July 6, 2017
Carpet flooring tends to be underfoot and out of mind, so its no surprise that making decisions for your new flooring can often be a little overwhelming. For a successful renovation that comes in on budget, its important to do some research before you hit the shops.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Do you have kids or pets? Or are you empty nesters looking for a little luxury now that its just the two of you? Hard wearing carpets that are easy to clean are great for young families, while loop pile and combination cut in mid to dark tones may suit a more mature couple who love to entertain. Don’t forget to consider any allergies and reactions to dust mites that your family may suffer from.
Out of sight, out of mind right? Wrong. Don’t even think about scrimping on underlay! We all love a great bargain however in the case of underlay, it really is quality over quantity as the lifespan of your carpet can be greatly affected. Underlay reduces the impact against the ground, and helps absorb some of the pressure from footsteps and furniture. Carpets without high-quality underlay will wear out sooner and require more frequent replacements; which means you’ll end up paying more in the long run.
What could possibly go wrong? It may seem more cost effective, and even easy to install your own carpet, but don’t forget about all the tools you’ll need to purchase to help get the job done, not to mention your time and effort, particularly if it is your first time! Unless you’re an expert consider paying a professional, otherwise you run the risk of improperly laying it down, and not fitting it appropriately to your floor. Just being a few centimetres off can mean you are stuck with lumps, and exposed flooring you might even end up with unsightly frayed seams. Its just not worth spending money on quality carpet flooring, only to end up with a finished product you’re not happy with.
Remember, its only a bargain if you need it. The white shag pile might look great tempting when its on special, but its important to not get swept up in the hype. And dont forget to shop around, compare prices, and consider the whole package not just the flooring itself, but the cost of padding and installation too. A quality carpet should also come with a considerable warranty between 5 and 10 years.
Assuming all carpets are the same is a dangerous game. It’s important to have an understanding of the different types of carpet out there so you can make an informed decision. For example, are you carpeting stairs or flat surfaces? If you’re working with a flight of stairs, you might want to consider a woollen weave although more expensive, it is the most durable and the woven backing helps keep the yarn in place without thinning.
Without a full understanding of the products available and knowledge of what suits your home and lifestyle, you run the risk of buying something that wont perform the way that you want it to or breaking budget and overspending. Carpet can completely transform your home, make sure you do your research so you and your family will love the results for years to come.
