How to compare new carpet

Carpet Comparison & Cost

How to Compare Carpet
What makes one carpet better than another?
Carpet quality is determined by the type of materials used, the amount of fiber face-weight and how it is constructed. This is important information you need to know before you make your carpet selection. Let me explain a little about Carpet Pile Density and Tuft Twist and where you can find this information.

The Carpet Specification Label
On the back of every carpet sample should be a manufacturers label that shows the type of fiber used to make the pile, the pile density rating and the tuft twist count. Other information shown should reveal if anti-stain or anti-static treatments have been applied, the manufacturer and the style and color names. This is the critical information you need to help you determine how durable the carpet is and whether or not it would be a good choice for your needs, goals and lifestyle.
Sadly, many carpet retailers remove or alter carpet labels to hide the basic information consumers need to make a wise and informed choice. They do this to make it difficult for you to comparison shop. I advise my readers to not shop at carpet stores that remove or alter carpet labels.
Most carpet stores carry the exact same carpets as every other store and they don't want you to find a lower price on the same carpet down the street. Carpet retailers can charge any price they feel the market will bear. Some carpet stores cater to upscale clientele while other stores want to attract customers who are looking for low cost products. The difference in price from one store to another can be quite dramatic. The exact same carpet can be priced at $24 per yard at one store and $36 per yard at another.
The fact is, if you want to save as much money as possible, you will need to learn as much as you can about carpet so you can make a wise and informed choice. Take your time and do it right the first time.

Carpet Pile Density
Carpet density is the key to having a carpet retain its like new appearance longer. The higher the density the more durable the carpet will be. Pile density ranges from 1000 to 6000 and a good quality nylon frieze will have a density of about 2000 or more. For nylon plush and textured styles a pile density of 2500 or more is considered excellent.
Density is determined by pile yarn weight, pile thickness and pile height. Think of it like a densely wooded forest where the trees are thick and close together. The higher the density the more durable the carpet will be. Dig your fingers into the pile of the carpet. Are the fibers tightly packed or are your nails digging into the backing of the carpet? Thin threadbare carpets are less expensive and don’t wear as well. Thick plush carpets are more expensive and wear longer. But there is a limit to the durability if the carpet pile is too tall.

Pile Height
If the pile height is too tall the tufts may be more prone to falling over (matting down) and that's what makes a carpet look worn out. for plush and textured plush styles,
I think a pile height of up to one inch is acceptable as long as the density is over 2000. For a frieze, I would not go over 3/4" high. The nature of frieze is for the tufts to look a bit wild but when the tufts are too tall they look like they are matted down.
I recommend using a carpet rake to help lift and fluff up the tufts periodically if you select a frieze style. A carpet rake is available online for about $40.




Tuft Twist
The tuft twist number is the key to having your carpet retain its like new appearance longer. The tuft twist is based on the number of twists per lineal inch per tuft. The twist numbers range from 3 to 9.
With plush styles of carpets, the tufts of fibers are twisted in the same way that people curl their hair. The carpet fibers are grouped together into tufts and twisted while heat is applied to "set" the fibers permanently, hence the term "heat set". The tighter the fibers are twisted the better.
Lower twist carpets (3 to 4) tend to untwist or “blossom” at the yarn tips creating a worn out or matted down appearance more quickly. For this reason a carpet with a higher twist count will retain its like-new appearance longer. When comparing carpets side by side, you must consider the tuft twist to help you determine which carpet is the better choice.
Inexpensive carpets with low tuft twist will lose their "twist" quickly and will mat down and look ugly.
There is more to comparing carpets than revealed here and scams that you need to avoid. Order my ebook to get complete carpet information and powerful money-saving advice.


What Grade of Carpet Should I Select?

With all these carpet specifications to consider, where do you begin?

What grade of Carpet should I buy?
· You need to determine the level of foot traffic in your home so you know what grade you need to buy.

How much does Carpet cost?
· You need have a basic idea about how much you could potentially spend on various grades of carpet
·
How long does Carpet Last?
· Now you need to figure out how long you want your carpet to last. This is totally up to you! Some carpets are designed to last 3 years, some for 30. The price you pay will be determined by the grade and quality you select.
·
How much Carpet do I need?
· Most people don't have a clue how to measure for carpet. It is important that you get an accurate measurement so you don't pay more than you need to.
Where should I buy Carpet?
· I have spent countless hours searching for reputable carpet dealers to place in my directory. Visit my Preferred Carpet Retailers to see which carpet stores I prefer near you. http://superiorsteamcleaners.com/

To sum it all up consider;
Take a good hard look at your level of foot traffic to help determine the grade of carpet you need to buy and match it up with the current prices for that grade of carpet and consider the number of years you expect it to last.
When you take all this information into consideration, then you take a good hard look at the logistics of your lifestyle, needs, goals and budget to come up with a good estimate as to what it will cost you to buy the right grade of carpet for you.
You might need to adjust a few things a little bit to make it all work. Most people are surprised at how much a good quality carpet costs. This means you might have to sacrifice longevity to keep the carpet within your budget, or you may have to do half of the house now and do the other half after you save a little more money. The worst thing you can do is to buy a carpet that cannot meet your needs and goals.



Randy's Carpet Cost & Comparison Form
Dealer ____________________________________ 1. Carpet Brand Name______________________________
City _____________________________________ 2. Carpet Style Name ______________________________
State ________ Phone _______________________ 3. Color Name or Number ___________________________
Carpet Specifications (You need to gather ALL this information)
4. Fiber Type - Nylon Nylon BCF P.E.T. Polyester Olefin/Polypropylene Sorona/Smartstrand
5. Yarn or Pile Face-Weight _____________ (range 20 to 120)
6. Tuft Twist Rating _____________ (range 3 to 9)
7. Pile Density _____________ (range 1000 to 6000)
8. Carpet Only Price $____________SF
Padding Selection
9. Padding Type – Rebond Urethane Foam Prime Foam Rubber waffle Rubber slab Synthetic Fiber Felt
10. Pad thickness – 1/4" 3/8" 7/16" 1/2"
11. Pad Density (in pounds) 4 5 6 7 8 10
12. Pad Only Price $____________ SF
13. Carpet Installation Only Price $____________ SF
14. Does this include removal & haul of old C&P? Yes No 18. If yes, describe_________________________
15. Will a power stretcher be used ing installation? Yes No Additional Install Costs $_______________
16. Do you need to have furniture moved? Yes No 19. Add up totals from #8, #12, & #13
17. Are there ANY other installation fees? Yes No 20. Total Cost per SF $_________
Total SF Carpet Needed:_____ (X ) $ _____ (#20) = Total Cost $_______