Every year, more than 1 billion/sq ft of carpets(75% of the world’s carpets) are made in the United States!🤯
That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?
Also, not all carpets are the same. That’s why it can be quite tricky to find the perfect one from the sea of different types, styles, colors, and so on! So, how to choose carpet material?
Hear me out-
While choosing carpet material, make sure to aim for standard carpet thickness (6.5-11.11mm), density rating (2100 or higher), and face weight (34-40 oz. per square foot).
Choose thicker, denser pads (at least 6 lbs of density) for low-traffic areas and thinner pads (density of 8 lbs or more) for high-traffic areas. For stain-resistance, synthetic carpet material is preferable.
Choosing carpet material? It’s like finding the perfect pet- fits your lifestyle, comfy, and no shedding!
Main Points
Table of Contents
How To Choose Carpet Material
There are several types of carpet materials. So, what do you need to know when choosing carpet?
To identify a good quality carpet material, let me tell you 8 key considerations-
1. Carpet Thickness
2. Density
3. Face weight
4. Pile height
5. Levels of tufts and twist
6. Padding
7. Stain resistance
8. Warranties
1. Carpet Thickness Guide
6 to 8 mm is the standard carpet thickness mm for commercial carpets.
It can range from 6.5 to 11.11 mm, depending on the type of carpet for residential usage. Thicker carpets are more soft and comfortable underfoot. But remember, to choose a good quality, thickness is not the main priority- it’s the density.
2. Density
Aim for a density rating of 2,100 or higher for quality carpet. The more fibers crammed in per square inch, the greater the density.
Bending a carpet sample back can be a quick density check. If you see the backing easily, it’s likely a lower-density carpet.
| Not Recommended | Less than 2,100 oz/yd2 |
| Residential (Homes) | 2,100 – 4,999 oz/yd² |
| Commercial (Moderate Traffic) | 5,000 – 6,999 oz/yd² |
| Commercial (Heavy Traffic) | 7,000 or Higher |
3. Face Weight
The standard face weight range is 34-40 oz. per square foot, but the more the merrier! Face weight shines when comparing similar types of carpet material.
“If two nylon carpets have different face weights(say, 60oz. Vs 40 oz.), the heavier one likely has more yarn or is more tightly packed (both good things for durability).”
4. Pile Height
Pile height is how long the carpet fibers are. A plush pile(½-¾ inches) feels amazing and fluffy, but for high-traffic areas, a shorter pile( under ¼ inches) might be easier to clean. A medium pile(¼-½ inches) is good for making easy vacuum marks.
| Carpet pile | Pile Height (inches) | Ideal for |
| Low pile | less than ¼ inches | High-traffic areas |
| Medium Pile | around ¼-½ inches | Different types of carpet for living rooms and bedrooms and for making fine vacuum marks. |
| High Pile | ½ -¾ inches | Excellent choice for the fluffiest and the softest feel underfoot |
5. Levels Of Tufts And Twist
The good benchmark for a durable carpet is 5 tuft twists or more in a 1-inch length. Tighter twists create a more uniform surface and make it harder for dirt and pet hair to show.
High-twist carpets can also better resist wear and tear, that’s why they are a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
6. Check The Padding
Studies show that good carpet padding can increase comfort underfoot by up to 40%.
The right pad protects your carpet fibers and prevents them from getting flattened down over time. This means your carpet lasts much longer, saving you money in the long run. In fact, a high-quality pad can extend the lifespan of your carpet by up to 50%!
Good padding allows air circulation under the carpet. So cleaning dirt with vacuum cleaners gets quite easier.
For high-traffic areas, it’s better to choose a thinner pad(⅜ inches thick) with a higher density(8 lbs or more). For low-traffic areas, consider a thicker pad(up to ½ inches) with a density of at least 6lbs.
7. Don’t forget about Stain Resistance
Spills happen, especially in busy homes.
Thanks to technology, many carpets come with anti-stain treatments. While choosing your carpet material, always check the cleaning code to understand how to tackle different types of stains.
Usually, natural fibers can be trickier with stains. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester often have better built-in stain resistance.
