Are You Thinking of Buying New Carpet?

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Blog Are You Thinking of Buying New Carpet

Feb 20, 2018

Are You Thinking of Buying New Carpet?

Buying new carpet is a big investment for your home. So before making your purchase there are a few things to consider. 

1. Ask Yourself, Does It Really Need Replacing?

Consider a deep clean first, as this can save you thousands. Often it is thought carpets that look ‘tired’ or badly stained need replacing, but sometimes it is simply that the carpets are badly soiled or have not been regularly cleaned. A Rug Doctor deep clean can bring your carpets back to life, lifting the carpet pile and removing dirt and grime. Starting at only $39.99 for a 4 hour machine hire, it’s worth trying a deep clean before replacing your carpet.

2. Selecting the Right Type of Pile

There are many types of carpet pile available to buy. The two most popular are the cut pile and loop pile.

Cut pile carpets are cut to expose the ends of the carpet fibers. This is the most popular type of carpet, and it comes in different lengths and thicknesses. Cut pile carpets are often softer underfoot and have the traditional ‘carpet’ look and feel. This type of carpet comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. When looking at cut pile carpets, make sure to check the level of twist. The tighter the twist, the more durable the carpet. Twists help the carpet stand up against treading and wear and tear.

Loop pile carpets are not cut, and therefore the ends of the fibers are left as loops. Durability is a key benefit of loop pile carpets. Tighter loops create a more durable carpet and let the pile easily bounce back. Loop pile carpets are recommended for high traffic areas, such as the hallway or stairs, because of their durability. However we do not recommend a loop pile if you have pets, as your pets’ claws can get stuck in the loop pile, causing it to pull and ruin the finish.

3. Selecting the Right Colour and Pattern

This can be harder than it sounds. With so many colours and patterns available it can be easy to get lost. Here are a few tips to keep you on track when selecting your carpet colour:

  • Go shopping with a basic idea of what colours and styles will fit with your home, that way you stay focused when selecting the carpet
  • Take a picture of your room with you when you go to the carpet showroom. Make sure you include pictures of the walls, décor and any features to check that the carpet you select will go with your current room
  • Consider your home environment. Cream carpets might look beautiful; but if you have young children and pets, cleaning light carpets can become a nightmare. Consider going with a patterned or flecked carpet
  • If possible, take home samples of your favourite carpet, so you can compare the colors with your existing furniture and décor
  • Remember to feel the pile. Carpets may look great on the roll, but it’s important to be sure they have the right feel for your home
4. Do You Need Carpet Underlay?

When selecting a carpet, this is a question you are likely to ask yourself. The simple answer is yes; in the long run, underlay will protect your floors, insulate your home and make your floors feel much more comfortable to walk on, in addition to extending the life of your carpet. If possible it is best to go for a higher grade underlay. A cost effective carpet choice can still have a soft feel underfoot when a premium underlay is used.

Gina Gibbs

Author: Gina Gibbs

Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!