5 Criteria When Choosing A Carpet
Carpet flooring can offer many benefits, such as sound insulation, heat insulation, comfort, and aesthetics. But not all carpet is created equal. Here are five criteria to look for when choosing a carpet.
1. Washability
Even if you don't have kids, your carpet needs to be easy to wash. Nobody wants a surface in their home that lasts for years and can only be washed a few times during its lifespan. So look for a carpet that's designed to be both hard-wearing and easily maintainable.
Consider a carpet that's medium colored or dark rather than white, and one that has dense (but not too dense) carpet fibers, so dirt doesn't sink through easily. If you want your carpet to look shiny and fresh for a long period, consider a wool carpet. If you're more interested in one that resists stains, consider a synthetic carpet.
2. Eco-friendliness
When buying a brand-new component for your home, you may feel that thinking about what will happen when it wears out is counterintuitive. But this is a very important consideration. Is your carpet recyclable? Is it made of recycled plastic or a renewable fiber such as bamboo? Other key eco-friendliness points to check include:
- Whether the carpet contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Whether the carpet is biodegradable
- Whether the manufacturer has green carpet certifications
These and similar questions can help you determine how eco-friendly the carpet is.
3. Affordability
While flexing your budget a bit may be an option, you probably can't simply shatter it without consequences. So the carpet flooring you choose has to be in the same ballpark as your budget. Rule out any unaffordable options immediately and spend your time and energy on the products that are suited to your needs and budget.
4. Color and Texture Options
You and your sense of style are unique, and the carpet aesthetic that your home's previous owner chose for the space may not be the one you're looking for. Finding a carpet product that comes in a wide range of colors and textures will allow you to find the exact look you're going for.
5. Longevity and Warranty
Given the choice, you'll want a carpet that lasts fifteen years rather than five or ten. But you want not only a product that claims it'll last for a certain number of years, but also a company that will stand behind that claim with a long, solid warranty. Key types of warranty coverage to look for include stain and soil warranty, appearance retention warranty, and fade resistance warranty.
These key criteria will help you compare different carpet products until you find the one that offers the most value for your money, the exact aesthetic you're looking for, and the easiest maintenance. Consider also talking to a carpet flooring company, like Floorco Flooring.