8. Must Check Warranties
One of the most important questions to ask when buying carpets is about warranties and replacement. Carpet dealers might sweet-talk you through a lucrative warranty deal. Most can range from 10 to 25 years(covering crushing, stains, wear and tear).
But don’t be fooled by a long warranty alone!
First, check the carpet samples for warranty details. Understand what’s actually covered, because ‘wear’ can have different meanings depending on the carpet manufacturer.
Check out what Shaws Floor has to say-
How do carpet warranties work? Also, warranties often don’t transfer to new homeowners, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to sell soon.
Choose Carpet Depending On The Location
While choosing any carpet, rug, and mat for home decor, carpet choosing is the hardest one. Why is it so tricky?
Unlike rugs or mats, carpets cover a large area, so a bad choice can be visually unappealing and expensive to replace. Let me share some popular choices for different rooms in your home-
1. How To Choose Carpet For Living Room?
For choosing a carpet for the living room, synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or olefins are great choices. Because this is the busiest area in any house. So, you will need durable and stain-resistant fibers. Around 95% of the market for wall-to-wall carpeting is taken by tufted carpets.
2. How To Choose Carpet For Bedrooms?
For choosing a carpet for your bedroom, natural materials like wool and sisal can add a touch of luxury to the overall look. But if allergies are a concern, synthetic materials might be a better choice.
3. How To Choose Carpet For Stairs?
For choosing a carpet for stairs, nylon, and polyester are perfect for their tough and stain-resistant quality. Because stairs need a material that provides a good grip to prevent slips. Avoid plush carpets to avoid tripping hazards.
To learn more about carpet colors and styles for each room you can check out this video-
So, which room are you choosing carpet for? Submit your vote in comment-
| Living room |
| Bedroom |
| Stairs |
| Others (Please specify in comments) |
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Choosing Carpet Material
Knowing how to choose carpet material can help you pick the right one for your home. But some common mistakes can make it ineffective. Let me save you from this disaster-
Inaccurate Floor Measuring:
Always measure your floor space before carpet shopping. Your carpet dealer might overestimate the carpet length and you may end up buying more than you need.
Budgeting Blunder
Many buyers only budget the carpet cost, not the installation price. Big mistake! The total price can be much higher than the carpet itself. Because you add labor up to $1 or more per sqft.
‘Overall costs typically range from $3.50 to $11 per square foot on average, with labor contributing up to $1 or more per square foot to the total. Additional steps such as removing old flooring, prepping the subfloor, and laying down padding can further increase the overall cost.’, mentioned The Spruce.
Don’t Install It Unprofessionally
Carpet installations might seem easy but trust me it’s a job best left to the professionals. They have the experience and tools to ensure your carpet is laid smoothly. Along with the material warranty, get a separate warranty from the installer to cover things like bumps or wrinkles.
Color Choosing Disaster
Many customers get confused about how to pick a carpet color. Well, the carpet color should complement your furniture. Bring carpet samples home to see how they look in your lighting, and consider the overall feel you want to create in the room. Looking for a cozy vibe? A warm beige might be perfect. Want something bold? Maybe a deep blue or emerald green!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Value Carpet Material?
I think nylon wins for value! Other synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene are also good options but nylon carpets are more durable and stain resistant. It might not feel as luxurious as wool carpets, but they are value for money.
How To Choose Area Rug Material?
There are several factors to consider while choosing area rug material. For instance, these materials are great for high-traffic areas- wool, nylon, seagrass, acrylic, and leather. For low-traffic areas consider, polyester and cotton.
What Is Considered A Good Grade Of Carpet?
Among the 4 grades(basic, residential, high-quality residential, and commercial), grade 3 is considered a good grade for carpet. High-end residential carpets are made with the best materials like super strong nylon or comfy wool.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, choosing a carpet material doesn’t have to be a painful chore. With a bit of knowledge of how to choose carpet material and planning, you can find a carpet that not only complements your house and lifestyle but is also functional and long-lasting.
So, which one are you going to buy? Share your experience in the comment section.
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