After deciding which rooms will require carpets, determine the number of square yards that will be needed. Measure the length and width of each room. Multiply the length by the width to find the total number of square feet of carpet needed to cover the floor. Divide this total by nine to arrive at the number of square yards.
Carpet Quality
Determine the quality of a particular carpet style. Press down on the carpet pile with one finger and see how easy or difficult it is to penetrate to the carpet backing. The harder it is to penetrate the pile to the backing, the better the carpet’s quality.
Denser carpets provide longer wear and better crush resistance. Since soil and stains remain mostly on the surface, these styles also are usually easier to clean and maintain.
Another way to determine value is to check the quality of the yarn. Generally, the tighter the yarn is twisted, the better the wear and performance. Look closely at the cut ends of the individual carpet fibers. These should be neat and well defined, and they should not fray or “blossom” at the ends.
Carpet padding, the cushion beneath the carpet and installation often are included in the overall purchase price. Quality padding not only will add to the life of the carpet, it also helps insulate cold floors. Another important consideration is a carpet that features a recognized factory installed stain treatment to guard against soils and stains.
Carpet Care
Once installed, a carpet is ready for foot traffic and spills. Even if the rules of the house demand that food and drinks remain exclusively in the kitchen, accidents are bound to happen. Evidence of these crimes—such as spilled grape juice and soda—always is revealed on the carpet.
A carpet with stain treatment will allow for easy cleanup and prolong the look of the fibers. The key action item after a spill is to clean it immediately. Work from the outside of the stain to the center to prevent the liquid from spreading.
Don’t rub, scrub, or brush out a stain. This can damage the fibers. Don’t pour cleaning solutions directly onto the stained area. This saturates the carpet and the liquid runs directly to the backing. This method also probably will not clean the stain effectively. Instead, apply the solution to a damp cloth and then gently massage the individual carpet fibers.
Stains from butter, salad dressing, cooking oils and ink should be cleaned using a solvent spot cleaner. Test a sample area in an inconspicuous area to be sure the cleaner will not damage the fibers.
The Carpet Buyers Handbook is a very good resource to review before exploring colors and patterns, and before matching furniture and accessories. Information includes a buyer’s guide, installation, care and cleaning.
Take a little extra time to review the basics about carpet construction, features and wear, and then purchase a quality carpet and the right carpet that will enhance a room for many years.
 |
