Frequently Asked Questions

About Carpet

1. What are the different types of fiber used in carpet today?

Wool is considered the premier fiber in carpet construction, and it is also the most expensive. It is soft, has excellent resilience and durability, and is the most “green” fiber that carpet is made from.

Nylon is the most commonly used fiber for carpet in the industry and is historically regarded as the most durable synthetic fiber. Nylon offers excellent comfort and vibrant colors. Nylons are not inherently stain resistant but are treated for improved stain resistance.

Triexta, made by DuPont, offers the wear advantages of nylon but is more stain resistant. Triexta, also known as Sorona, SmartStrand Forever Clean, and Silk, offers built-in lifetime stain and soil resistance that does not wash or wear off and is easy to clean with just water. Many of the softest carpets available today are of Triexta fiber.

Polyester is considered the “value fiber” and is naturally stain and fade resistant. Polyester styles are good choices for low-to-medium traffic settings such as bedrooms. New technology makes today’s polyester greatly improved from the polyester you may remember from the 1970’s.

Olefin, also known as polypropylene, is the most stain-resistant fiber and is primarily available in Berber and commercial carpets. Polyester and olefin tend to be less costly than nylon and Triexta.

2. Which carpet will wear the best?

After wool, nylon and Triexta are cited as the most durable fibers. More important than the specific fiber is the construction of the carpet. Look for cut pile carpets that are tightly twisted and dense (fibers very close together). Be aware that no entry-level (“builders grade”) carpet will perform well long-term, regardless of fiber content.

3. Which carpets clean up best – especially with children and pets?

Solution dyed nylon, Triexta, and solution dyed polyester. These fibers can be cleaned very aggressively without damage to the carpet. Some products even offer stain warranties on mustard, bleach, red wine, Kool-Aid, and pet accidents, items that are excluded from most warranty coverage! Also, carpets with color flecks help to hide stains and dirt.

4. Why do you price by the square foot and not by the yard?

Most people do not know how to figure square yardage but can easily determine the amount of square feet in an area. Square footage is simply the length multiplied by the width. For example, a 10’ x 10’ room is 100 square feet. If you want to know the square yard price, just multiply the square foot price by 9.

5. What does an average house of carpet cost?

In an average home of 1800 sq. ft. of carpeted space, with a 45 oz. SmartStrand cut pile, the cost would run around $7,500 fully installed with an 8 lb. pad.

6. What is ounce weight?

Ounce weight (also called face weight) is a measure of the amount of fiber in a square yard of carpet. The higher the number, the more fiber is used in the construction of the carpet. As a guide, a “good” carpet is usually 18 to 30 ounces, a “better” carpet ranges 30 to 50 ounces, and a “best” is 50 to 65 ounces. “Premium” carpets are usually 65 ounces and up (ounce weights max out around 125 ounces.) Ounce weight is just one of the factors that determines the durability of the carpet. Other important considerations include twist, density (gauge), pile height, and fiber content. It is true that heavier carpet ounce weight will tend to feel more luxurious, plush, and comfortable. Heavier carpet has more fiber and yarn, so it costs more to manufacture and thus costs more to purchase. Although a higher ounce weight carpet may be more expensive, it is not necessarily more durable.

7. What is the difference between saxony, textured, frieze, and Berber carpet?

Saxony, textured, and frieze are all types of cut pile carpets. Saxony is a very formal carpet that shows footprints easily. Textured carpets are tightly twisted to minimize footprints. Friezes are even more tightly twisted; the fibers actually bend over themselves. Berbers are carpets that are looped.

8. What is a “cut and loop”?

A “cut and loop” (also called an LCL) is a carpet with both looped fibers and cut fibers, constructed in a pattern or design.

9. Will my seams be noticeable?

There is no such thing as an invisible seam. Some carpets show seams more easily than others, for example, LCLs, Berbers, and light-colored cut piles.

10. What pad choices do I have? Is it true that it is better to upgrade the pad and not the carpet? Do I have to replace my pad?

There are three main types of pad: rebond foam, urethane (example Memory Foam), and fiber pad. Think of the pad as the shock absorber of your carpet. The better the pad, the longer before the carpet begins to show wear. You don’t have to replace your pad, but your product warranty is usually made void. People also replace their pad for hygiene reasons.

11. What kind of pad is included in the installed price?

Our carpet prices include a 7/16” 8 lb. rebond pad. Pad upgrades are also available. Be sure to ask your Design Consultant to show you samples of a variety of pads so that you are making an informed decision.

12. Is there a carpet that does not show footprints?

Only a commercial loop carpet or a very low, tight Berber will not show footprints. Textured carpets, friezes, cut and loops (LCLs), and loose Berbers will only minimize footprints. The “soft” fibers tend to show shadings more than the traditional fibers. Also, heavy furniture leaves indentations on all carpets.

13. What is included in installation? Do you move furniture?

Most of our carpet prices include removal and disposal of your existing carpet and pad, the installation of the new carpet and pad, and moving your furniture. However, we do charge extra for moving extremely large items such as pianos, big screen televisions, and large entertainment centers. There are also stair charges for installation on steps. This will be discussed during your in-home estimate.

14. I have chemical allergies. What carpets are low/no VOC?

First, you need to know exactly what chemical(s) you are allergic to. It is usually the latex that is used in carpet construction that a client is allergic to. SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets are made with Dupont Sorona which is OEKO-TEX® certified free from harmful substances. The SmartStrand fiber is also made in part with plant-based materials. A wool carpet with a woven (axminster) backing is also extremely low in VOCs, as there is no secondary backing and wool is a proven air purifier. A synthetic fiber pad is usually your best choice for carpet cushion when VOCs are a concern.

15. My child has allergies! Should I consider carpet?

The good news is that people with allergies and asthma can have carpet. Most fibers used in mass-produced rugs and carpets today are harmless materials like polyester and nylon, the same stuff clothes and bags are made from. These synthetic blends are constructed out of lab-developed fibers that repel allergens, in part because they are nonorganic and offer an inhospitable climate. For example, mold has nothing to eat and particulate (pollen, dander, etc.) can be easily vacuumed. Wool should be avoided because allergens and mold can thrive in it. Regardless of material, avoid shag -- the shorter the strands, the fewer places the particles can go. Also, choose carpet with tightly woven strands for the same reason.

16. What type of vacuum cleaner should I use?

To ensure your vacuum will conform to the highest industry standards, make sure that your vacuum is appropriate for your type of carpet and is certified through the Carpet and Rug Institute. Please be aware that there are some vacuums that simply will not work on certain carpets, for example, Dyson vacuums on premium soft carpets like SmartStrand Silk. Typically, a good vacuum will offer features such as allowing you to adjust the height, beater bar rotation, and fan speed. Vacuums with large wheels, self-propelled vacuums, or specialty tools will also make for effective carpet maintenance.