When it comes to selecting the right carpet for your home, it's important to understand the different factors that determine quality. Density is one of the most important indicators of quality, as it determines how well the carpet will hold up over time. To check the density of a carpet, press your fingers on the rug and try to reach the backrest. If it's difficult to reach, then it's a very dense carpet and likely of good quality.
You can also fold the rug into a U shape to see what part of the backrest is visible. A density index of 2000 or more is considered good quality. The thickness and weight of the fibers also play a role in determining the quality of a carpet. The thicker and heavier they are, the better the quality and less susceptible to crushing. If you can easily see the support when you fold the carpet sample backwards, then it's a low-density (lower quality) rug. Low-density carpets are more difficult to clean and tend to retain odors such as pet urine.
They also wear out quickly, usually after about 10 years, so you may need to re-carpet not just in one room but throughout your home. To ensure you get a quality product at a good price, do some research, compare prices, and work with a reputable retailer. You can buy carpets from various places such as carpet showrooms, flooring companies, furniture stores, department stores, and even online. When speaking with retailers, ask them questions about the types of rugs that work best for your home and what cushion should be placed between the baseboards and visible carpet. This will help you narrow down your options and select the color, rug structure, and cushion that best suit your needs. If possible, hire an experienced carpet installer instead of using one provided by the seller.
Additionally, look for carpets that have been certified by programs such as Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus or Green Seal certification program. These certifications provide valuable information about how different carpet options will affect your family's health and the environment. Other measures of carpet quality include thread count (the amount of yarn needed to fill a rug of a certain length) and backing materials which provide strength and stability. It's also important to select a carpet fiber that fits your needs. Natural fibers such as wool and sisal are less commonly used but still play an important role in the carpet industry. Be aware of common selling tricks such as “buy a free pad with the rug” which can result in you getting a cheap pad that can ruin your carpet.
Finally, get a sample of the rug and pad you ordered and compare them to the ones on the truck.
