Tips on staircases and loop pile carpet.
Be aware that, as carpet bends over stairs, its backing may show depending on texture,
color and density. Plus, you should know that loop pile carpet can snag, particularly
at a seam or at a carpet transition.
Loop pile carpets are not recommended for homes with pets, as their nails can “snag”
the loop as well. But never fear, in the Carpet Maintenance section we provide information
on how to properly care for loop pile carpet.
Remember that carpet has a one-track mind.
The nap of all carpets run in one direction. Carpets should always be installed
in the same direction to maintain the most uniform appearance. Pile reversal, or
shading, is a normal characteristic of many cut pile style carpets. This can be
particularly apparent with plush carpet. If this becomes an issue, consider window
treatments and furniture placement as a way to minimize this affect.
Want durability? Seek quality.
Higher quality carpet will typically have greater pile density, and tighter twist
construction, which will result in higher levels of performance.
Other considerations worth noting.
It’s easier to replace or update a home’s décor with carpet compared
to other hard surface products. Dollar for dollar carpet offers significant styling
advantages, and adds value to any home. Carpet also feels warm underfoot and reduces
household noise.
Color is a wall-to-wall factor.
Color has a big impact on any room in the home. Carpet covers a large area of any
room, so it’s important to keep some basic rules in mind when selecting your
carpet color.
An important consideration about carpet color is that once a carpet is installed
in a new home, it will often look lighter than the sample you saw in our showroom.
This is a natural optical effect and you should be aware of this when making a carpet
color selection.
Another thing to keep in mind is how the color of carpet affects the apparent size
of the room. Lighter colored carpet will visually expand the size of the room. Darker
carpeting will seem to bring the walls closer together, and create a more intimate
feeling.
Neutral colors are the best choice if you expect to frequently change the decorating
scheme, or if you’re trying to incorporate a lot of existing furniture. Using
a neutral colored, quality carpet is also a good idea if you are planning on reselling
your home any time soon. It’s easier for a prospective buyer to imagine their
furniture in a room that is decorated with neutral colors.
Read your warranty for the story on stains.
Stain protection is an important consideration in any carpet purchase. Carpet products
come with different stain protection levels and warranties that help guard your
carpet against stains. As you increase the quality of carpet, stain protection also
typically increases, as does the manufacturers warranty coverage. With this in mind,
it is important to understand exactly what is covered by the warranty of your specific
carpet as warranties do vary.