New carpet is a big investment, and we want to get it right. How can we get a look and feel we love and quality installation we can count on? Here are some questions and considerations we should all have in mind.
Take A Close Look at Pricing
Your flooring company should break down the price for each aspect of the job so you know what you are paying for and can better compare. You want a trusted company, one that’s upfront about the cost breakdown. Here are some factors to consider:
- Carpet materials range widely in quality and price. Your flooring company should help you decide which fibers and pile make sense for your needs and budget.
- Carpet installation often requires full or partial replacement of the tack strip that holds the carpet in place. Is this included in the cost?
- Your installer may recommend replacing your baseboards before laying new carpet.
- A high-quality carpet pad can extend the life of your carpet. Does your package include this essential feature?
- Your flooring company should present installation costs separately from materials costs. Your installer should give you an up-front installation cost per square foot or for the job, depending on the project.
Don’t Overlook Installation
Quality materials go a long way, but top-notch installation matters just as much. You want a team that truly knows what it’s doing and follows strict industry standards for installation. Your team should have the tools and expertise for stretching and tacking the carpet, giving it a clean, wrinkle-free look. Here are some questions you can ask your installer. They should be ready and happy to answer.
- Are the carpet installers direct employees of the flooring company or subcontractors?
- Do installers have the experience needed to do the job?
- Is my flooring company licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Does my installer offer an installation guarantee?
Consider the Overall Project
Your project’s scope and nature of your project will make a big difference in the types of carpeting you use. Here are some things to consider:
- How many rooms are you carpeting?
- Where is your new carpet going? Is it for frequently-used family spaces, rarely-used entertaining areas or lower-traffic bedrooms?
- Will you be replacing the baseboard or laying carpet with the existing baseboard? The answer makes a difference in terms of cost and installation.
- How will you be using the space? Are you carpeting a rental for maximum durability? Upgrading before listing for sale? Or putting the carpet of your dreams in your forever home?
What Do I Need to Know About Carpet Fibers?
Get the basics on carpet fibers and quality before you buy. Think about whether your priority is durability, softness or style and whether you want synthetic or natural fibers (they both have their benefits and drawbacks). Here’s a list of elements that make a difference in fiber quality. Your flooring company should be able to walk you through the ins and outs of every aspect and help you make the right choice.
- Pile Height: Pile height is the length of the visible fibers in your carpet. Each length has its strengths, but we tend to choose low-pile for strength and durability and a higher pile for softness and comfort.
- Tuft Twist: Twist refers to the number of times your carpet is twisted per inch. More twists tend to mean a stronger, higher-quality carpet.
- Pile Density: Density describes how close together fibers are attached to the carpet backing. The closer they are, the higher the carpet’s density. A denser pile is generally a reflection of quality.
- Pile Face-Weight: Face-weight refers to how much your carpet weighs per square yard. We measure it in ounces, and heavier weight is usually an indicator of higher quality.
What Are Potential Problems?
There are some common problems to look out for when buying a carpet. Talk with your flooring company about the brands and styles you’re considering and how they hold up.
- Carpet shedding is when fibers come out of the pile, often from vacuuming. Fuzzing is when loose threads give your carpet a fuzzy, untidy look. They can both be a sign of a low-quality product.
- Sprouting is when yarn tufts pop out of the pile. It often happens when the yarn isn’t attached correctly to the backing.
- Pile reversal: your carpet’s pile usually runs in one direction for a uniform look. Pile reversal is when the fibers run the other way in part of the material. It can look as if one spot on your rug is a different color.
- Wrinkling is a result of poor installation. It happens when installers don’t stretch your carpet correctly.
Remember: quality manufacturers offer solid warranties on their products. Your flooring company should be ready to give you warranty information without hesitation.
Quality Materials and Professional Installation
What we all want when buying carpet is quality and value, no matter our budget. We deserve skilled installation by professionals to give our carpet the cleanest look and the longest life.
At Loudoun Valley Floors, we don’t rely on gimmicks or hooks to bring in clients. Instead, we offer transparent information and detailed pricing broken down by category. We work with top manufacturers at every price point to give you the biggest bang for your buck, whether you’re looking for luxury or value. Our professional installers adhere to our rigorous standards; we treat your home as if it were our own. Based on your project– whether it’s a rental property or your forever home– we’ll help you find the right choice. We’re a locally-owned business that Northern Virginia has trusted for decades. We know quality when we see it, and we’re always ready to share our expertise with you.