How to Maximize Your Investment in Carpeting

There are many flooring options on the market, but none compare to the soft, luxurious feel of carpet. Carpeting provides excellent sound absorption and warmth and is available in a multitude of colors, making it easy to select a shade that integrates seamlessly into your home. It does require a bit more maintenance than vinyl and laminate selections, as regular vacuuming and spot cleaning care is necessary. Yet you can’t find another alternative to replace the look and feel of plush carpeting selections throughout the home. Many of the common complaints of carpet can be avoided by making the right selection for your home. The wrong carpeting will not only wear quickly, but also be susceptible to premature fading and stains. The common phrase “you get what you pay for” holds true with carpeting, so it’s important to plan accordingly when replacing this type of flooring. While it’s possible to find durable carpeting for a fair price, a quality selection with the proper padding will still cost a moderate amount of money. The savings will pay off however, as you won’t find yourself having to replace the flooring in a few short years. One of the best ways to maximize the longevity of your carpeting is by choosing a superior padding. Often, homeowners are sparing with padding because it’s not the visible part of the flooring. However, it’s the padding that builds a solid foundation, creating support for walking, improved strength and supreme durability. Carpeting that doesn’t have this type of foundation underneath will wear quickly and won’t have that spongy, cushiony feel when walking on it. Quality padding also absorbs sound, a real advantage in noisy households with pets and children. While there’s no one selection for padding, look for those options that are dense and firm. Ask carpeting manufacturers for their recommendation and if possible, work with companies that offer more than just one type of padding. You should have several to choose from that will correspond with high and low traffic areas. A worthy padding is so important; it can actually take the place of having to buy more expensive carpeting. Consider all the features that come with the carpeting, such as stain guard protection and color. Not all of these features are necessary, especially in less used carpet rooms. This will help cut costs, allowing you to give added protection to the most commonly used rooms, such as dens and kids’ spaces. Berbers are often a popular selection because of their durability and strength, and they are available in a range of colors. Berbers are also a preferred choice for stairs and won’t show handprints and vacuuming marks, so no one has to know when you last vacuumed!