Fitting a new carpet can make all the difference at home - it can transform a tired looking room, make your bare feet feel loved in the morning, it can even add value to your house! With such a wealth of carpets, suppliers and options available, it's good to be armed with some knowledge before you step out for some samples.It's good to be aware of how different construction and fibres affect longevity - sometimes retailers and suppliers will sell a product based on cost alone and saving money.This, especially with carpet, is false economy.A cheap carpet will likely become flat, discoloured and worn out quickly.Think hard about the lifespan you want the carpet to have. long enough to sell your house, or until the kids have grown up and left home?So which types of carpet will last? Fibres can be natural, synthetic or a blend.Choosing the right one will depend on it's application.Wool - the most widely used material in carpet, long known to be the best.It's soft and springy, cleans easily, holds it's colour and looks for years and is flame resistant.Wool carpets feel luxurious but the quality can vary, so look out for a carpet with a Woolmark guarantee.Synthetics - Generally used for bathrooms, where carpets can easily be soaked.Nylon is very hard wearing and cheap.It does lack the luxury feel of wool and long term won't last as long, but it's commonly found in a wool blend to maximise lifespan, feel and wear.Polypropylene is cheaper still, but flattens quickly and is flammable.Polyester carpets wear well, but will become flat quickly too.Carpet texture can play a big role in the feel and comfort you get from a carpet and there's a wide range of these to choose from.There are short pile carpets, such as twist and loop - these wear well and are easy to maintain.They don't feel as luxurious as a longer pile, such as shag or saxony.If you have pets with claws, such as a cat, looped textures should be avoided - their claws can easily ladder a loop pile.Weaving pile yarn and backing fabric to one another is the traditional carpet making way - this results in a long lasting and attractive carpet, like Axminster or Wilton carpets.Tufted carpets are more common.They are cheaper to make and typically come in less patterns and styles.When buying a carpet, remember it will pay in the long run to go for high quality.But if you're carpeting for a move or to sell a property, chances are it will be changed anyway, so a cheaper carpet will serve you well here.Check online for prices and stores before you go out to them, it'll give you a good idea of offers like free fitting.
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