Who knew there were so many carpet options?

With so many options available in flooring for your home, the hardest part is deciding which material is right for your space. You likely wouldn't choose carpet for the kitchen or hardwood for your laundry room, but some rooms in your home are a little more difficult to decide on.  The first thing you should consider is the room's main use. Is it a high traffic area? Do you want the room to feel cozy and comfortable? How long do you want the flooring to last? Would you like some sort of sound-proofing? 

One of the most versatile, durable and comfortable flooring options is carpet. But the decisions don't end there! When shopping for carpet, there are several options and many things to consider.

Going to the carpet store and seeing and touching carpet samples is going to help you decide what carpet best suits your needs and help you better understand the different types available. Before you make a final decision, you want to make sure you have considered the different types of carpet fibres and how well they clean and wear and which room they are best suited for. 

The carpet fibre significantly affects performance. Most carpet contains one of six pile fibres: nylon, polypropylene (olefin), acrylic, polyester, wool or cotton. How the pile is cut and shaped contributes to its look and feel. For example, nylon is the most popular fibre and is a good choice for all traffic areas because it is durable and static free, maintains fibre height and resists soiling, staining, and mildew.  

Next check the twist level of the individual carpet fibers. All carpet yarns are twisted together to form lengths of yarn, but the degree of twisting varies. The higher or tighter the twist, the better and generally more expensive the carpet is.

When it comes to carpet style, there are also many to choose from. Berber carpet features a looped construction that works well in a family room as it is quite durable if cared for properly. Textured carpet is popular as it hides footprints and vacuum marks well, making it ideal for homes with children and pets. Saxony carpets have a smooth, velvety look and luxurious feel that makes them unsuitable for high-traffic areas but perfect for a master bedroom.   

When comparing prices remember to determine if the price includes the carpet padding, which is the most essential accessory in carpeting. Good padding will absorb the pressure of foot traffic, provide additional insulation and prevent buckling or wrinkling of the carpet.