Selecting Carpet

The type of carpet that will best suit your home depends on your answers to several questions.

• How much are you willing to pay? Wool carpet generally costs thirty to sixty dollars per square yard while polyester costs twelve to fifteen dollars and nylon is between those two prices. In addition, you should find out whether extras, such as installation, a warranty, and padding are included so that you can accurately compare prices.

• Where will the carpet go in your home? Level-loop carpets work best for high traffic areas such as hallways and stairs while tall, cut-pile fibers provide a luxurious feel in low traffic areas. Look for the five-point performance scale. A carpet that scores a four or five will work well in high-traffic areas, while a two or three is adequate for low traffic areas.

• What color? Color is a personal choice, and you should decide whether you want a muted color or a color that will bring attention to itself. Light colors make a room seem large and bright while cool greens and blues contribute to a calm and cozy feel. Most colors will seem darker at home than at the store, but in general, you do want a carpet that is darker than the wall color. In addition, consider whether you want a carpet of uniform color or a more artistic carpet.

After you choose a carpet, keep a copy of your receipt and a sample of the carpet, and don’t sign off on an invoice until you are satisfied. Ask the installer whether there is anything else you need to know, such as when you can walk on the carpet or how you can best clean the carpet