Shopping for Carpet Flooring the Right Way (Quick Guide)

Carpet flooring has been around for ages. Indeed, it is a comfortable and common flooring material in many Canadian homes. There are good reasons for that: it is affordable, easy to install, and comes in a variety of colours and textures. What’s not to love?

Moreover, it is soft, warm to the touch, and a good way to give your home sound insulation on a budget. Do you have an active household with kids running up and down the stairs? No matter what types of flooring you have, whether it’s hardwood, laminate, tile or others, carpet will help you minimize noise and create a safe environment for everyone.

Here is a quick guide to help you shop for carpet flooring the right way.

What to Note When Shopping for Carpet Flooring

Not every carpet is created the same way, so what do you look for? Here is a guide to help you make a quick assessment.

Here are some common carpet-related terms you should know.

  • Density: The density of carpet flooring helps you understand the quality of the carpet just by its look and feel. The density is determined by the closeness of the yarn fibres. So, the denser the pile, the better the quality.
  • Fibre: What is your carpet made of? Its fibre is an important consideration. It can be nylon, polyester, olefin, acrylics, or natural fibres like wool or sisal.
  • Pad: You may have come across the terms ‘cushion’ or ‘underlay’. This refers to the rubber pad underneath your carpet. This layer is what gives you a soft footfall and serves as an insulator to give the feeling of comfort.
  • Pile: Also called the ‘nap’, this is basically the visible surface of the carpet, which consists of fibre tufts in loops which may be cut or uncut.

Now that you are familiar with carpet terms, here are some common considerations you should take note of.

How to Choose Carpet for Your Space

Investing in carpet flooring has many advantages. Here are five simple pieces of advice that can help you pick the right carpet for your space.

  • Check the Face Weight

Face weight refers to the weight of the carpet fibres per square yard. It is important to note that face weight does not include the weight of the backing material. The main purpose of choosing carpets based on heavier face weight is to ensure their longevity.

Typically, a heavier-weight carpet will have better resistance to foot traffic or furniture. If you need carpet flooring for a higher foot traffic area, choosing a heavier face weight carpet will help greatly. If you are looking for flooring for your office, this is something you should consider.

But it’s important to consider other aspects, too, like the fibre and other materials that play a role in maintaining the durability of your flooring. For high-traffic areas in your home or office, choose carpets that are 40 to 60 ounces. For less busy rooms like your bedroom or home office, 30 ounces will be sufficient.

  • Select the Right Padding

Carpet padding (or underlay) plays an important role not only in the comfort of your home but also in safety. Did you know that slip & fall accidents account for one million hospital visits each year? If you have an active household or commercial space, you will want to ensure that the back of your carpet flooring resists high foot traffic and provides comfort.

There are different types of carpet padding. These include frothed foam (which is meant for medium traffic) and rebonded carpet padding (which works well for areas that experience low to medium traffic). Choose fibre pads or rubber pads for high-traffic areas of residential or commercial spaces.

  • Get Stain Resistance

Much like other flooring materials, carpet has its challenges. One of the main ones that affect carpet flooring is stains. So, if you have an active household with pets and kids, you will want to consider carpet options that offer stain resistance.

These types of carpet are highly recommended for spill-prone areas of your home such as the dining room or your child’s bedrooms. It is also best to get your carpet installed professionally by a renovation store near you for the best results.

  • Check the Pile Height

Pile height basically refers to the height or length of visible fibres of a carpet tile. It is the way each fibre is arranged on your carpet and has a direct impact on its appearance and performance.

How? Let’s find out. Low pile carpet refers to carpets that have shorter, denser piles. These types of carpets are perfect for high-traffic zones and tend to be durable. However, if you want your carpet flooring to be comfortable and plusher, choose a longer pile carpet.

  • Pick the Right Carpet Fibre

The type of fibre your carpet is made of will influence the way it looks and feels. If you want something hypoallergenic on a budget, then you should choose acrylic carpets. On the downside, they may not last that long.

In terms of natural fabrics, wool is one of the best materials because it is both safe and highly durable if maintained properly. It does, however, tend to be expensive.

Nylon is known for its durability and is highly preferred for high-traffic areas. One of the main benefits of this material is that it will retain its original shape and colour for a long time and is available at various price points.

If you feel certain areas have the potential for water damage, you can choose olefin. Since it is essentially made from melted plastics, it can resist moisture and mould.

If you are in the market for an affordable and long-lasting flooring solution, carpet is one of the best options. It is very important to understand your needs, lifestyle considerations, and budget before purchasing any material. The same applies to carpet flooring. We hope these points will help you shop more easily and allow you to find the right carpet flooring for your space. Visit your nearest renovation store and get started on your project.