Carpet FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which carpet brand is right for me?
Assess your home’s needs by considering factors such as foot traffic, room purpose, fiber types, and budget. Next, research brands to evaluate their reputation, customer reviews, warranties, and guarantees. Additionally, your in-store associate can provide valuable guidance to help you make the best choice for your situation.
What is carpet made from?
Carpets are typically made from one of two popular materials: nylon or polyester. While there are other options available, these two are the most commonly encountered choices.
How is carpeting installed?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the types of carpets being installed, the condition of the underlying floors, and the shape and size of the room. Given the complexity and potential messiness of carpet installation, it's often best to leave the job to professionals—particularly if you're preparing your home for display or sale.
What is carpet padding?
Carpet padding is typically a foam underlayment designed for use beneath broadloom carpets. Most padding is made from polyurethane foam, the same material found in furniture, mattresses, and car seats. This foam provides essential support, enhancing the durability and longevity of the flooring.
How do I choose a good quality carpet?
"Quality" in carpets can be influenced by personal style preferences, but it's also defined by several objective standards. Key factors include durability and performance. Modern advancements in carpet technology have transformed traditional fibers into highly resilient materials. When evaluating quality, consider attributes such as pile height, density, twist, weight, and ply of the fiber. Additionally, review the carpet's construction and warranty details. A high-quality carpet should come with robust warranty coverage against spills, stains, and wear. A solid warranty indicates that the manufacturer is committed to quality and that the carpet is designed to endure typical use while maintaining its appearance and durability.
How do I keep my carpet clean?
No matter the type of carpet you choose, the best way to maintain its cleanliness is by adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations. These guidelines can vary based on the brand, product line, pile height, and materials used in the carpet. If you have any questions about caring for your new carpets, our knowledgeable flooring experts are here to provide helpful tips.
How often should I clean my carpet?
Maintaining your carpet involves not only how you clean it but also how often. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, which may suggest cleaning daily, weekly, or every few weeks. Frequent spot-cleaning might be necessary for accidental spills. While some carpets require more upkeep than others, many are designed to be low maintenance thanks to advancements in flooring technology. For most carpets, regular vacuuming and occasional cleaning with soapy water will suffice.
What vacuum should I use on low pile and high pile carpet?
While we can't recommend a specific vacuum brand, we can highlight some essential features to consider. You don’t need advanced features to keep your low or high pile carpet looking its best. Opt for a lightweight vacuum with wide, sturdy wheels for easier maneuverability. A model with adjustable height and motor speeds is ideal, though brush roll control is optional. Most vacuums come with settings for different floor or carpet types, such as “high” and “low,” to accommodate various cleaning needs.
Why is my new carpet shedding?
The balls of fluff or loose fibers you may find on your carpet or in the vacuum cleaner bag are normal remnants from the manufacturing process. These loose fibers do not impact the carpet’s lifespan or appearance. Due to their size, they are too large to become airborne or pose any inhalation risk. With regular vacuuming using a quality vacuum cleaner, most shedding will typically diminish within the first year after installation.
Some tufts are longer than others. What should I do?
To maintain an even carpet surface, simply trim any protruding ends. Avoid pulling out long or loose fibers, as this can cause permanent damage. If a tuft becomes snagged or loosens, cut it off carefully and allow the surrounding yarn to fill in the gap naturally.
What is the difference between high pile and low pile carpet?
Upon close inspection, you'll see that a carpet's surface is made up of numerous individual fibers. These fibers are anchored into the carpet's backing at both ends, forming a resilient loop structure. The height, density, and texture of these loops can vary depending on the carpet type, a characteristic known as "pile" or "rug pile" in the industry. High pile carpets feature longer, more elongated fibers with a lower density, exemplified by shag carpeting. In contrast, low pile carpets have shorter, more tightly packed fibers, resulting in a smoother and flatter appearance.
How long should I wait to put furniture on the new carpet?
Every home flooring project is unique, but there's no need to wait to place furniture back on the new carpet—it's ready for use immediately. You can also walk on the carpet right after installation. For the best results, it's a good idea to walk through the newly carpeted room with your installer for a final inspection.
Why does my carpet seem to change color when I look at it from different directions?
Light reflects differently when the pile is pushed in various directions, typically due to foot traffic. The best way to manage this is to sweep or vacuum the carpet in a consistent direction to maintain a uniform appearance.
