Carpets are a durable and functional flooring option for your home. Buying one is a good investment which makes choosing the right carpet important. Finding the perfect carpet goes beyond choosing the pile or colour that appears beautiful. It would be best also to consider several other factors such as the carpet’s pricing, brand and whether carpets are the right option for you.

Below is information to help you in buying the right carpet. You’d find comparisons between popular carpet brands and how they differ to help you make the right choice.

When is carpet not a suitable option

In some cases, considering alternatives to carpets may be a more suitable option. Some homes may not need carpets laid throughout. Your comfort and the carpet’s aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when selecting a flooring option. Hardwood, tile and vinyl options are available and better for several reasons.

For example, your reaction to allergens and dust is an important consideration. Several soft furnishing options are available with allergen protection, but you have to vacuum your carpet regularly to remove allergens, dust mites, and their eggs.

Some people prefer vinyl flooring or hardwood because the maintenance process is easier and offers fewer risks to the health. However, these options may not always be safe.

Guide for buying a carpet

Considering the following factors when shopping for a new carpet before checking the brands and prices is important.

Pile density

Luxurious designs and deeper piles are good options for a private bedroom, but not for rooms with high traffic. High-traffic areas will need more durable carpets which have closely knitted fibres. The small spaces between the carpet fibres will ensure it retains its appearance for several years.

You can consider deeper and softer piles for families because they have a better cushioning effect. Some materials which offer both comfort and durability are available, and you can choose from them.

Types of material

Identifying the common types of carpeting materials and their features will help you choose one that suits your needs. Below are some common types of materials and a breakdown of their features.

Type of material	Ease of cleaning	Stain resistance	Durability	Affordability	Comfort level
Polyester	4	2	3	4	3
Nylon	5	3	4	4	4
Wool	5	3	4	2	5
Polypropylene	5	5	5	4	5
Triexta	5	4	5	1	5

 Polyester

Polyester is a common carpet material. Most people prefer this material because it is easy to clean and looks good. However, high-quality polyester carpets require intensive maintenance and care.

Nylon

Nylon carpets are easy to clean, soft and durable. They are perfect for common living areas, and it is a mid-range carpet material option.

Wool

It is a natural fibre, and natural fibres are the most attractive. Wool material is easy to clean and durable. Its price is usually higher and considered a premium option. However, wool carpets are not budget-effective.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is an artificial material widely known for its durability, which makes it suitable for intensive use. It is stain resistant, colour fast and has a low density.

Triexta

Triexta is artificial, stain-resistant and tough. It is popular for its resistant property, but the level of resistance dictates its price.

Types of style

Various styles of carpets are available, which means you need to compare the pros and cons of these carpets after choosing a preferred material.

Available carpet styles include:

Cut pile

Cut pile carpets are suitable for residential purposes due to how they are made. The cut pile consists of fibres and yarn cut at an equal level at their ends. This creates a smooth and comfortable surface to walk on. The different types of cut piles include

Plush or textured

The plush cut pile is straightforward and has even levels of thread, providing maximum softness.

Frieze

Frieze carpets appear curlier because the fibres have twists. This can give the carpet a more luxurious, comfortable and informal look.

Shag

Shag carpets are super comfortable. They are deeper and wider, making them a popular option in homes.

Although cut piles are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, they show foot traffic and indentations from furniture after a while. They may be more difficult to clean, and the deep piles are hard to walk on.

Loop

Unlike the cut pile, the fibres and threads of loop piles are intact. This makes them tighter and more rigid. However, a loop pile is preferable for people who need easy to clean carpeting and have high foot traffic.

Different types of loop piles are available. They include:

Level loop

All the loops have a natural and complete level. It creates a tough look.

Berber

Berber loop is quite common, durable and often affordable.

Sisal

It has a straight loop system and is considered the most versatile carpet.

Loop carpets are easy to clean and stain-resistant. They may be too tough for pet and family homes.

Cut and loop

The cut and loop carpet consists of the cut pile and loop pile, which creates a patterned look and blending fibres that create unique styles. Cut and loop piles are easy to clean but may not be as durable as the cut pile and loop pile.

Colour choices

A comprehensive range of carpets colours is available for homes. The colour of the carpet is one of the first things most people consider, and it is an important factor in buying a carpet.

To select the right colour, you can consider how you will use the carpet. For example, light shades and colours are suitable for single adults, couples and private bedrooms. However, homes with children and pets need dark-coloured carpets.

Ensure you opt for a colour that appeals to you and matches your existing home décor. This is one of the tactics for choosing the right carpet.

Shopping tactics

The following can help you choose the right carpet while shopping for a new one.

• Measure your room dimensions twice or thrice to ensure you do not make a mistake
• Request for the carpet sample to take home. This allows you to place your preferred options in the room to see if they match your existing décor
• Try out your sample tread by pressing into them to check their pile bounce back. This helps you determine the carpet’s durability
• Ask for opinions from the salesperson and check for reviews online

Prices

The cost of carpets varies widely, but it helps to know how much you should expect to pay per square foot. The table below gives an estimate of how much you should expect to pay for your carpet.

