlay is always a good idea, as it can help improve the way that the carpet feels when you walk on it, improve the sound and heat insulation, and help to make sure that the carpet lasts as long as possible. Remember to factor the cost of underlay into the overall cost of buying a new carpet.
- Consider the Cost
It may be worth having a professional come to your home to measure the room for the carpet and give you an estimate of how much it’s all going to cost, including the carpet, underlay, and other accessories like door trims. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a carpet fitter, too. Doing these calculations in advance can help you with getting a better idea of the cost. Remember that you need to buy the carpet in a set width, so depending on the size of your room there may be a lot of waste. Carpets are usually sold in rolls that are three, four, or five metres wide. Any excess width will be cut away, but you’ll still be charged for it. Offcuts can be used for several different things including making rugs and doormats, or carpeting inside cupboards, so you don’t have to waste your money on it.
- Find a Fitter
The next step is to get accurate measurements for the room and get a full estimate of the cost. Depending on where you are planning to buy your carpet, this service might be offered for free. Many carpet retailers offer fitting services, or you may prefer to simply buy the roll of carpet first and then find a fitter to come and do the work for you.
- Order the Carpet
Once you have accurate measurements, it’s time to order the carpet. You will usually need to pay for the carpet and the underlay upfront. Fitting costs are usually paid directly to the fitter, as many carpet retailers work with self-employed, local fitters rather than employing their own. Be sure to check the payment arrangements with the fitter if this is the case so that you know how much to pay them on the day.
- Prepare the Room
Finally, make sure that your room is ready for the carpet! Remove any large furniture items and take up and dispose of any old carpet and underlay that is being replaced.
With so many options to choose from, buying the right carpet is not always easy. We hope this handy guide has helped!
