Choosing a carpet for your home is a big decision. The carpet you choose will be in your home for many years to come and therefore it is important to choose wisely. In this article, we look at the most commonly available carpet materials and give tips and advice on what makes a good quality carpet and how to choose your carpet, dependant on use and budget.
What Should I Think About When Choosing a Carpet?
There are some factors to think about when choosing a carpet for your home, such as:
- your budget – bear in mind that the cost of a carpet can vary greatly per square metre, depending on the construction of the carpet. A basic carpet, made from synthetic materials will be more budget friendly than a hand-woven carpet made from natural materials.
- where the carpet will be used – high traffic areas such as stairs and hallways will need a carpet made from a more durable material. Consider who lives in your home or visits. Spills and stains are likely with children, pets and yes, those merry party guests! An easy to clean option would be advisable here.
- the look and feel you are going for – are you looking for a soft, luxurious feel underfoot throughout your home or just in the bedrooms? A flatter option may be better on the stairs and high traffic areas. Do you want plush and full or tight and dense? All important considerations when making this considered purchase for your home.
What Types of Carpet Are Available?
In the UK, there are two main types of carpet available – either tufted or woven. A woven carpet will be more costly than a tufted one (most sold in the UK) due to the way that it is made. To make a woven carpet is very labour intensive whereas a tufted carpet is much easier to produce. Woven carpets, such as Axminster and Wilton, are generally considered to be more durable than their tufted counterpart, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas. Tufted carpets are more budget-friendly – a few pounds per square metre will buy a basic, synthetic carpet with a basic wool option being more costly. Tufted carpets have either a cut or looped pile, giving a differing appearance. A pet friendly option would be cut – claws and loops do not mix well!
Which Material Should I Choose?
The material choice will come down to a budget and usage for natural or synthetic materials.
The benefits of choosing synthetic materials, like nylon or polypropylene means a more stain resistant finish and a less expensive option. Bear in mind however, a synthetic fibre will wear much quicker than a natural option.
If choosing natural fibres, such as sisal or wool, you’ll have a carpet that will last much longer due to the resilient nature of the fibres. This comes at a price though, as natural fibres are more expensive and have a greater propensity towards staining.
A natural/synthetic mix might be a good option, giving the benefits that come with both sets of fibres.
As with all major household purchases, it certainly pays to shop around the various carpeting options to see the best option for your home and those in it and of course the budget that you have available.
