Twelve essential tips for buying a carpet

Years of synthetic fibres, allergy inducement and constant cleaning meant the carpet has sat on the bottom shelf of flooring options in recent years. But technological developments and the trend for a comfortable home over modern aesthetics mean that carpet is making a big comeback. Here's our list of things you need to know before investing in a carpet of your own.

Buying tips:

If this is your first time buying carpets or you’re not sure where to start, don’t shop until you read these handy buying tips.

1. What room are you buying for?

This will affect your choice of carpet, as you will have to take usage into consideration. A hallway will need a much harder wearing carpet for all the extra traffic, while you can indulge in a soft, deep pile in your bedroom. Most carpets are made with an 80 percent wool, 20 percent nylon mix, so that the feel of wool remains but the nylon gives it an extra toughness. Pure wool carpets are rare as they pile so easily and are hard to maintain.

2. Measure your room

Don’t even think about looking for carpet until you have an idea of what your rooms’ measurements are. To get a rough idea of the size of your room measure horizontally and vertically between the deepest points of room, including doorways and wall recesses. Retailers will take measurements in metres or feet.

3. Enquire before you buy

Ask the sales person about the added benefits of the carpet. Is it ‘easy to clean’, anti-allergenic, what is the warranty and how long will it last? Sometimes buying the cheapest option can be a false economy.

4. Don't forget about underlay

Include an underlay in your budget. A good underlay will keep the appearance of your carpet for longer, provide extra comfort underfoot and help reduce heat loss

5. Choose a good fitter

Finally, get a reliable recommendation for a fitter, usually the supplier will advise of someone they would work with on a regular basis.

What's best for you?

There are several types of carpet out there; here are a few to help you decide what’s best for you:

6. Woven carpet

Woven carpet is produced on a loom that is very similar to woven cloth, being cut pile. Generally, woven is the highest quality of carpet available and also the most expensive.

7. Axminster

Axminster is a very high quality woven carpet, particularly suited to colour and pattern. This type of carpet provides longevity and durability as well as a luxurious feel underfoot.

8. Tufted carpet

Tufted carpet is produced on a tufting machine by using either a single coloured or non-coloured yarn. Carpets that are tufted can either be cut pile, loop pile, or a combination of both.

9. Saxony

Saxony carpets consist of tightly twisted cut piles that are heat set straight. They provide a soft texture for informal as well as formal areas. They will, however, show footprints and even marks from vacuum cleaners.

Natural Berber Twist 80 percent wool, ten percent nylon and ten percent tuftbond

10. Plush and velvet

Plush and velvet carpets are lightly twisted and offer a uniform colour. They are very soft and offer more level than textures. These carpets are ideal for formal sitting rooms or dining rooms due to their luxurious appearance.

11. Cut and loop

Cut and loop pile combines both looped and cut fibres. They provide a variety of surface textures for medium durability. Cut and loop carpets are available in either solid or different colours. The several different layers in this carpet can hide dirt and footprints.

12. Level loop

Level loop pile is made by weaving even loops of yarn into carpet backing at both ends. This type of carpet is durable as well as track resistant, due to the strong loops. Higher loops in the carpet create a more luxurious look and also prevent dirt from filtering on into the carpet.

Share your opinion

Would you consider swapping your cold floor for a comfy new carpet? If so, what style would you go for - bold and colourful, or safe and neutral?