Cost by material

Type of material	Cost per square foot
Polyester	0.74
Polypropylene	0.80
Nylon	0.92
Wool	2.21
Triexta	2.21

 

Cost by carpet style

Carpet style	Cheapest cost per square foot	Most expensive cost per square foot
Loop	0.59 – 2.62	1.77 – 3.69
Textured	0.63 – 1.95	2.65 – 5.57
Twist	0.92 – 1.84	2.21 – 3.32
Patterned	1.29 – 2.10	2.40 – 3.54

Different factors such as the following can affect the price of a carpet.

• The length needed
• The material used
• Installation or labour fees
• Construction types and styles
• Complex requirements such as stairs

Cost of carpet installation

Although some people can install their carpet without help, it may be better to have a professional carry out the carpet installation. However, it comes with an extra charge. Your location, the type of carpet and your needs determine the cost of the installation.

Generally, the following fees may apply.

• From £940 for low-end installations
• From £1,650 for high-end installations
• Some carpets may have an additional fee between £1700 – £7,300

DIY or hiring a pro for carpet installation

Different pros and cons affect carrying out the carpet installation yourself or hiring a professional. With a professional, you don’t have to stress yourself with anything. An expert will carefully cut and install the carpet.

However, DIY may be more cost-effective, especially if you already have knowledge of carpeting and flooring. Even with experience, you will spend several productive hours carrying out the carpet installation without guarantee of carrying out a perfect job. An installer will guarantee your money and quality installation.

Best brands

The following carpet brands are the most reputable. They are household names, trustworthy and offer varying approaches to home flooring. These brands include:

• Mohawk

Mohawk Flooring is one of the most common names in the industry. This brand is considered specialist carpeting suitable for everyday use.  Some common flooring options include SmartStrand Forever Clean, designed to resist tough household stains. It is suitable for homes with pets.

The Mohawk brand is known for using polyester to create outstanding and durable designs. Mohawk has lifetime protection from stains and other accidents, making it perfect for homes. However, this technology comes at a higher price.

• Shaw floors

Shaw has also become a household name. They are a leading brand in the flooring industry and have excellent customer service. Shaw also targets families with their products that are stain-resistant and can withstand regular use. They are widely known as an innovative flooring developer.

This brand may be a perfect choice if you want easy to maintain and durable flooring options. However, some types are expensive. Investing in a Shaw carpet may be worth it as it can save you from stress in the long run. Shaw Floors prioritise sustainability and carry out the recycling.

• Stainmaster

Stainmaster’s main aim is to protect from spillages and stains, making it a brand for pet owners and families. Their products are durable and perfect for everyday use. They are also allergen-free and waterproof.

Stainmaster is regarded as a midrange option for people considering the cost. However, many families prefer Stainmaster for soft furnishing and comfort. This brand produces cleaning products suitable for their flooring type.

• Fabrica

Fabrica is a high-end brand in the flooring industry. They produce several flooring options and materials. Their products are suitable for luxury living spaces. Although most homeowners do not know this brand, they offer long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing flooring solutions.

Fabrica is a perfect choice for people who pay attention to detail and want a superior style. They are concerned about sustainability like Shaw. Fabrica uses high-end technology, making them one of the top innovators.

They specialise in nylon and wool flooring options and can install wooden flooring. This brand pride itself in meeting the Green Label Plus Certificate requirements, which means their products are recognised to offer superior indoor air quality. This means they are less likely to harbour allergens.

• Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver is dedicated to supplying stain-resistant and hard-wearing flooring options. They have a wide range of pet-friendly carpets that have a long lifespan. Dreamweaver carpets are available in different shades, colours, grading and thicknesses.

You can select from a palette of different carpet options before buying their product. Their technology focuses on retaining the carpet colour. Although some colours may fade from exposure to intense sunlight or after several years, Dreamweaver carpets are the most resistant to everyday stains.

• Anderson Tuftex

Anderson Tuftex focuses on twist carpets and tight weaves with patterned designs. They are a household name and are usually available in natural and warm colours called timeless designs.

However, this brand may not be the right option for families. They may be suitable for professional and comfortable spaces, including adult bedrooms and produce durable carpeting options that are resistant to fading, like the Dreamweaver flooring. They also resist wear and tear that may affect floors.

Anderson Tuftex is part of the Shaw Brand, but the collection retains its own identity so that you can distinguish between both brands.

Finding the right carpet brand

Since different brands are available and specialise in different soft flooring types, people would have many options. Some people may not benefit from the tough exterior and durability that Anderson Tuftex carpet offers but opt for larger collections owned by Shaw, Mohawk or Stainmaster.

Knowing the brand to consider when searching for suitable flooring is important. You can find several good brands during your research, but you can keep these household brands in mind.

Finding the right carpet for your home doesn’t have to cause you a lot of stress or take your time. You can request carpet samples from Elements London if you need a luxurious carpet in the UK.