When homeowners are considering new flooring, many end up having to make the decision between laminate, hardwood, and carpet. Hardwood floors can make a wonderful addition to any home, but they’re often more expensive than laminate or carpet.
In addition to lower costs, there are additional perks to installing carpet. Carpet is comfortable to walk on, adds additional insulation, and also reduces the sound of walking.
If you’re trying to make a decision between what type of flooring to install, here are some tips to keep in mind regarding carpet.
DIY vs professional
All homeowners have to decide between installing their own carpet or hiring a professional. Many assume that installing their own carpet is less expensive. If you have a square room, you might not have any trouble installing your own carpet.
However, if you make a mistake while installing carpet, the cost of repair can be expensive
If you have areas in the room where the carpet will need to be trimmed and finished, a professional can help create a more polished-looking room. Most professionals also offer warranties; if they make a mistake, they’ll cover the cost of repair. You can find reputable carpet installers who won’t make a mess of your room.
Material should fit lifestyle
There are many types of carpet materials available and you’ll want to choose one that matches the needs of your family. For example, families with pets and children will want to avoid velvet and plush and instead, go for something that is more durable.
You should visit a home improvement store to look at different materials before deciding on carpet.
The color of the carpet should also be taken into consideration. Light-colored materials will show dirt and stains more easily, whereas dark-colored materials can make small spaces seem smaller. Many homeowners prefer neutral-colored carpet, such as beige.
Padding is essential
To help add additional support and comfort to your carpets, you’re going to want to put padding down before putting carpet down. Padding is made of foam and helps your carpet last longer; it helps reduce fiber crushing and everyday wear and tear.
Finding the right carpet padding is all about choosing padding that is the appropriate thickness and density. Heavy traffic areas (such as a hallway) need thin, heavy padding. Thick, softer padding can be used in areas such as bedrooms.
When you buy your carpet, ask the representative for any recommendations on the best type of padding to use.
Don’t forget the trim
Whenever you install new carpet, baseboards and molding will have to be removed. As long as your existing trim doesn’t break, you will be able to reinstall it after the carpet is installed.
However, if you are looking for a change, this is a great time to make improvements to your trim.
Some homeowners choose to paint their existing trim a new color. Others choose to install a new trim in a different decorative style. If your existing trim is brittle and breaks while being removed, you won’t have any choice but to install new trim.
Ventilation is required
It is natural for carpet to off-gas after being installed. This process creates an unpleasant odor that people are sensitive to. Some people experience eye or respiratory irritation after having a new carpet installed.
This odor can linger for several days.
To improve the air quality in your home, be prepared to ventilate for at least 72 hours. Opening all of your windows and circulating the air with fans can help remove the odors and push the fumes outside. If you’re extremely sensitive to smells, you may want to stay somewhere else in the days following carpet installation.
Long-term maintenance to consider
Carpets require routine maintenance to stay fresh. Right after installation, fiber shedding is normal; to get rid of these fibers, all you need to do is vacuum.
You’ll also want to start vacuuming every week. Weekly vacuuming helps remove allergens and debris from your carpet. If you have pets, you might need to vacuum more frequently.
Even with regular vacuuming, allergens and dirt can become trapped in carpet fibers, resulting in dingy-looking carpets. Regular steam cleaning can keep your carpets looking fresh. A simple search for “carpet cleaners near me” can help you locate a professional service.
Final thoughts
If you choose your carpet and padding carefully and then provide regular maintenance to your carpet, your carpet can last up to 15 years.
Textured carpets and thick natural carpets are particularly trendy and stylish at the moment. To get an idea of what materials and colors are available to you, head to your nearest home improvement store.
